DEC Code of Ethics & NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment

Division of Early Childhood (DEC) Code of Ethics

Professional Practice: Professional and Interpersonal Behavior
1. We shall serve as advocates for children with disbilities and their families and for the professioanls who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that enhance the quality of their lives.

Every child and family deserves the best through programs that provide the highest quality of service. As educators, we must continue to advocate for the rights of children with special needs so that they too, will have every opportunity to reach their fullest potentional in school and in life.

Professional Development and Preparation
2. We shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services.

As a seasoned teacher within the field of early childhood, I am always elated to have an opportunity to support new professionals. In order to grow within your practice, it takes great leaders, professors, supervisors, mentors and coaches to guide one in equipping them to provide best practices while working with children and families. We must continue to give back to others what someone else has sowed into our lives so that our field of study will continue to flourish.


Ethical and Evidence Base Practices: Evidence Based Practices
3. We shall rely upon evidence based research and interventions to inform our practice with children and families in our care.

It is important that through our practices, that we are only delivering on sound, research and interventions. Best practices are those that can be proven not only through implementation but through evidence based research.


NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment

Ethical Responsibilities to Children
1-1.1 To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education

As an educator who is reflective in practice, I'm truly an advocate for continued education and ongoing training. I believe in giving my best to the children and families that I serve and in order to do so, I must stay abreast of the many changes, new and innovative practices and overall ways of providing the best quailty education and care for all children.

Ethical Responsibilities to Families
1-2.2 To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve

As in any relationship, the longevity and strength comes from the foundation that its being built upon. One of the most important functions in any relationship is trust. The professional relationship between teacher and parent is no different. Therefore, in order to maximize the success of all children, there must be a trusting relationship established between teacher and parent. Both parties must work hand-in-hand in a partnership agreement that will build upon the social-emotional, physical, cognitve and language development which will equip a child's readiness for school and beyond.

Ethical Responsibilities to Community and Society
1-4.4 To work through education, research, and advocacy toward a society in which all young children have access to high-quality early care and education programs.

All children have a right to an equal and quality education. It is imparative that we continue to raise awareness of the importance of early care and education. As we continue in our advocacy, research and education, we will continue to see changes within our society for the betterment of all.