From the NAEYC Code of Ethics- Ethical Responsibilities to Children
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 find this to be one of the most important ideals. Now a days, it is mandatory for teachers to continue their education so they are kept up to date on different laws and other important changes in the early childhood field. There are always constant laws that are being changed, modified and added to the education field. This ideal is also important to me because it will give us the experience that we need to work and teach kids to the best of our abilities.
1.3—To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.
This ideal is also important to me because it is important to know that each and every child develops at a different pace academically. Throughout the semester when I was student teaching, I would make sure to show interest in each of my students and know what content they are good at and which they need help with. I make sure to create lesson plans that meet the needs of all of the students in a classroom.
From the NAEYC Code of Ethics- Ethical Responsibilities to Families
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.
This ideal is important to me because is goes along with the idea of advocacy. It is important that you hear from the parents and family of your students because that will grow a strong and trusting relationship between the teacher and parents of the student. Also, allowing the parents to know that we are there to help their child will allow them to feel more comfortable.
From the DEC- Professional Development and Preparation
2. We shall continually be aware of issues challenging the field of early childhood special education
and advocate for changes in laws, regulations, and policies leading to improved outcomes and
services for young children with disabilities and their families.
This ideal is important to me because I do not want to perform any actions that are against the law. I also want to make sure that I meet all of the laws and policies that go along with the teaching field.
From the DEC- Responsive Family Centered Practices
6. We shall respect families’ rights to choose or refuse early childhood special education or related
services.
This ideal is important to me because it is the parents choice to enroll their child in special education. We, as teachers, can only make suggestions but we cannot admit them into special education without the parents choice. This also helps with the communication between teachers, parents, and facility members which is very important.
From the DEC- Ethical Practice in Research
4. We shall utilize collaborative and interdisciplinary research for strengthening linkages between
the research and practice communities, as well as for improving the quality of life of children with
disabilities and their families.
If there is no communication and collaboration between the staff at a school, there may never be any changes. Changes is important in a school environment, especially when it deals with educating children.
- Article: NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf - Article: The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.dec-sped.org/
