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
I agree,If we could get everyone on one accord with the code of ethics, imagine how powerful of children could be. It saddens me to see educators that tear children down, you would think that in this day in time people would understand the importance of building children up.
ReplyDeleteI think P-1.1 is very important one and the fundamental because I believe that parents want their children to be safe and happy more than anything.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the safety of the children is the most important aspect of childcare. This is something I always discuss with my staff and something I look for as a parent as well.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate how you highlighted the emotional, personal side of being an educator. There is a lot of ugliness in the world and it will seep into the classroom; therefore, it is our responsibility to remember the first code you mentioned. The ones you chose were quite humbling because it made me think about the day to day interaction with children and the negative places they may be coming from. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I really like your heading. I agree everyone should follow these codes, the world would be much better. I also think society as a whole should try to care for and be nice to each other, just like we teach our toddlers.
ReplyDeleteAlso, The first NAEYC principle is one of the most important. We should not harm children, physically, emotionally, or verbally. We should also not harm co-workers, employees, or families.
Stacy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for being in this class! I think you are the one person I consistently responded to discussions and blog assignments. Your presentation of information was always well organized and thought out and it was nice to read! Your blog was always interesting because you have designed it to be a fun and creative style, which is nice to look at. Thank you for sharing your experiences during this course and putting so much time and effort into the assignments because you challenged me! -Trish