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 communityprocedures 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/
I really liked your comment about children not being able to learn if they are not in a safe and secure environment. Fear and abuse do such horrible things to young children and it is very important that as educators we also serve as a form of protection for children. I really like the stories of educators that have intervened in bullying on the playground and took a step further to ensure their students were safe outside of their classroom as well. Sometimes this involves collaborating with other colleagues, administrators and parents but if we are able to keep our children safe I think we can always expect a brighter future.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
- Kameren Lund
Hi, Kimberly! It was a pleasure having you as a classmate. Take care always. I know you did your mom proud! Congratulations for finishing this course!
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