There are many dispositions to an early childhood professional and numerous values that each of us hold close to heart. When examining the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment as well as the DEC Code of Ethics, a professional has time to think about the role he or she plays in this area of development and learning. So many of these principles mean a great deal to me and I take them to heart simply because I entered this field with zero knowledge about the impact early childhood development holds so now I strive daily to help others understand its importance. Thinking of the three that mean the most to me in my current position, I have listed them below in no particular order.
First, it is my responsibility to a child to follow NAEYC's Ethical Responsibly to Children Ideal I-1.3 which states "To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child" (2005, pg. 2). I have always strived to have a relationship of mutual respect with young children. Each child is a small person with the same emotions and feelings as a grown adult so thinking of this, it is always something I strive to do. Each child is its own person and we all are unique and that needs to be emphasized daily with young children because that is how kindness and respect are taught and those are to attributes we all need in our lives.
Second, because it takes a whole community to mentor and raise a child it is important to always consider NAEYC's Ethical Responsibly to Families Ideal 1-2.1 "To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with families we serve" (2005, pg. 3). When I first entered this professional field, I was terrified to speak with parents. It was a top goal of mine while student teaching because I knew it was a struggle for me. Now a few years in I understand the importance of open communication with families. We all need to work with one another for the best of the child as we all want the same goal. This may even mean stepping back from my own beliefs and following what a family sees best for their child.
Last, we need great professionals in this field to create the best outcomes for young children so looking to DEC Code of Ethics "we shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services" (2009). I have been so blessed to have great mentors and cohorts on my journey as an early childhood professionals so now that I am in a position to share my knowledge I take this responsibility seriously. For me, this field of education works so well because we area group of kind and passionate people who are all working toward a goal of helping young children become successful. Anytime we can be positive and collaborate with one another it only builds a stronger professional field.
As this current course wraps up it is important to remember to always preserve, not only for you but for the children you work with as well as the families. They each deserve our best so keep striving to learn more and do great things in the early childhood environment.
Resources
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved October 17, 2018, from
http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
The Division for Early Childhood. (2009, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved October 17, 2018, from http://www.dec-sped.org/
I love that you chose the DEC portion about supporting professionals new to the field. We all know how overwhelming it can be to being something new, so the fact that they make a point to support new professionals is so encouraging!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the importance to the choices of the ethics codes that was presented with this weeks assignment. I too selected 1.3 from the NAEYC, to respect the uniqueness of every child. Understanding we are all different, no matter how similar our biological make-up is. How boring would this world be if we all were the same. Understanding, appreciating, and respecting every person, and child's own person is vital.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your blog post there was so many ethics to choose from which made it difficult to choose. I love how we all are unique in our own special way. I'm so happy no one else is like me because the universe would be boring if everyone was the same.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a true pleasure reading your blog and interacting with you at Walden University. You have an abundance of knowledge and experience that will truly keep you striving. Your passion and devotion is admiral and I strive to reach that potential as well one day. I also would like to again thank you and your family for the sacrifices you make for our country. God bless you all!
ReplyDeleteThroughout this course each one of your posts has shown how much you understand the early childhood field, and the importance of being apart of the early childhood field. I hope that you will be able to achieve all the goals that you aspire to accomplish in this field.
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