Foundations: Early Childhood~ Reflection

Looking back on the last seven weeks of the Introduction to Early Childhood course, I am amazed at the many avenues that this degree will allow me to pursue. I began this program believing it would allow me to venture into the field of early childhood as perhaps a preschool teacher, or maybe a curriculum coordinator, but never did I imagine all the different ways careers that exist in the early childhood profession. I am certain, now more than seven weeks ago, that I chose an excellent field of study to pursue.

Foundations: Early Childhood~ Week 7 Code of Ethics

Wouldn't it be great if everyone lived by these codes and ethics, regardless of their profession? What a different world we would live in!!

The three ethics that I chose:

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

This principle is one that I strive to maintain on a daily basis with my own children and those children with whom I interact. I find it much harder to stick with this principle with my own children and am making a concerted effort to remember that my own children deserve to be treated in the same manner as the children that I teach. The idea that we should not harm children should ring through our entire society, and yet sadly, it does not.

*Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, and colleague). (Core Values)

Knowing that each child is different and unique allows us as professionals to not assume anything in regards to a child's development. This is particularly hard as a mom when other children who are the same age as my own are doing different developmental things that my children may not yet be demonstrating. Comparing children is always a hard truth, but remembering the uniquness of every child allows each child to develop in his or her own best way.

*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. (Professional and Interpersonal Behavior, #2)

Personal and professional integrity, which includes truth and honesty, is something that every person should strive for regardless of their profession. Particularly in the area of early childhood, children are always watchin the adults with whom they interact and respect, and we must always be conscious of our integrity as we are always influencing those who are watching!

References:

• NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
• The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.dec-sped.org/Three of the ethics