Ethics: Why Is the Existence of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct Important to Early Childhood Education?
The education of young children is a responsibility filled with many challenges and one surrounded by difficult decisions that can impact the lives and educational experiences of many children. Among the challenges, ethical dilemmas can arise and it can encounter an education professional with difficult decisions within and outside the classroom scenario. Particularly, preschool and kindergarten teachers, as well as day care providers, can face many issues that can challenge their acquired knowledge and experience throughout the years. Aspects such as diversity, family issues, available resources, social issues, among many other factors,
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From its beginning, NAEYC has been concern about the qualify education children are receiving. It was in 1976 when this organization grew exponentially reaching 31,000 members (History of NAEYC, n.d.). Thus, the roots of this organization date to the 1920’s where professional educators and researchers started to organize nursery schools for children (History of NAEYC, n.d). In 1978 the book Ethical Behavior in Early Childhood Education, written by Lillian Katz and Evangeline Ward explain how early childhood professionals should speak and act to promote the best interest of children, families, and the field of early childhood care and education. Yet, it took some years to finally the NAYEC consensus deemed about it. Then the Code of Ethical Conduct was adopted in 1989 and later was revised in 1992 and in later years consequently numerous times (History of NAEYC, n.d). Furthermore, the Code of Ethical Conduct was adopted and developed together with the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators and American Associate Degree Early Childhood Teacher Educators in 2004 (History of NAEYC, …show more content…
First, this organization aims to promote the importance of developing the professional skills of early childhood educators (National Association for the Education of Young Children NAEYC, 1993). Second, an emphasis on the importance of public knowledge and understanding of the pivotal role quality early childhood education has in today’s society. (National Association for the Education of Young Children NAEYC, 1993). The constant element present on this code of ethics is the involvement of all parties linked to the children educational and developmental process.
Education is a process that involves many sides. The conceptual framework that provides the basis for this code ethics and in consequence to the behavioral expectations of early childhood educators installs and emphasize on the importance of family, the environmental and societal issues as key elements that can affect the education experience of young children. This can be correlated to the importance of recognizing individual traits of children, as well as how those traits impact the work educators do, professional interactions and communication skills needed in order to be
As a mandated reporter with the code of ethics we are required by law that if we know of any situation putting children in harm or danger we are to report it to the proper community authorities. When we know of an early education center who is failing to meet laws and regulations we shall report it to the proper authority's. When an agency, that is to protect children from harm, is failing we must also report them to the proper authorities.
A code of ethics provides a standard by which nurses conduct themselves and their practice, observing ethical obligations of the profession and providing quality care. To achieve its purpose, a code of ethics must be understood, internalized, and used by nurses in all aspects of their work” (Aliakvari, 2015, p. 494).
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct is a guideline designed to assist early childhood educators and other professionals who may work in infant and toddler programs through kindergarten. It also includes childcare centers and family childcare homes .It is organized into four sections that gives standard of principles, ideals values and responsibilities. This helps the educators work with a station that may be difficult they can fall on the code for assists.
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct was developed to uphold the application of core values, ideals, and principles to assist teachers’ decision-making about ethical issues. The Core Values of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct is based on the foundation of the field's commitment to young children. It is noteworthy that all seven of the Code's Core Values directly address our commitment to children:
Elliott, A. (2004). Where to Now for Early Childhood Education and Care? Early Childhood Education Research Program (ACER), 12(2).
"Code of Ethics – Education Profession ." Florida Department of Education Web. 1 Apr. 2011.
Dr. Seuss wrote, “You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So get on your Way”. The role of the early childhood educator, while rewarding, can sometimes feel as is you are climbing a mountain. Educators have to consider how to implement curriculum, instruction, management, and technology in the classroom. Educators also have to provide an environment where all children feel safe and nurtured. When creating a course of action, educators have to consider their role as well as the role of the student, parent, and community.
In this reflective analysis of NAEYC Standard three, Observing, Documenting, and Assessing to Support Young Children and Families, I will first reflect on my growth, as an early childhood professional, during my course of study. Secondly, I will address my strengths related to the standard and discuss areas in need of further professional development. Finally, I will outline my goals for future growth and development. Early childhood educators demonstrate professional competence by understanding the role of assessment and the various methods of assessing student learning, including observation, documentation and standardized testing. These assessment strategies, along with partnerships with parents, can support students in their development and growth, by informing instruction and evaluating instructional practices.
American Nurses Association (ANA), (2001), Code of Ethics for Nurses, American Nurses Association, Washington, D.C.
A requirement in being an early childhood teacher, is to fulfill the needs, of the children and families I will work for. In chapter one, you have the Lawrence and Ashley Family. In the Lawrence family, they are a married couple, which means more income for the family. Whereas the Ashley family has one income. In addition, to the Ashley family, having one income and dealing with the state can bring heartache and struggles to buy food, clothes, housing, school supplies and other day to day activities. Therefore, I need to comprehend the lives of the families I work for and to be aware of the circumstances of the individual families. To the same degree. I need to respect the boundaries; of the families I work for. Trust is a must. With no trust, there is no communication and things get can get
By using the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Code of Ethics it allows the educator to make sure they are preforming in the appropriate and expected behavior required as an educator.
From the perspective I have at this stage in my journey in the early childhood education field, I would like to share what I have come to value and believe in regards to early learning and care by looking at my philosophy statement. To begin we will look at the statement and highlight three key features and find out why they are important to me, then we will see what they will look like in my practice, and lastly we will examine these ideas closely by looking at where they originated. By taking an in-depth look at my philosophy statement we will better understand the motivation behind my practice which I hope to continue to refine and refresh as I gain more knowledge and experience.
The National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is basically a skilled membership institution that performs to inspire excellent early childhood education for every young child from delivery up to the age of eight years old, by joining quality early learning practice, procedure, action and examination. In addition, NAEYC carries out different variety of active early childhood profession and help all those whose main priority is currently educating as well as working for young children (NAEYC, 2017). However, NAEYC has around sixty thousand independent associates of early childhood education category. Furthermore, NAEYC has approximately three hundred geographically partner division.
Early Childhood Education Journal, 36, 513-518. Preston, B. (1993) The 'Standard' of the 'Standard'. Teacher Professionalism – implications for teachers, teacher educators, and democratic schooling. Independent Education, 23, 4-12.
Early childhood education plays a key role in a child’s academic development because he or she learns soft skills, job skills, and develop positive traits. Preschool is not like kindergarten, but instead a stepping-stone that prepares young students for the years of schooling they will have later in life. As more schools began to open families wanted to be able to verify that programs would benefit and protect their children. In response, the National Association for the Education of Young Children was made to help families find the best care for their children, by providing the early childhood educators with training and ensuring the quality of children’s daily experiences. (“NAEYC”5).