As
early childhood professionals it is our responsibility to ensure that every
family and child feel comfortable with the environment and services that are
being provided. It is our ethical and
moral responsibilities to maintain confidentiality, to be supportive and to
encourage families to be active in their children’s development. Educators must honor the family culture and
traditions and incorporate into the program which will reflect that there is a
vested interest to be partners that will benefit the child’s social, emotional,
cognitive, and physical development.
The following statements
make it so plain for those who work with families and children:
Families*
are of primary importance in children’s development. Because the family and the
early childhood practitioner have a common interest in the child’s well-being,
we acknowledge a primary responsibility to bring about communication,
cooperation, and collaboration between the home and early childhood program in
ways that enhance the child’s development, (NAEYC, 2005, April).
We
are committed to enhancing the quality of children’s and families’ lives by
promoting family well-being and participation in typical life activities, (DEC,
2000, August).
Because I have chosen to be an advocate for our military families and
children, I was inclined to review and recommit myself by being more proactive
as I continue to support the needs that have been addressed by families,
children, staff, and community.
Although I will adhere to all of the ethical codes of the NAEYC and DEC,
I have chosen for this assignment to reaffirm the following:
Ideals
I-2.2—To
develop relationships of mutual trust and
I-2.4—To
listen to families, acknowledge and build upon their strengths and
competencies, and learn from families as we support them in their task of
nurturing
children.
Principles
P-2.13—We
shall maintain confidentiality and shall
respect the
family’s right to privacy, refraining from disclosure of confidential information
and intrusion into family life. However, when we have reason to believe that a
child’s welfare is at risk, it is permissible to share confidential information
with agencies, as well as with individuals who have legal responsibility for
intervening in the child’s interest.
Division for Early Childhood
(DEC), (2000, August)ICS
Enhancement
of Children’s and Families’ Quality of Lives
·
We shall advocate for equal access to high quality services and
supports for all children and families to enhance their quality of lives.
Responsive
Family Centered Practices
·
We shall provide services and supports to children and families in
a fair and equitable manner while respecting families’ culture, race, language,
socioeconomic status, marital status, and sexual orientation.
·
We shall collaborate with families and colleagues in setting
meaningful and relevant goals and priorities throughout the intervention
process including the full disclosure of the nature, risk, and potential
outcomes of any interventions.
REFERENCES:
The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.dec-sped.org/
