This week I spent some time reading two code of ethics
statements, one from the National Association for the Education of YoungChildren (NAEYC) and the other from the Division for Early Childhood (DEC). Of
the many ideals listed, the following three are especially significant to my
professional life:
DEC: Professional and
Interpersonal Behavior
1. We shall demonstrate in our behavior and
language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of
each child.
Demonstrating respect towards children is the most basic and
most important job of an educator. I learned early on in my career that showing
children respect and letting them know that you care about them will create a
relationship of mutual respect. It is vital that children have positive people
in their lives who treat them with kindness. Treating each child with love and
respect will help each child grow to his or her full potential. If every child
was taught to respect one another, this world would be a much better place.
DEC: Professional and
Interpersonal Behavior
5. We shall use individually
appropriate assessment strategies including multiple sources of information
such as observations, interviews with significant caregivers, formal and
informal assessments to determine children’s learning styles, strengths and
challenges.
This ideal
especially relates to me in my role as an Education Director. I am a trainer
through the Minnesota Center for Professional Development (MNCPD). Through the
MNCPD I train educators (mainly my staff) on Assessment and Curriculum courses.
Using authentic assessment to help understand children’s development is
incredibly important. However, observations from teachers alone are not very
beneficial. Working with families to better understand a child is the best way
to understand the “whole child.” Proper assessment strategies will help
teachers to individualize instruction, meeting all children’s needs and
learning styles.
NAEYC: Ethical
Responsibilities to Children
I:1-1 To be familiar with the
knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed
through continuing education and training.
Having a
bachelor’s degree in early childhood education has been extremely beneficial in
my career as an educator. Having a solid knowledge base was important but it
certainly cannot be the end of my education. It is important for professionals to
continue learning throughout their careers. Especially in the field of early
childhood education, research is changing all of the time. It is important to
stay up to date with best practices.
I
recently joined a cohort of directors from my area in a program called “Sustaining
Quality.” We meet every other month to discuss new topics, challenges and learn
about new resources available to us. It is very beneficial to have a support
system in which we can all share ideas and learn from one another. Staying up
to date with early childhood resources will benefit teachers, directors and early
childhood programs.
