Code of Ethics

After reading the NAEYC and DEC codes of ethics, I have chosen a few of their ideals that are particularly meaningful to me.

DEC
Professional and Interpersonal Behavior (3)
We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families f those with whom we work.
I feel that I have made progressive changes to myself as an individual due to my role in my community with children and their families.  I work hard to be a positive role model for my students, so that those who don't have one at home, will be able to look to me.  It is important that we demonstrate honesty with the families that we work with so that they will come to trust us and turn to our professional knowledge to be able to provide the best possible education for their children.  I want my students to trust me to make the proper decisions for him, and their families to have confidence in my ability to care for and educate their children.

NAEYC
Ethical Responsibilities to Children Ideals (I-1.8 and I-1.9)
-To support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs of children with and without disabilities.
-To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to the support services needed to be successful.
Beginning this summer, I have worked with a few children with autism or on the autistic spectrum.  Although I have worked with students with autism before, this was the first time I have taught these children at the preschool level.  Over the summer, I had an experience with an autistic child that made me want to advocate for children with special needs, and help them to be a part of a fully inclusive environment.  I believe that every child has the ability and desire to learn; it is our job as educators to find the proper route for the individual child and help them to succeed in their educational career.

Ethical Responsibilities to Children Principles (P-1.7)
We shall strive to build individual relationships with each child; make individualized adaptations in teaching strategies, learning environments, and curricula; and consult with the family so that each child benefits from the program.  If after such efforts have been exhausted, the current placement does not meet a child's needs, or the child is seriously jeopardizing the ability of other children to benefit from the program, we shall collaborate with the child's family and appropriate specialists to determine the additional services needed and/or the placement options most likely to ensure the child's success. 
As educators, it is imperative that we come to know each child as an individual; their family, their needs, their likes and dislikes, their interests, and where they need help.  If we come to know each child on these levels, we will be capable of developing curricula for them that is proper for their personal developmental needs.  This is significant to my professional life because i work very closely with the affluent families in my community.  These families have very high expectations of the education we provide to their children.  In order to meet or exceed their expectations, developing individual relationships with their children is essential.

Ethical Responsibilities to Community and Society Ideal (I-4.1)
To provide the community with high-quality early childhood care and education programs and services.
In order to fulfill this ideal, I have chosen to go back t school and obtain my Master's degree in Early Childhood Studies.  This way, I will be able to better understand the developmental needs of my students and provide them, and their families, with the best guidance to ensure my students become lifelong learners.