Meaningful Ideals towards Early Childhood Education

When reviewing the ideals contained in the NAEYC and DEC code of standards I chose three from each Code of Ethics documents and will organize, then briefly explain how they are meaningful to me and pertain to my professional life. 

The first group of ideals reflects meaningful ideals towards children:

NAEYC-:

1.3—to recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child

 (NAEYC. 2005)

DEC:   1. we shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child. (The Division for Early Childhood. 2000)

            I believe it is important to respect each child and value their development. Professionally if I’m listening to a child not only considering but recognizing their unique qualities then, I’m encouraging the child in his or her unique qualities and developed a positive relationship with the child.  Personally If I attempt to have meaningful experiences with each individual child and these experiences are positive and pleasant most of the time it is definitely meaningful for all of us.

The second group of ideals reflects meaningful ideals towards families:

NAEYC: I-2.1—to be familiar with the knowledge base related to working effectively with families and to stay informed through continuing education and training.

 (NAEYC. 2005)

DEC:   We shall demonstrate our respect and appreciation for all families’ beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture relative to their nurturance and support of their children toward achieving meaningful and relevant priorities and outcomes families’ desire for themselves and their children. (The Division for Early Childhood. 2000)

                Working with children is important but I also think that families and children are two parts that in respects to their needs are one in the same.  To work effectively with families we must respect and appreciate them as well as their values, beliefs, customs etc. Professionally if we develop a relationship within these respects and there is a reciprocal relationship. Again experiences will become meaningful for families as well as for caregivers. Personally if children and families are among top priority rather than money and material possessions we develop a relationship that is based upon passion for the children and the families we support. Ultimately we learn so much from each other.

The third group of ideals reflects meaningful ideals towards employees and program activities:

NAEYC- 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. (NAEYC. 2005)

DEC- 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.

 (The Division for Early Childhood. 2000)

            Personally and professionally working with others with integrity and honesty is an essential part for building not only a foundation for any type of relationship: with people, children, families, co-workers, mentors, supervisors and managers but also building bridges with other professionals not in the field of early childhood. Without these foundational elements it is unstable and bridges are not likely to cross. Communication, collaboration and cooperation are important with any relationship in a community and programing.

            Overall I wanted to point out ideals reflective of Children, Families, and Programing. It seems everything is intertwined in a web of the Early Childhood Education field.

• NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
•  The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.dec-sped.org/