NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct

As an early childhood professional I follow the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.  Following these core values,  ideals, and principles are a large part of my commitment to young children and their families.  For this post I have selected the 3 ideals that are the most meaningful to me.  I would love to learn about your favorites!

Ethical Responsiblities to Children

I-1.2---To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development, and related disciplines, as well as on particular knowledge of each child.

This ideal is extremely important to me as the owner and director of an early childhood center.  I have 112 children at my center that are directly affected by the programs that I offer.  They deserve the best early childhood education available and it is my responsibility to learn about and design programs that offer them the most opportunities for success, both now and in the future. 


Ethical Responsibilities to Families

I-2.2---To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.

In my center we serve 112 children and 89 families.  Each family chooses to entrust us with their precious children.  When they say goodbye to their child each morning I want them to leave with a sense of trust and know that their child is getting the best education and care possible.  In order for us to forge a bond with the family they must trust that we have their child's best interests at heart and that we will always treat them with love, respect, and dignity.  In order to truly serve a child and their family mutual trust and a working partnership is of the utmost importance.



Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues

I.3A.3---To support co-workers in meeting their professional needs and in their professional development.

Research has shown that the quality of early childhood programs is directly tied to the education and experience of the classroom teachers.  It is my goal, as an early childhood professional and the director and owner of an early childhood center, to encourage all of the teachers at our center to further their education. My center requires that all lead teachers must hold or be working towards their B-K degree and all assistant teachers and support staff must hold or be working towards their associate's degree in early childhood.  In addition, we participate in the NC T.E.A.C.H program which helps teachers pay for their education.  Our commitment to the T.E.A.C.H program is that we pay 10% of the teachers' tuition and books and also offer a small bonus or raise at the completion of each year of classes.  I feel that in order to ensure that we are offering a quality program we must have highly educated teachers and that if we want highly educated teachers we must make supporting their education a top priority.