Examining Codes of Ethics

Three ideals contained in the NAEYC and DEC codes of ethics that are meaningful to me are....

1.  From NAEYC
1.2—To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development, and related disciplines, as well as on particular knowledge of each child.

1. From DEC
Professional and Interpersonal Behavior:
We shall strive for the highest level of personal and professional competence by seeking and
using new evidence based information to improve our practices while also responding openly to

This ideal is very significant to me because it goes beyond just obtaining knowledge but staying up with knowledge and training and then applying the information. Many times people can get knew information and just keep their knowledge in their heads or do not use the information to better their program.  Also, use this new knowledge and training while working with each child on an individual level.   This is very significant to my professional life because with operating a childcare center I have to have 12 hours of training yearly. After taking the classes I could be lazy and not use the information but the extra knowledge and training is helpful. I have learned and applied so much information that I have learned from this class to my business as well as with the children and families that I work with at my church. I applied this knowledge and it has helped.
Both of these ideals deal with gaining and using knowledge to better the program for the children and their families as well as ourselves.

2.
 From NAEYC
I-1.10—To ensure that each child’s culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and valued in the program.

From DEC
Professional Collaboration:
We shall honor and respect the diverse backgrounds of our colleagues including such diverse
characteristics as sexual orientation, race, national origin, religious beliefs, or other affiliations.

This is very important to me because I feel that every child's culture should be respected. I like to take a month out the year and focus on the different cultures that I have in the daycare. This way every child gets a chance to be prideful of their heritage. As an early childhood educator it's my responsibility to make sure the children in my care are proud of their backgrounds.  Doing this helps build a child's self-esteem.
Not only is respecting the diverse backgrounds of the children is important but also our colleagues. We have to work with them in the same setting and have to show them respect just as we would want it.

3. From NAEYC
1.11—To provide all children with experiences in a language that they know, as well as support children in maintaining the use of their home language and in learning English.

This is very significant to me because I only speak English but I feel that if I had a child in my program that spoke another language; it would not be fair to him or her to have their language pushed to the side and only heard English throughout the day. I would do everything in my power to accommodate that child or explain to the parent that another center might be better to ensure the child's language being taught. This ideal goes hand in hand with the previous one.

4. From DEC
We shall be responsible for maintaining the appropriate national, state, or other credential or
licensure requirements for the services we provide while maintaining our competence in practice
and research by ongoing participation in professional development and education activities.

Owning a childcare center this is very important. There are many requirements that must be kept up to date, although stressful at times, I've learned that these requirements are very important not only to keep my program operating but for the enhancement of the children.