Examining Codes of Ethics

NAEYC Code of Ethics: Ideal 1-1.4 – To appreciate the vulnerability of children and their dependence on adult

I am very conscious about how vulnerable children are to adults. I grow up in a large family, and I was one of the youngest children in the household.  When my grandmother went shopping my youngest uncle was left to care for me, I was a very scary person I was afraid of everything.  He chased me around the house with a brillo pad that he shaped in to monster like form. I was tortured for two or more hours.  I told my grandmother, she yelled at him, but when she went out, and left me with him it would happen again.  Children are like chattels in respect to the power they have over adults because of personal experience I work diligently in behalf of the children to ensure that their rights are upheld.  My staff is trained in respects to the rights of the child.  The rule is “This is their safe haven, and when they enter the building you are here to guide them through a productive happy wonderful day.”

NAEYC Code of Ethics: Ideal 1-1.10 – To ensure that that each child’s culture, language ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and valued in the program:   I know this to be a paramount feature in the daily life of a child in a daily program and I have multiple approaches to meet the needs of our children.   I have a family tree in each room, and children bring pictures of their families and also their baby pictures.  Our children love this corner when they get homesick or mom-sick they go to their tree and find a level of comfort.  We celebrate the cultural holidays especially the ones that represent our population.  Music is a large part of our program, so we have CDs, dances, and dramatic play dress up to represent our population.  Our library’s also represents our population with culturally diverse materials. I have found respecting the culture of our staff and families allows closer relationship between center, staff, and families.

 Ideal 1-2.3—To welcome all family members and encourage them to participate in the program:  Having involved families is so important to the program especially important to the children. I have monthly parenting classes, and we have a PTA where parents can voice their concern, and assist with polices. I have an open campus, once a parent signs in he or she can quietly visit the class.  Verbal visits must be by appointment so that the teacher is not distracted from her children.  I have found this to be comforting for both parents and child.  Parents can also call and be piped into classroom if parent has a concern i.e. child was crying when she was dropped off at center, and parent wants to inquire about child current disposition.   

DEC Code of Ethics: Professional and Interpersonal Behavior 1. We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential for each child:  It is indeed a challenge to individualize the approach to each child, most parent have a problem treating their own children in such an unique manner however we must make each child feel special.  We do our daily observations on each child, and try our best to meet the special needs of each child. We have inculcated different languages in our cognitive program, to make all of the participants in our program feel good about themselves and who they are.  Our overall language and behavior towards the children is that of a caring and respectful nature.

DEC Code of Ethics: Professional and Interpersonal Behavior; 4. We shall serve as advocates for children with disabilities and their families and for the professionals who serve them by supporting both policy ad programmatic decisions that enhance the quality of their lives.  I consider myself an advocate for children and their families. We have identified and recommended several children for observation and testing to early intervention for children under 3 years of age, and the local school district for observation and testing for children over 3 years old.  We have found parents to be in denial when acknowledging a cognitive or physical program.  We counsel with parents to help them understand and accept the assistance their child should receive, and inform them of the importance of the early intervention special services available to their child. When therapists are sent in for the children we take an active role in scheduling, so the children will not miss the socialization in their classroom.  I am also on top of the hours that therapist put in and the relationship between my children and the therapist, therapists unfortunately are not always in the profession for the children.  I am the eyes and ears of the parents who can’t be there.

DEC Code of Ethics: 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.  I welcome new professional to the field.  What I am looking for is coachable- people who love children this is a formula for a highly successful early childhood professionals.  Because of our budget we can’t offer salaries that attract seasoned professionals, so when a good prospect is hired I immediately schedule them for NAEYC based classes, and New York Daycare Regulation classes, and place them under a season lead teacher.  The new professional has the ingredients for success, and the potentially to be a dynamic employee.