Codes of Ethics Discussion

When examining NAEYC’s code of ethics, the ones that are most meaningful to me are: (1) Base our work on knowledge of how children develop and learn, (2) Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues, and (3) Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family.(2005) These are significant in my professional life because as a teacher it is very important to have “prior knowledge” on child development. You have to understand the audience that you are teaching. If you don’t have any knowledge about children and how they learn best, then you’re wasting their time, as well as yours. With that understanding of children, you must also understand the relationships and beliefs of their family. For me, it allows me to better serve the children, when I know about their family. When I am doing an activity and we talk about families, I remember those students’ who have single mothers or fathers in another country/state. Knowing this information, makes me aware that I need to provide that child with a variation of this activity so they don’t feel left out. It may also mean that you don’t even do the activity. DEC’s code of ethics, the ones most meaningful to me are: (1) We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child, (2)We shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services, (3)We shall respect, value, promote, and encourage the active participation of ALL families by engaging families in meaningful ways in the assessment and intervention process. (2009). For me, DEC’s ethics are so significant to my professional life because I do believe that support should be given to new teachers to help them understand the field and be a helping hand in their success. Most importantly, I believe that, as professionals, we need to respect children and families. We must “show” them that they are a valuable part of our classrooms. I truly believe that once a parent feels a teacher values their thoughts and respects them, they will begin to trust and feel like they are part of the team! References: The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved August 11, 2012, from https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201260_04/MS_MECS/EDUC_6005/Week%207/Resources/Resources/embedded/dec_codeofethics.pdf NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved August 10, 2012, from https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201260_04/MS_ MECS/EDUC_6005/Week%207/Resources/Resources/embedded/naeyc_co deofethicspdf.pdf