Codes of Ethics

NAEYC

1-1.3 - To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.
This is important to me and my professional life because it is so very important that each child be able to be themselves. Each child has the right to be an individual. The ability level of each child is different, even within each family, so it is fair to say that you entire classroom will be on different "ability" levels. It is the responsibility of each teacher to meet the needs of each child. It is the responsibility of each educator to emotionally nourish each individual child. This is what I want for my children and what I want to provide for each child I teach.

1-1.9 - To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to the support services needed to be successful.
This particular code of ethics has a special purpose in my heart.  I have a special needs daughter and had a son in special education. They, along with every other child, deserve the same chance to succeed as anyone else.  Children with special needs need to be given the tools and opportunity to succeed as a non special needs child.

1-1.10 - To ensure that each child's culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and valued in the program.
This one is also a personal favorite because I have 3 adopted daughters that came to me from different cultures and they spoke different languages that what I came from and speak.  I did not want them treated differently just because of thier race, language or culture.  They deserve the same respect, love, attention and education as anyone born in the United States. There is a major issue going on in our country today about the "illigal immigrants" in our country.  As professionals, we have to put aside ALL personal feelings about this when we enter a classroom. No matter what your ideas are or your position is on this, it is NOT the child's fault. A child is a minor and must do what his/her parents tell them to do.  The classroom is not the place for one's political views. 

DEC
I. Professional Practice
Professional and Interpersonal Behavior
  2.  We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whom we work.
Personal integrity and honesty are so vital in our profession.  Children will mimic what we do! To instil values in our students, the students must see these things in us. This includes our attire, language, and attitude.  All of these things reflect who we are.

II. Professional Development and Preparation
4. We shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services.
Once we all had our first year teaching. What an exciting and emotional time this can be. I feel it is very important that new teachers should have a good strong, non-threating teacher to mentor him/her throughout their first year of teaching. This should be through every aspect of the teaching field from school rules and dress codes to what to say or not say at a parent conference. Everything is not always taught in college that you need to know. Different schools and school district require different things. It is important to mentor the new teachers. It will make their life much easier and remember you too use to be the new teacher.

III. Responsive Family Centered Practices
Enhancement of Children's and Families' Quality of Lives
3. We shall recognize and respect the dignity, diversity, and autonomy of the families and children we serve.
This is an area where some so called professional people have issues.  The "traditional" family is hard to find in society today. There are step families, children being raised by grandparents or aunts and uncles or children that have two mother's or two fathers. They could also be a family from another country with different backgrounds and very different cultures beliefs. Once again, it is not up to us as educators to judge these families or the children. You have to leave your personal battle about the situation at home. As I stated before, the classroom is not the place to vent your political views. It doesn't matter how you feel personally about each issue, as the educator you are to teach that child to the best of your ablitiy without predjuce. If you feel you can not do this, you are in the wrong profession! Children are innocent. They deserve the best of you too!