NAEYC Code of Ethics

The following three ideals are taken from the NAEYC code of Ethics.  This is a valuable resource for all people and families in the field of early childhood.  Although all ideals and principles are important I have chosen these three to be particularly meaningful to me and I explain why.

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.

I have learned in my experience that the field of education is ever changing!  It is important to be aware of new trends and research when trying to provide the best for the children we work with and their families.  I also love the renewed excitement that I feel when I learn a different way to teach a particular lesson in the classroom. 

I-1.5—To create and maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and that respect their dignity and their contributions.

 Too often as teachers we get caught up in our agenda and forget to include our students’ input.  It is important that we include our students’ in the process so that the lessons we teach are relevant to their lives and experiences.  We are more like to have teaching moments that respect their individuality and stick with them long term.

I-2.2—To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.

We cannot truly impact the children we serve without valuing their families.  We have to build strong relationships with the families to create open communications between home and school.  This will help strengthen any lessons learned at school by reinforcing them at home and vice versa.

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf