Child
care practitioners work with one of society's most vulnerable groups-young
children. The quality of the relations among young children and their caregivers
has a substantial, long-term influence on children's lives. The nature of
the relationship and the potential that exists to do harm require the child
care practitioners to abide by the highest standards of ethical practice.
The National Association for the Education
of Young Children (NAEYC) has published code of ethical conduct which can
be accessed at http://www.naeyc.org.
The code of ethical conduct states that childhood
is a unique and valuable stage in the life cycle. The prime responsibility
of early childhood caregivers and educators is to provide safe, healthy, nurturing,
and responsive settings for children. It requires them to be committed to
support children's development, respect their individual differences, help
children learn to live and work cooperatively, promote good self-image and
encourage health, self-awareness, competence, confidence, and resiliency.
The Code categorizes the professional responsibilities
of early childhood educators in four sections, each addressing an arena of
professional relationships: (1) children, (2) families, (3) colleagues, and
(4) community and society. Moreover, each section includes an introduction
to the primary responsibilities of the early childhood practitioner in that
arena, a set of ideals aiming at commendable professional practice, and a
set of principles defining practices that are necessary, barred, and acceptable.
The ideals and principles mentioned in the
code enables the practitioners to make conscientious decisions. They also
present a shared conception of professional responsibility that affirms their
commitment to the core values of this field.
The code directs the practitioner on acceptable
behavioral practices with co-workers and superiors. Employers and employees
have ethical responsibilities towards themselves and the institution and must
be answerable and accountable for their actions.
Early childhood programs also have responsibilities
to the community by providing programs that meet its needs and to cooperate
with agencies and professions that share responsibility for children.
The code of ethical conduct may be purchased
as a brochure, and the Statement of Commitment is available as a poster suitable
for framing. Visit the NAEYC website for more information about ordering.
