We Have a Responsibility

Life is full of choices.  Each and every day we are confronted with situations that force us to examine, reflect, and respond.  Some happen in the blink of an eye; others require us to consult with morality, ethics, and values.  Professionally, as we work for the benefit of young children and their families, our choices may shape and change futures.  For this reason, we have a responsibility to hold ourselves to some of the highest global standards.

After consulting the Code of Ethics statements of two of the most highly-respected entities in the field of Early Childhood (NAEYC and DEC), I have chosen to share a few of their ideals. 

The first two come from the Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment, published by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC, 2005).

• I-3C.1--To promote safe and healthy working conditions and policies that foster mutual respect, cooperation, collaboration, competence, well-being, confidentiality, and self-esteem in staff members.  

This ideal is meant to describe the responsibility of employers to their staff and colleagues, but I feel that this ideal can be upheld by any professional in the field. We can always benefit from the strengths of our colleagues and utilize them, as a team, to improve the circumstances in our work environment.  The well-being of staff can, and often does, reflect directly on the effectiveness of the practice.  

• I-4.3--To work through education, research, and advocacy toward an environmentally safe world in which all children receive health care, food, and shelter; are nurtured; and live free from violence in their home and their communities.

While this ideal may simply seem like the definition of basic childhood rights, all too often this is not the case.  Usually when a child, family, or community is struggling, negative behaviors and circumstances compound creating a vicious cycle of disadvantage.  If, through our work, we can provide aid and assistance in one area, we may be able to help build a more positive outlook for someone's future.

The third ideal I would like to share comes from the Professional Practice section of the Code of Ethics published by The Division for Early Childhood, under the heading Professional and Interpersonal Behavior (DEC, 2000).

• We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child.

Need I say more?

Though it may not be readily apparent, we ALL have something to give.