Below I have provided brief definition to three codes of ethics -
Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues In a caring, cooperative workplace, human dignity is respected, professional satisfaction is promoted, and positive relationships are developed and sustained. Based upon our core values, our primary responsibility to colleagues is to establish and maintain settings and relationships that support productive work and meet professional needs.
Professional Development and Preparation Professional development is viewed and valued as an ongoing process guided by high standards and competencies for professional performance and practice… 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.
Responsive Family Centered Practices ensure that families receive individualized, meaningful, and relevant services responsive to their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture. We are committed to enhancing the quality of children’s and families’ lives by promoting family well-being and participation in typical life activities.
The below code of ethics are particularly meaningful to me as they cover areas that are dear to me. Not only do they speak to the type of Center I work in, but they speak to the kind of person I am and what I value; professional growth through education and family as part of the learning community.
Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues & Professional Development and Preparation – These two ideas although somewhat similar resonate with me. As an administrator, I feel strongly about this particular code of professionalism. I spend much time and resources coaching educators on my classroom teams not only so that they provide for the needs of the children in our program, but that they also provide for their own needs in the professional arena. I have become an advocate for my staff so that they can better themselves, encouraging and providing avenues in higher education. In addition, Early Childhood Education teachers do not get fair wages for the significant work that they do, nor are they treated with the respect they deserve, often times not considered teachers at all. I along with my educators, seek out resources and classes that will further enhance their knowledge of all aspects of ECE. I am also actively involved in providing higher wages for teachers. At this time I along with a panel of colleagues am examining various ideas and methods that might perhaps bring higher compensation to the teachers within our organization.
For me these two ideas are so important and closer to home, important for my particular Center since we are in the Accreditation process; we have raised the bar and continue to do so especially in terms of providing a loving, nurturing, safe, child centered environment. To be true to my teaching teams and true to my Center, we must focus on their growth and development.
Responsive Family Centered Practices – This code of ethics as stated in DEC again speaks to me because of the Center I have tried to establish this past year. Children and their families is a single unit, and the success of the child happens when his or her family dynamic is present and celebrated in their school environment. My program is diverse and I strive to incorporate my many families into our program every day. We assist families with resources; financial and developmental. We invite the “whole” family to be a part of our classrooms; sharing food, music, customs even stories. We also invite extended families to join in all our Center celebrations.
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010,
The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
Your passion comes through in your posting this week. I can empathize with the desire to help build up your staff and the struggles with getting the center accredited. You are dedicated enough to accomplish both of your goals in this area. And keeping families involved will support you and your staff during the challenges and frustrations of the accreditation process - and they will celebrate with you when you get it!
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