Taking care of children is an honorable job. In that, you must an honorable person. It is not safe to assume that every teacher is honorable. We all know there are those people who will do just enough to get by to qualify, but as a teacher or a care giver to a child- that is not enough and it shows through eventually. A code of ethics is necessary to keep people on track with how to conduct themsleves when working with children and other professionals. Here are some statements from two different codes of ethics from two different organizations that I personally feel are important. Although they are different organizations they share a goal for people working with children- and that is to be honorable, fair, and equipped. NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Code of Ethical Conduct
(I-1.1) To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.
-I feel as an educator, I owe it to myself, my students, my colleagues, and the parents of my students, to stay abreast of the current issues, trends, and technology in the early childhood field. It makes me a better educator and a good resource for my school and district.
(P-1.9) When we have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, we shall report it to the appropriate community agency and follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been taken. When appropriate, parents or guardians will be informed that the referral will be or has been made.
-This is so important and I feel my obligation as an educator. It takes a lot to put yourself out there and follow your gut feeling about child abuse whether it be against a parent or a colleague. I've had personal experience with this, many times, and anonymity is not guaranteed. That being a fact, it will not stop me from reporting when I feel it is necessary.
(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.
-One mistake, of many, I made as a new teacher was that I expected the parents to know what I was talking about when I would explain how their children did in my class. I just decided that there were things about early childhood that were common sense and everyone knew. Well, I learned that common sense is not common. And I needed to help my families understand their child's progress from a developmental standpoint in family- friendly terms, not pedagogical jumble. I have gotten better at this, but I have a long way to go.
DEC (Division for Early Childhood) Code of Ethics
Professional and Interpersonal Behavior
#5 We shall use individually appropriate assessment strategies including multiple sources of information such as observations, interviews with significant caregivers, formal and informal assessments to determine children's learning styles, strengths, and challenges.
-Children are not cookie cutter designs, they are not all the same and they do not learn the same or process information the same. It is imperative as educators that we recognize this and put practices in place that will encourage the specific learning style of each child. Using appropriate assessment strategies is so important to knowing how each child can be successful in school. Some may not be able to take a test, but they may be able to share the information through a skit, or a song, etc. Observation is key in early childhood. So much is learned just from watching the child interact with others, work independently, etc. This is all permissable data that can be used to determine the best way to teach a child.
Professional Development and Preparation
#4 We shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services.
-I think this is imperative for new teachers. I was thrown in with no help my first year. I was faced with teachers who had been teaching for a long time who looked at me as the "new-smiling-always-want-to-try-new-things" bubbly inexperienced teacher. That was fine, I didnt mind that, but no one helped me. I was not familiar with the practices of the school, the way things flowed, and I got in trouble for things I didn't know about. Not the greatest first year experience. It caused me to go into survival mode and keep to myself. I would hope that all schools, administrators, and veteran teachers would welcome in new professionals and provide them with the necessary tools and information needed to function as a vital part of the school community.
Evidence Based Practices
#1 We shall rely upon evidence based research and interventions to inform our practice with children and families in our care.
-Observation and documentation are essential to the educator. There must be evidence for what is being suggested or observed. Interventions and results need to be documented and evaluated to determine the best way to teach children so they are successful. In addition, it covers yourself and keeps families in the "know" about how their children are performing in the classroom.
