Examining Code of Ethics

This week for class I was required to review the code of ethics and standards for both the National Association for the Education of Young Children(NAEYC) and The Division of Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council  for Exceptional Children. A Code of Ethics or Standards of Conduct, are meant to clarify an organization's mission, values, guiding principles and professional conduct. Here are few standards from both documents that I believe are significant to the life of the ECE professional:

DEC of the Council of Exceptional Children

I. Professional Practice

    A. Professional and Interpersonal Behavior

        1. We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and

       human potential of each child

IV. Ethical and Evidence Based Practices

A.      Evidence Based Practices

1.      We shall rely upon evidence based research and interventions to inform our practice with children and families in our care.

The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.dec-sped.org/

NAEYC

I.1.2 To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development and related disciplines, as well as on particular knowledge of each child.

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

While embracing the both documents in there entirety are integral to providing an exceptional early learning experience for young children, the standards I listed above are significant to me and my professional practice.  I pride myself in honestly value the integrity and unique quality that each young child brings and as an adult working with young learners I believe I should continually provide support and access to environments and experiences that show children their value and potential. 

Is Common Core Ruining Childhood?

Another One bites, the dust ! A popular Blogger, that I follow shared this well articulated letter from a parent to her child's school district, read it, no really read it, print it out and read it. Ask yourself, is common core helping us up or down? How does common core move resistant teachers who are teacher directed and refuse to change their instructional strategies? Are our inner city children equip with the social emotional competence to effectively engage in the cognition required to manage academic content? I don't ask this questions as a cynic, but a champion for children who believes their are educators in the schools of the nation's capitol who are striving to make a difference, however, they are being overlooked as veteran educators and complacent admin teams do nothing and are not held accountable.



Kindergarten Lifestyle: What About "UN- Common" Kids?: Hi friends....I bring something new... and perhaps a bit controversial today. It's a subject that has tugged at my heart for many mo...

Honor The Brave

It's Memorial day and while we pause and give thanks for those who have fought in active military service, courageously and selflessly for  this great nation. Let continue to remember those who are fighting as educators  on the urban education battlefield. 

Personal Childhood Web

Understanding your systems of supports and being able to identify your "go-to" folk is so paramount to my sanity, growth and sustenance.  The folks in my circle have not only birthed me, they have built me, nurtured me and sustain me to this day.  In my circle of five I name my mother, father, 2 best friends from age 5 and my maternal aunt rose and although a very recent addition, my daughter must be included. 

Naturally my mother and father have challenged me to consistently defy the odds and be the best version of me that the world would ever see. My mother was and is not a overly affectionate woman, however as I grew older I learned to value her unique language oaf love and find myself speaking the same love language with folks in my inner circle.  Growing up, I was the oldest and the only girl, therefore my father overindulged me and cared for my physical and emotional well being, while my mother was the disciplinarian and force behind education, my dad was the pillow I layer my head on nightly. My dad has always been a minster in my local church. He's role in both my church and home family has aided to build my moral character and define my personal values and morals.  The best memory I carry of my dad was my 3rd year in college, when he showed up at my dorm room with a dozen red roses to take me out on a "date", he said he wanted to the guys on campus to know I was cared for and that their feeble attempts to woo me would yield no efforts. The unbelievable confidence that both my parents drilled into my mind has created a confident woman who marches to the beat of her own drum master. My father is now my pastor and my mother the "first lady" of my church. Today, I learn so much as I work with my father to develop a Christian education program for our church and now discuss personal conflicts and issues with my mom. 

My best girlfriends Nikki and Kerryann have been my friends as long as I can remember. Our friendships were formed in church and have remained strong. We are the fearless 3 all unique in our own right. Nikki is the relentless go-getter, well disciplined and determined. She has the loudest bark and the smallest bite of the magnificent 3. A few years older than me she has always sought to teach me with her own mistakes. She always reminded me those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Nikki has always been authentic and transparent, a value that we consistently share. Kerryann, is the more conservative of the three. She has been the weight to keep Nikki and I grounded. She has always been the good girl out of the group, always reminding us that there is a right and wrong way in everything. Both girls although unique, they love and appreciated me for me. Their unconditional acceptance of me, flaws and all have been my anchor when I have felt the world has turned it's back on me. Being the baby of the threesome they both have always protected me and sheltered me. 

My maternal aunt Rose was my second mom, growing up. When my mother could not handle my overemotional break downs, my aunt Rose lovingly came in and worked as a mediator between my mom and me. Growing up, aunt rose advocated for me and was my voice when others would not listen to me or believed I could not do it. Attending school in a primarily white community, being a first generation immigrant, educators often overlooked my ability and confused my learning style with an inability to comprehend academic information. From elementary school to this very day, my aunt has always championed for me to go as far in my education as I could possibly go. She is delighted that I have returned to school to continue pursuit of my master’s degree.

Finally, my daughter is and must be include in my circle of five. Although she has not been there at the beginning of my life, she has a great influence in shaping me and loving me. My daughter is my beacon, my strengthen and often time the only reason, I get up and do what must be done. 

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

As an ECE worker you often have to be your own cheerleader and external motivation. The passion and inspiration you find must remind you daily of the importance of your work as well as who you are doing the work for. Listening to an interview with Raymond Hernandez, the Executive Director of the School of ECE @ University of Southern California, I heard him say something that resonated with me. Mr. Hernadez said, "...as an adult it is now my turn to create opportunities for parents and thier children." This statement illuminated my thinking and reminded me that the best educators and ECE workers where once great students and individuals who had childhood's that left such an impression they had an intrinsic desire to give back. On my most challenging days, I think about the importance of my work in the lives of children and it is just what I need to recharge.

Other quotes to recharge, inspire and ignite...

" Children are not succeeding because they are not given the tools they need not because they don't have the intelligence." (Louise Derman- Sparks)

Dr. Lilian Katz: What Should Children Be Learning? | 92Y Parenting & Family

Dr. Lilian Katz is a renowned leader in Public Early Childhood Education. Here she is presenting on children learning standards and the foundation stage.  My favored quote by her is stated at 33:18 in the video.  "Teacher's tell me they are teaching their children listening skills, by the way, most children already have them just try whispering."   I love the candor and simple honesty in her retort.

Sue Bredekamp Discusses Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)

Dr. Sue Bredekamp Ph.D,  has been a champion of Child Care and ECE education for years. One of my favored quotes from her is, "The fact that not only do you have to consider children as individuals, but you also have to consider children as members of groups with their own cultural identities."  This quotes speaks to the unique and valuable micro, macro and exso- systems that work together to develop and nurture the whole child.