NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct

NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct

Guidelines for the early childhood education and care field regarding the responsibilities of professionals when they encounter ethical dilemmas in their work

Values

Qualities or principles that individuals believe to be desirable or worthwhile for themselves and others

Morality

People's views of what is good, right, and proper; their beliefs about their obligations and their ideas about how they should behave

Ethical Dilemma

Moral conflict that involves determining appropriate conduct when an individual faces conflicting professional values and responsibilities

Ethical Responsibilities to Children: Most Important Principle

We shall not harm children. We shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children.

Ethical Responsibilities to Children: Overall Development

We shall care for and educate children in positive emotional and social environments that are cognitively stimulating and that support each child's culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure.

Ethical Responsibilities to Children: Mandated Reporting

We shall be familiar with the risk factors for and symptoms of child abuse and neglect, including physical, sexual, verbal, 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.

Ethical Responsibilities to Children: Information Reporting

When we become aware of a practice or situation that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of children, we have an ethical responsibility to protect children or inform parents and/or others who can.

Ethical Responsibilities to Families: Accessibility

We shall not deny family members access to their child's classroom or program settings unless access is denied by court order or other legal restriction.

Ethical Responsibilities to Families: Program Information

We shall inform families of program philosophy, policies, curriculum, assessment system, cultural practices, and personnel qualifications, and explain why we teach as we do.

Ethical Responsibilities to Families: Communication

We shall make every effort to communicate effectively with all families in a language that they understand. We shall use community resources for translation and interpretation when we do not have sufficient resources in our own programs.

Ethical Responsibilities to Families: Confidentiality

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.

Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues: Acknowledgment

We shall recognize the contributions of colleagues to our programs and not participate in practices that diminish their reputations or impair their effectiveness in working with children and families.

Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues: Questionable Behavior

When we have concerns about the professional behavior of a co-worker, we shall first let that person know of our concern in a way that shows respect for personal dignity and for the diversity to be found among staff members, and then attempt to resolve the matter collegiality and in a confidential manner.

Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues: Policies

We shall follow all program policies. When we do not agree with program policies, we shall attempt to effect change through constructive action within the organization.

Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues: Quality of Program

When we have concern about circumstances or conditions that impact the quality of care and education within the program, we shall inform the program's administration or, when necessary, other appropriate authorities.

Ethical Responsibilities to Community/Society: Communication

We shall communicate openly and truthfully about the nature and extent of services that we provide.

Ethical Responsibilities to Community/Society: Employment

We shall carefully check references and shall not hire or recommend for employment any person whose competence, qualifications, or character makes him or her unsuited for the position.

Ethical Responsibilities to Community/Society: Assessment

We shall be knowledgeable about the appropriate use of assessment strategies and instruments and interpret results accurately to families.

Ethical Responsibilities to Community/Society: Protection

When we become aware of a practice or situation that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of children, we have an ethical responsibility to protect children or inform parents and/or others who can.