Code of Ethics

There are two areas of the Division of Early Childhood Code of Ethics that really stood out to me. The first being 1. 6. We shall build relationships with individual children and families while individualizing the curricula and learning environments to facilitate young children's development and learning. I whole downheartedly agree that as early educators we must get to know our students on such a cognitive level that we can develop the most appropriate learning environment possible. Each student should have an individual education plan. I know most teachers would not agree with me and tell me that IEP's are not necessary for each child and it would take far too much time to conduct an IEP on each child. I'm sorry but I believe that such young students have different learning styles and modalities that need to be addressed. The next item I found interesting on the DEC's Code of Ethics was 3. 1. We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture. During early childhood education students often realize they are different. They eat different foods at home, speak different languages, and ofter worship different gods. However, as early childhood educators we must develop as sense of trust and understanding between such young students. Teaching children about other cultures is a start but we almost patronize the culture by throwing a Cinco De Mayo party or throwing the Star of David up on the wall without explaining it during the holiday seasons. We need to rethink of cultural education. In short, those were two items I found inspirational and interesting in the DEC Code of Ethics.