The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
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The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
- Describe the purpose of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and briefly explain the seven steps to addressing ethical dilemmas as outlined in Part 2 Analyze the Ethical Issuestarting on page 27 in Addressing Ethical Issues.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a body that fosters early childhood education by promoting high quality learning through connecting standards of educational ethics and research. While educators encounter many ethical issues in their line of work with families and children, NAEYC acts a foundational document that maps the moral dimension of early childhood education. Therefore, the primary purpose of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct is to codify professional values and standards to provide guidelines for moral responsibility among teachers, students and families. The ethical committee described in the NAEYC code of ethical conduct helps to unify the field by setting forth a common ground for resolving ethical dilemmas in early childhood education (NAEYC, 2011). The systematic steps to address ethical dilemma as outlined in the NAEYC comprises of seven steps. The first stage is identifying conflicting responsibilities by thinking about the parties involved. These include thinking about the needs and personal obligation towards each group. The second step is brainstorming the possible solution to the problem. Make a list of the possible responses and ideas towards the issue. Consider the ethical finesse before looking for guidance in the NAEYC Code. With finesse, find a reasonable solution that is satisfactory to both parties involved. Relying on the NAEYC code only applies when the issue cannot be solved with diplomacy. After referring the case to NAEYC, the next step is to evaluate the possible solution based on the ethical theory. As Rushworth Kidder says “merely to analyze an ethical dilemma is not to resolve it, choose which side is the nearest right for the circumstance” (Feeney, Freeman, & Pizzolongo, 2012). Summarize the three traditions of moral philosophers and the principles for resolving dilemmas before deciding on the course of action.
- Pretend you are a director of an early care and education program director. Describe the activities you will use to share with your staff the NAEYC Code of Ethics, how the code is organized, and how it might be used in the Early Childhood Profession.
The NAEYC Code of ethical conducts is essential because of many reasons. For example, it sets forth a common basis for resolving ethical dilemmas in early childhood care and education (NAEYC, 2011). Thus, directors of an early care and education program must share with their staff the NAEYC Code of Ethics, how the code is organized, and how it might be used in the early childhood profession. As a director of early care and education program director, I commit myself to foster the values of early childhood education as they are reflected in the NAEYC code of ethical conduct. I intend to provide a safe and stimulating setting where young children can thrive. In my duty to hire staff who work with the children, I plan to choose skilled and qualified personnel with the ability to identify problems and brainstorm potential solutions. Equally, during the process, I intend to advise them to base their professional practice and policies around the NAEYC Code of Ethics. I will also provide training and professional development for staff members. For example, I will offer training and seminars to educate them on how the code is organized and how it might be used in the early childhood profession. I will explain their ethical responsibilities towards the communities, families and children. In resolving conflicts between staff and parents, I will remind the team of their ethical responsibilities towards families. Equally, in supervising the educators and caregivers, I will tell them of their moral duties and responsibilities. Lastly, I will conduct an appraisal to ensure that all caregivers and educators have the skills and support needed to carry out their role effectively in compliance with NAEYC Code of ethics.
References
Feeney, S., Freeman, N., & Pizzolongo, P. (2012). Addressing ethical issues. In Ethics and the early childhood educator: using the NAEYC Code.
NAEYC. (2011). National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment.