Lesson 5: Code of Ethical Conduct

Attention

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able

  • Assess and evaluate their level of professional ethics.
  • Identify areas of strength and challenges within their ethical knowledge and skill
  • Discuss values and beliefs as it relates to the Core Values and Statement of Commitment.

Teaching

Most early childhood settings have adopted the Code of Ethical Conduct as part of their values and beliefs.  You may see it imbedded in the mission and vision statement or part of the employee handbook.  The framework was written not only to help educators understand their moral commitments but to offer guidance in addressing ethical issues. 

Another benefit to having the code of ethics is to use it as a reflection tool.  It is easy to get caught up in the difficulties early childhood educators face, especially when working with other adults who follow the same code, but have vastly different philosophical beliefs. 

Section III, of NAEYC’s Code of Ethical Conduct, is the Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues.  Within this second practicum, you will be expected to do some collaborating and problem solving with many different colleagues.  It is inevitable that you will disagree with something that is said or done.  We are human and are entitled to our beliefs. However, it is crucial to your educational development to respect and promote positive relationships.  We are all here with one goal in mind - the children.  We all follow the core values that encompass support and building relationships on trust and respect.

Assessment

Lesson 5 Quiz

On page 117-118 of Professionalism in Early Childhood Education complete the self-assessments for Professional Ethics and Code of Ethics.  Answer each of the following questions.

    1. Were there any scores in either of the self-assessments that you had to put a lot of thought in to?  Why?
    2. Describe two areas of ethical knowledge and skill in which you feel most prepared and confident.  Provide detailed examples
    3. Describe two areas of ethical knowledge and skill on which you need to study or work on.  What is your plan for that?

Possible Class Discussion

Review the Core Values from the NAEYC Code of Ethics and Statement of Commitment.  Are these in line with your own values and beliefs?  Which one stands do you feel most strongly about?  Are there any you are unsure of?

Possible Class Discussion

Is it okay to have different values and beliefs than your colleague(s)?  What do you do if you have different beliefs?