Code of Ethics: NAECY and DEC of the CEC

The assignment was to choose three codes that were meaningful to me and explain why.  However, there are so many that have very important messages, and are very meaningful.  Because I could not narrow my list to three without complication, I decided to choose two from each agency.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAECY):

The primary focus of the Code of Ethics is on daily practice with children and their families in programs for children from birth through 8 years of age, such as infant/toddler programs, preschool and prekindergarten programs, child care centers, hospital and child life settings, family child care homes, kindergartens, and primary classrooms.

I-1.4—To appreciate the vulnerability of children and their dependence on adults.

P-1.1—Above all, we shall not harm children. We shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children. This principle has precedence over all others in this Code. 

**These two codes go hand in hand.  Children are very vulnerable. They look to us to teach them about the world, and about themselves.  If we enter into their lives and don’t give them the respect, care, attention, and direction that they need they may head towards a life of destruction.  Many of our children come to school to get their basic care needs met because they aren’t getting it at home.  Not to say this holds true for all children, but the children that I have encountered these past few years come from low SES and underprivileged areas.

Source:

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved December 16, 2011, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

The Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC)

The Code’s purpose is to: (1) identify the key principles guiding our professional conduct; and (2) provide guidance for practice and personal dilemmas in our conduct of research and practice. The Code is intended to assist professionals in resolving conflicts as they arise in practice with children and families and with other colleagues.

1. We shall engage in ongoing and systematic reflective inquiry and self-assessment for the purpose of continuous improvement of professional performance and services to young children with disabilities and their families.

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.

**These two codes are important because issues and trends change so often in the field of education.  While I feel that this is the most important profession, everyone does not have that same view.  Therefore, we as early childhood professionals must obtain all the knowledge we can about this field so that we can advocate for ourselves, our centers and most importantly our children.  Sounds cliché, but the children are definitely our future, so we are the ones that are to train them up.

Source: The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved December 16, 2011, from http://www.dec-sped.org/

Useful Resources for Early Childhood Educators

Check out some of these sites to see how they align with your state programs.

·         Working in an early childhood education center, there are a code of ethics and standards to follow. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAECY) is the accreditation organization that over sees our agency and we follow their ethical standards every day. These codes can be found at http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

·         Zero to Three provides early childhood workers, parents, and administrators with information to improve their understanding of young children’s development and their lives. Their website is http://www.zerotothree.org/

·         Teaching Strategies is a website for Creative Curriculum, which is the curriculum used at my center.  This site is also where we keep anecdotal notes and assessments.  There are also links to find the early childhood education standards and foundations for each state. Follow this link to find your state: http://www.teachingstrategies.com/page/teaching-strategies-GOLD-alignments.cfm

·         Reading is Fundamental is an organization that provides a plethora of information on literacy programs, articles, issues, and activities. My favorite part of their website is the activities link. There you can find activities that focus on literacy development.  Click a link based on what you’re working on, or do a search. http://www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/activities/search_activities.htm

·         South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children is a local affiliate of NAECY: http://www.scaeyc.org/index.html

·         First Steps is an organization dedicated to equipping early child centers with the necessary resources to provide quality child care for optimum school readiness. http://www.scfirststeps.org/countdowntok.htm

My Childhood Web

1. The picture at the top is my mother.  My mom was a great mother.  We were not the richest family, but she always made sure we got what we wanted and deserved.  I will never forget when she told me "You'll never know what's going to happen if you don't try".  That taught me to never be afraid to try new things.

2. The second picture is my father.  In the picture he is having a silly moment with my oldest son.  My father always taught me about responsibility.  He always talked to us about being financially stable, keeping family close, and about staying involved in church.  3. The third picture is of my great grandmother.  When I was very young, she moved from NY to come help my working parents care for my sister and me.  She was always very sweet to me.  Our favorite activity was sitting at the window looking at birds.  She still to this day remembers one conversation in particular about a bird we saw. She took me on my first train ride from SC to NY.  4. The fourth picture is my Aunt Barbara.  She cared for me every summer in NY.  She taught me about having positive self esteem.  She also taught me about staying healthy, as she always made healthy meals for us.  5.  The fifth picture is my uncle King.  He too taught me that I was important as a person. I always felt like a princess when he was around.  I have never seen him upset or angry.  He is one of the sweetest people I know.

I have a really big family, and all of my grand parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins taught me how to be a caring person, parent, and friend.  I have a fond memory of how every one of my aunts and uncles influenced my life to make me the responsible person I am today :-)

Week 2 Blog Assignment

"It is true that the child develops in his environment through activity itself, but he needs material means, guidance and an indispensable understanding. It is the adult who provides these necessities. . . . If [the adult] does less than is necessary, the child cannot act meaningfully, and if he does more than is necessary, he imposes himself upon the child, extinguishing [the child’s] creative impulses. — maria montessori (1956, p. 154)

Lillard, Angeline Stoll. Montessori : The Science Behind the Genius. Cary, NC, USA: Oxford University Press, 2005. p 257. http://site.ebrary.com/lib/waldenu/Doc?id=10103707&ppg=274

Copyright © 2005. Oxford University Press. All rights reserved."