A word of Thanks

In the beginning, I was really hesitant to begin working on my Masters degree. Between working two jobs and rarely ever have free time but I am so glad that I did. You have all helped me so much along the way from your great blog comments to the insightful discussion responses.  Being a student is extremely hard but having classmates like you have helped me so much. Thank you all for everything and I pray that you all continue to pursue your dreams both professionally and personally as well as educationally.

Examining Code of Ethics that are important to me.

1) 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.

2) We shall be familiar with the risk factors for and symptoms of child abuse and neglect, including physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse and physical, emotional, educational, and medical neglect. We shall know and follow state laws and community
procedures that protect children against abuse and neglect.


3) When we have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, we shall report it to the appropriate community agency and follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been taken. When appropriate, parents or guardians will be informed that the referral will be or has been made.

The above codes are important to me for several reasons but most importantly, because children can not learn if they are in an environment where they are being abused or neglected in any way. As an educator it is our responsibility to care for children and families when they are in an out of our care. We have to take it upon ourselves to assure that each child we come into contact with has all of his needs met.

4) 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.

Codes of ethics and best practice in child development are continuously changing and so are the children we are responsible tor educating. It is up to us to keep up to date on the ever changing world of Early Childhood Education.
  


References:


Article: NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf


Article: The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.dec-sped.org/