NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment
Section 1
1-1.9 To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to the support services needed to be successful.
P-1.8 We shall be familiar with the risk factors for and symptoms of child abuse and neglect including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and physical, emotional, educational, and medical neglect. We shall know and follow state laws and community procedures that protect children against abuse and neglect.
DEC Code of Ethics
#6 We shall build relationships with individual children and families while individualizing the curricula and learning environments to facilitate young children’s development and learning.
These have special meaning to me because children are innocent. They did not ask to be born into this world. They need to feel loved and they need people in their lives that make them feel safe and trusting. It is my job to make sure that they are treated fair and equal regardless of what their abilities/disabilities are. In order for children to be successful in the classroom activities, they have to be presented in a way that all children can benefit from. I will always stay up-to-date on laws concerning children, education, and abuse and neglect.
Angela
arltaylor 
I, agree, that children are inocent, and it’s our job to uphold and value that innocence. I have found out that there is so much more to abuse and neglect than the rules, which I teach in my Intro class. While it’s important to make the call whenever we “suspect” abuse, it’s just as important to teach parents about abuse and neglect. Sometimes, when I hear a parent speaking to his/her child, I cringe, Angela, because the words they are using represent a very real form of abuse. But, I don’t know if the parent understands this. I think this is an area where we all can work as advocates. Thanks for sharing…
I agree that children should feel loved and safe. People who are unfamiliar with children with disabilities sometimes do not realize how perceptive all children are, despite communication and cognitive challenges. For example, just because a child cannot speak or is unable to do academic tasks, this does not mean the child does not understand how others feel about them. Much of our language is paralanguage, language that is not spoken word, but body posture, movements, and facial expressions. Tones of voice also convey much. Children, no matter their abilities and outward appearances, should always be treated with utmost respect! Thanks for sharing!
I agree. Children do not ask to be born into this world. Children do have the right to feel safe. Early childhood educators have to opportunity to make a huge difference in their students’ life. Preschool through kindergarten are childrens’ first experience with school. I read several stories about adults which had horrible experiences in preschool or kindergarten and it set a negative tone for the rest of the educational career. Children need to learn that school is fun and a wonderful opportunity. A lifetime of learning is taught in early childhood.
You are so right. Early Childhood educators and staff are really the front line in reporting and preventing child abuse and neglect. Law enforcement and the Courts have their responsibilities but it is the professionals in early childhood who know their children and can read the sometimes subtle cues of abuse and neglect. It takes insight, courage and geniune affection for children to make that call to authorities. We care enough to take the chance of irate parents or systems that don’t always protect our kids.
It was rather difficult to narrow it down to just three. The ideals in which you have chosen are important to the field. Building relationships and respecting our children and their families helps them to feel welcome and it also helps them to build trust.
I love your three codes you chose! The one I really love is #6. I think it is very important that we as educators do not teach and treat every child the same. All children have a differnet way of learning, and we as teachers need to be able to have diverse lesson plan that fosters to all learning styles. Buildng relationships with children is one of the best things to build on when planning lesson plans. Children have unique stories to be told, so buliding that individual realtionship with a child also builds their confidence, trust, courage and compassion with adults.
I agree. Children did not ask to be born so we should be careful as to how we treat them. It’s bad enough when they come to school and have to be there all day and then go home and not spend any time with there parents.
I like all of your choices but the code by the NAEYC about being familiar with the risks and symptons of children because abuse comes in different shapes and sizes and some people don’t even know its abuse.