Special Thanks

I have really enjoyed the last eight weeks as I begin my journey through the MSECS program at Walden University.  I appreciate my colleagues, classmates, professor, administration, and the parents and children I service.  I want to give a special thanks to "Group 2" for their feedback, support, insight, and suggestions relating to their experience and our Foundation of ECE course.  Thanks for the dedication and participating that helped make this course interesting and worth the time and effort.  Another special thank you to Walden for designing a program to fit the needs and demands of our global economy and that will help me meet my personal and professional goals.  And last but not least, thanks to Dr. Dartt for taking the time to share her experience and expertise with us and for challenging us to think past what we know and have done and to focus on the current issues, needs, and direction of the early childhood sector.  Again thanks, and I look forward to working with you again as I continue the course. 

Code of Ethics: DEC

My top three ideals:

• We shall recognize our responsibility to improve the developmental outcomes of children and to provide services and supports in a fair and equitable manner to all families and children.
• We shall collaborate with families and colleagues in setting meaningful and relevant goals and priorities throughout the intervention process including the full disclosure of the nature, risk, and potential outcomes of any interventions. 
• We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whom we work. 

My first ideal is categorized as the third principle for DEC.  I demonstrate this principle through observations, adapting or modifying activities, and discussing the outcome with the parent.  If the child needs additional services, I make recommendations and refer the parent to the appropriate personnel.  All of this is done in an accelerated manner, so that the child's learning will not be delayed.  

My second ideal also come from the third principle.  When working with children that have behavior disorders or that may be classified as special needs (non severe), there is a plan of action created to include this child in a general education environment.  For example, it is my responsibility to ensure the consequence and rewards system created for a child with disciplinary issues is adhered to in order for this child to succeed in the program. 

My final ideal is categorized in the first principle which focuses on professional practices.  Being trustworthy is critical in the education profession.  Children, parents, and the community rely on us to know what we are doing as educators and to be honest about the results of the students progress.  The standards are high and should remain high because any inkling of dishonesty can possibly delay the child's learning or have long term affects.  Honesty counts at all times in this profession.   

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

Code of Ethics: NAEYC

My top three ideas:

• To share resources with co-workers, collaborating to ensure that the best possible early childhood care and education program is provided.
• To share information about each child’s education and development with families and to help them understand and appreciate the current knowledge base of the early childhood profession.
• 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.

My first ideal supports my ethical responsibility to my co-workers.  I love to collaborate with my colleagues!  Sharing what I have experienced or what I have recently learned helps me self reflect and get feedback from my professional peers.  Plus, you never know what they are struggling to accomplish in their classroom.  It's a fun way to exchange ideas, provide emotional support, and build life long partnerships.  

My second ideal supports my ethical responsibility to parents/families.  Most parents learn as they go, based on trial and error.  I can help them better understand their child's development by keeping them informed of their child's progress throughout the year and offer them resources to use with their child when he/she is away from the campus.  Building a partnership with the parent, will better benefit the child as he continues to develop.

My third ideal supports my ethical responsibility to children.  This is most important professional commitment I have.  Staying in "the know" is crucial to making sure I am engaging the "whole child".  It is my overall responsibility to make sure I have the appropriate research, resources, and competency to educate young learners.     

Reference
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