Examining Codes of Ethics

After reviewing the Codes of Ethics from NAEYC and DEC,  I found these ideal, guidance and counsel very meaningful to me:

From NAEYC Code of Ethics;

I-1.2—To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development, and related disciplines, as well as on particular knowledge of each child. 

I know that moving with the trend is as important as the right information. To do this I need to stay connected and continue to acquire relevant knowledge in and outside the education industry.  Also knowing each child and the cultural context is vital and it is in line with developmentally appropriate approach since every child has a unique personality. I believe that each child has an individual pattern and timing of growth development as well as an individual style of learning.

I-2.2—To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve. Relationship is about getting involved. Families are our key partner and nurturing a relationship with trust will make the work easier for us and the children.  

Recently studies have shown that getting families involved in their children’s education helps the children achieve higher grades, have better attendance at school, complete more homework, and demonstrate more positive attitudes and behaviour. Getting them involved could be through feedbacks from teachers and school administer or generally being part of the school event. Therefore this relationship must be an intentional act because it is important in my professional life

From DEC's Codes of Ethics:

Professional and Interpersonal Behaviour

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. 

This is particularly important to me because I believe that every child has ability, irrespective of ‘the disabilities’. It is a matter of having the right tools. My children advocacy is not for selected ones but for all.  They all deserve opportunity to learn and grow to the best of their abilities. Influencing policies to suit their challenges will enable people to serving them easily.

Professional Collaboration

1. We shall honour and respect our responsibilities to colleagues while upholding the dignity and

autonomy of colleagues and maintaining collegial interprofessional  and intraprofessional relationships.

 We have a duty to respect our colleagues as this will make other people outside the industry to respect us and it will uphold the value and dignity of the profession which is very important to be effective as a professional. We need to network and collaborate with each other.

Finally I will like to always remember that Childhood is a unique and valuable stage in the

human life cycle.

Some beautiful quotes about children:

“A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on.”

― Carl Sandburg

“Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself.”

― George Bernard Shaw

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”

― Margaret Mead

"Safety and security don't just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."-- Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa

"I continue to believe that if children are given the necessary tools to succeed, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams!"-- David Vitter, U.S. senator

"Let us be the ones who say we do not accept that a child dies every three seconds simply because he does not have the drugs you and I have. Let us be the ones to say we are not satisfied that your place of birth determines your right to life. Let us be outraged, let us be loud, let us be bold."-- Brad Pitt, actor