Examining Codes of Ethics

DEC Code of Ethics

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

• We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity,truthfulness, and honesty in allour professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whom we work.

• 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. 

ETHICAL AND EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICES

  

• We shall use every resource, including referral when appropriate, to ensure high quality services are accessible and are provided to children and families.

•  We shall maintain records of research securely; no personal information about research participants should be revealed unless required by law.  

 NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
--ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO CHILDREN-- 

Ideals
  To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.
  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.

Principles 
- Above all, we shall not harm children. We shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children. This principle has precedence over all others in this Code.
- When another person tells us of his or her suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected, we shall assist that person in taking appropriate action in order to protect the child.


I chose the above codes of ethical conduct because they resonated the most with me.  Out of the DEC Code of Ethics, professional practice is very important to me.  I work in a current location where the staff is very divided and doesn't always get along with each other.  I make it my business to get along with everyone, but sometimes its like high school all over again.  I think it is important to remember to respect one another on every level possible.

From the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, these ideals and principles are of most importance in my mind.  As teachers and early childhood professionals we need to realize how unique each child is.  Among each child being unique, they are also all filled with different amounts and types of potential.  Not each child learns the same or grasps a concept the same way.   This is for us to figure out and also enhance this about each child.  It is not an easy task but one that I most certainly enjoy doing.  Also, it is very important for me to know that the children are developing positively in a healthy and safe environment.  You hear so many tragedies happening on the news these days and it is such a shame.  These children should be left in our hands without a doubt in the parents mind.