Examining Codes of Ethics

After reviewing the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and the DEC Code of Ethics it reemphasized the work that I do and continue to pursue for my career (NAEYC, 2005 and DEC, 2009).   It was difficult to choose only 3ideals that are meaningful to myself and to my profession.  I am passionate and feel that each and every one of the ideals should have purpose to all professionals in early childhood education. 

In NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct I was able to narrow it down to the section 1, ideal “I-1.7 – To use assessment information to understand and support children’ development and learning, to support instruction, and to identify children who may need additional services” (NAEYC, 2005).  This is applicable to me and the daily functions of the Child Find Program I manage.  We do about 250 screenings each year.  The developmental tool that is utilized serves as a tool to see if a child needs further assessments.  We are also a home-based visitation program and the information from the screening provides us with information in domains of cognitive, social emotional, gross and fine motor skills.  This information can be used when planning for home-visits or if the child does not score in an at-risk category but the child is lacking in some of the domains we can provide the parent with activities that can do at home to progress their child’s skill set until the next screening. 

Being a manager for many, many years I have witnessed how professionals working in early child are often under paid and do not feel valued for the hard work they do.  “Ideal I-3C.3-3-To strive to secure adequate and equitable compensation (salary and benefits) for those who work with or on behalf of young children” (NAEYC, 2006).  I believe that my advocacy is not just for the children and families I serve but also to the staff that provides direct service.  They too have children and families to support and its only right my focus is directed at their best interest as well.  A few years back my child care staff was severely underpaid and new hires were coming in at a much higher rate.  I advocated and advocated until I was able to change all of their salaries at a higher rate than those I was hiring.  Currently, my staff has not seen an increase in 6 years!  We have been provided with a performance tool and it’s my plan to compensate them all and give the highest marks possible.  They deserve it for the hard work they do each day to support children and families and for making the commitment to stay their positions regardless of the salary.  Kuddos for my early intervention team.

“We shall respect families’ rights to choose or refuse early childhood special education or related service” (Code of Ethics, 2009).  With a 250 developmental screenings each year we recommend many kiddos for a full evaluation.  Often hear directly from parents that there is nothing wrong with my child.  He will grow out of it.  He just needs more time.  I am a strong believer that early intervention can provide significant outcomes.  At the same time I have to be respectful of a parent that denies any further evaluations.  Some are cultural and not wanting to have their child labeled.  I have compassion and empathy towards their decisions as they are the primary educators of their children.  At times we simply need to meet a family where they are at and assist in the most discrete way we can.  We continue to track the children and provide families with resources that they can utilize at home. 

 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

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