Examining the Ideals within the NAEYC Code of Ethics

The NAEYC Code of Ethics is a valuable resource for professionals in the early childhood field.  The Code of Ethics can be a useful tool throughout daily routines and can also be vital asset during difficult times and ethical dilemmas.  All of the ideals and principles are necessary for early childhood professionals, so to only pick 3 is a difficult task.  Three ideals that stood out to me as a professional are within the sections dedicated to children, families, and to the community and society.  I think the ideals presented below represent our duty to the profession.  Our responsibilities are through these ideals and it is why we are here.  These ideals "reflect exemplary professional practice" and "reflect the aspirations of practitioners" (NAEYC, 2005). The following ideals I have chosen from the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct are:

• Section I- Ethical Responsibilities to Children
• I-1.3- To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.
• Section II- Ethical Responsibilities to Families
• I-2.2- To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.
• Section IV- Ethical Responsibilities to Community and Society
• I-4.2- To promote cooperation among professionals and agencies and interdisciplinary collaboration among professions concerned with addressing issues in the health, education, and well-being of young children, their families, and their early childhood educators.

References:
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved December 17, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf