NAEYC Code of Ethics (Ethical Responsibilities to Children)
Ideals
I-1.5—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.
Many children that I work with do not come from a stable environment. It is important that when a child comes to school that he or she feels comfortable and safe. I recently had a student run away from home because she told me that she was being physically abused. A learning environment at all times should be healthy and safe. As educator we can only play by the rules and call child protective services but we can’t be with that child when they go home. I feel while a child is my care that should always feel safe and only be concerned about learning.
NAEYC Code of Ethics (Principles)
P-1.3—We shall not participate in practices that discriminate
against children by denying benefits, giving
special advantages, or excluding them from programs
or activities on the basis of their sex, race, national
origin, religious beliefs, medical condition, disability,
or the marital status/family structure, sexual orientation,
or religious beliefs or other affiliations of their
families. (Aspects of this principle do not apply in
programs that have a lawful mandate to provide
services to a particular population of children.)
At the school I work at, there is a MAC lab (Mastery Assessment Center). The lab assists children who have any type of learning disability. I enjoy the fact that the school does not discriminate against children who are lower in academics than others. Having this center allows children to stay in the classroom and experience the same learning environment as others. A child should never be discriminated no matter the situation.
NAEYC Code of Ethics (Ethical Responsibilities to Families)
Ideals
I-2.2—To develop relationships of mutual trust and
create partnerships with the families we serve.
I-2.3—To welcome all family members and encourage
them to participate in the program.
I-2.3—To welcome all family members and encourage
them to participate in the program.
When working with children it is a good idea to understand their background. The best way to become familiar with a child’s environment is to develop a relationship with their family. Sometimes family member can give a child that extra push that sometimes educators can’t. I had a student last year who was failing; I contacted the Mother and she had no idea about the situation. By developing a foundation with the family I began to see an immediate change in her son’s academics. Thinking back, if I had not established a relationship with the student’s parents, there is a possibility that he could have failed that six weeks and maybe even for the semester.
