NAEYC Code of Ethics Ideals

The National Association for the Education of Young Children has developed a Code of Ethics that is used probably worldwide, but definitely nationwide. One of the first things a Child Development Associate (CDA) candidate must do is read the NAEYC Code of Ethics. Here are three that really stand out for me as a director of a child care center.

Ideal 1.1 – Ethical Responsibilities to Children

To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training. If an early childhood educator is not current and up-to-date with what is going on in the field, that person's mission is usually not relevant. You cannot just teach a class of four-year olds. Even if you are a natural born teacher, you must have some kind of training. Trends in early childhood are changing quickly, a true teacher must be willing to hone their craft continuously and must want to be the best teacher they can be. For example, a trainer can tell us all day long how to teach a class, how to do assessments, how to make children listen. If they have not been in a classroom for 5 or 10 years, then what they are saying is not relevant to what is going on in today's classrooms.

It is not hard to stay informed. States have agencies that do trainings; the internet is full of journals, websites, and articles; and libraries have books and magazines with early childhood information for any age group or issue with early childhood. If a true teacher is interested in being the best she can be, she will find a way to stay informed and up-to-date.

Ideal 4.1 – Ethical Responsibilities to Community and Society

To provide the community with high quality early childhood care and education programs and services.

Private early childhood providers depend on word of mouth. A center and its' staff need to involve parents and work throughout the community with all aspects of health, nutrition, and education. The teachers need to make sure that their classrooms and the childrens' environments are safe and non-violent. Also, the teachers and center as a whole must make sure that quality, developmentally appropriate practice education and assessments are happening every single day with every single child. You cannot make everyone happy all the time; but if your education program is high quality you will make most people happy. People won't remember you had an epidemic of flu or strep throat last year, if their child cries because they do not want to leave your facility at the end of the day or they are excelling in kindergarten after leaving preschool with your center. They will also remember that open-door policy that you had, where they could come into the classroom anytime to volunteer, share their career, or attend a party with their child.

Ideal 3.2 – Ethical Responsibilities to Employees

To create and maintain a climate of trust and candor that will enable staff to speak and act in the best interest of children, families and the field of early childhood care and education. This ideal is just as important as the other two. If a center does not have quality teachers and staff, then the other two ideals are non-existent. Trained high-quality teachers will be able to collaborate with management to development learning materials and methods. A center has the responsibility to its' employees to provide a safe and supportive working condition. Mutual respect is paramount to retaining great employees. If the director does not respect the employees, then respect will not be given by the employees. This will cause grief and much conflict. Employees need to know that the center is going to trust they will do what is best for the children to keep them safe, happy, and learning. A trusted teacher will be trusted by families and many times become part of the family.

If you notice, these three actually are part of a never ending circle.  You have to have quality teachers to have quality child care.  For teachers to have the trust of the directors they have to be current, be informed, and be quality teachers.

NAEYC Code of Ethics. (2005). Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSET05.pdf