NAEYC's and DEC's Code of Ethics

This assignment was very difficult for me to complete. I say that only because both codes of ethics were wonderfully written and I could relate to almost all of them. I can relate to both codes of ethics to the Early Head Start Program that I work for and also they relate strongly to my passions and beliefs about working with children and families.

NAEYC Code of Ethics

Section I: Ethical Responsibilities to children:

As a home visitor we had to take into consideration the individual child and that each child has different abilities and qualities. This ideal really reinforces that we need to always remember each child is unique and is not like any other child. This is the  reason I picked this ideal is because, it is significant to my job. 

I-1.3 – to recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.

Section II: Ethical Responsibilities to Families:

I chose a couple of the ideals in this section because they are about families. I feel that the families we serve have the right and responsibility to be informed and have the chance to be involved in their child’s education. All the ideals that I chose really reinforced my beliefs.

I-2.2 – to develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.

I-2.3 – to welcome all family members and encourage them to participate in the program,

I-2.4 – to listen to families, acknowledge and build upon their strengths and competencies, and learn from families as we support them in their task of nurturing children.

I-2.7 – to share information about each child’s education and development with families and to help them understand and appreciate the current knowledge base of the early childhood profession.

I-2.8 – to help family members enhance their understanding of their children and support the continuing development of their skills as parents.

I-2.9 – to participate in building support networks for families by providing them with opportunities to interact with program staff, other families, community resources, and professional services.

Section IV: Ethical Responsibilities to Community and Society

The last two ideals are about the community and how it is important to provide high-quality programs in the communities.  I feel that the program I work for provides a high-quality program and we are always striving to do more. We are always trying to be involved and collaborate with different agencies in the community to help support the families and to provide better services for the families.

I-4.1 – to provide the community with high-quality early childhood care and education programs and services.

I-4.2 – to promote cooperation among professionals and agencies and interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals concerned with addressing issues in the health, education, and well-being of young children, their families, and their early childhood educators.

DEC – Code of Ethics

I chose four ideals from the DEC code of ethics because I felt that they are the ones that I can really relate to in my profession. We encourage all family members to be involved and participate in home visits in Early Head Start. We are always building on relationships not only with the children but also with the families whom we are serving. We know that making the opportunity for all family members to be involved will better the chances for the child to get the services and support they need.

I. Professional and Interpersonal Behavior:

4. We shall serve as advocates for children with disabilities and their families and for the professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that enhance the quality of their lives.

6. We shall build relationships with individual children and families while individualizing the curricula and learning environments to facilitate young children’s development and learning.

III. Responsive Family Centered Practices

3. We shall respect, value, promote, and encourage the active participation of ALL families by engaging families in meaningful ways in the assessment and intervention processes.

IV. Ethical and Evidence Based Practice

2. We shall use every resource, including referral when appropriate, to ensure high quality services are accessible and are provided to children and families.

References

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

The Division for Early Childhood (DEC). (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.dec-sped.org/