NAEYC and DEC Code of Ethics

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Responsibilities to Children:
I-1.1-- To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood education and to keep current through continuing education and in-service training.
    As an educator, I believe it is important for me to remain current in education and service training because this helps me stay on top of the trends in teaching as well as gain information and insight to be the best teacher I can be!

Responsibility to Employer:
I -3B.2-- To maintain loyalty to the program and uphold its reputation.
        I believe this is important because as a part of the program, my reputation and the reputation for the program in which is work, go hand in hand.  As I maintain loyalty to my program and uphold its reputation, I am ensuring that my reputation does not get tainted.

Responsibilities to Families:
I -2.7—To participate in building support networks for families by providing them with opportunities to interact with program staff and families.
        This is an important part of my job because I believe that a child’s overall success is dependent on his/her support system.  As families interact with the program and staff members, we can join together to ensure the children in our care have every opportunity to reach their full potential.

Division of Early Childhood (DEC)

Professional Development and Preparation:

We shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services.
    Support is needed in this field both when starting out and as we gain experience as an educator.  I believe being a mentor is not only beneficial to the mentee but to the mentor as well.

Enhancement of Children’s and Families’ Quality of Lives

We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture.
        When dealing with people in any aspect of life, I believe it is important to maintain a certain level of respect.  A person’s beliefs, values, customs, languages and culture are a part of who they are.  We should respect the whole person as everyone has something to offer.

Evidence Based Practices

We shall use every resource, including referral when appropriate, to ensure high quality services are accessible and are provided to children and families.
    As an educator, it is my responsibility to make sure that every child has the opportunity to be the best they can be.  There are times that outside help is needed and it is an important part of my job to make sure children and families are given the appropriate resources. 

References

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved December 17, 2011, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf.

The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved December 17, 2011, from http://www.dec-sped.org/.