Examining Codes of Ethics

 Examining Codes of Ethics

Among your required readings this week are two code of ethics statements. I reviewed these documents and I identified four codes that I find to be meaningful to me, and I considered how each has become or will become a part of your professional life.

NAEYC Codes:

P-1.9—When we have reasonable cause to suspect child

abuse or neglect, we shall report it to the appropriate

community agency and follow up to ensure that

appropriate action has been taken. When appropriate,

parents or guardians will be informed that the referral

will be or has been made.

As a teacher, my goal is to make sure my students are learning in a safe environment and once they go home they continue to feel a sense of safety, if not the child will not be able to focus on what I am teaching and will not be receptive to new idea’s because they are consumed with the many issues they must face once they leave school. During my first year of teaching, one of my second grade students began to become very “needy” of me she wasn’t like this with anyone else…that student later said “Ms. Harris, I have to tell you something but my mom and dad said not to tell anyone”. …came out of my students mouth caused me to call my principal immediately and later excuse myself from the classroom (in a non-disturbing manner). My student was being abused and I had to appropriate action to ensure the well being of my student. It was very difficult for me to find out that a child is not being loved and protected the way a child should, so I am in full support of this particular code.

P-1.2—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.

Children should be in a learning environment that supports their culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure. As a minority, I would often go into my sons classrooms and I would look for books, posters or anything that reflected who he is and I not only saw any artifacts, but I was even more upset at the fact that between two schools there were no minority teachers. I have learned people identify with things that closely mirror their image and in order to boost a child confidence, we should educated children of their culture as well as other cultures through foods, clothing, music, literature and ect…

I feel as this NAYCE and DEC Codes are parallel:

NAYCE Code:

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.

In order to better serve your community and the families within the schools that I work with, I try to interact with my students families so that I can find out what they like/dislike as a family and what they value so that I can incorporate some of their interest into my lessons when I’m teaching.  

DEC Code:

Enhancement of Children’s and Families’ Quality of Lives

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.

In order to better serve your community and the families within the schools that I work with, I try to interact with my students families so that I can find out what they like/dislike as a family and what they value so that I can incorporate some of their interest into my lessons when I’m teaching.  

References:

 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

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

A Note of Thanks and Support

A Note of Thanks and Support
 
During the past weeks my colleagues and I forged a collaborative learning community; we shared information and insights with each other, and supported each other. As I prepare to move on, I wanted to take a minute to acknowledge how my colleagues have supported me, and how I have supported them.
I must admit prior to taking this course, I thought I knew exactly the way the course would play out since I took other courses here at Walden University. However, I was wrong and for the first time, I was proud to be wrong. This course was more interactive than what I had anticipated…I have to say blogging played a huge role in my interacting with my peers.
In addition, I had an opportunity to learn more about my classmates which made it more personal. For example, we learned of each other’s zip codes and we were able to find out some interesting facts about the places we lived. We also shared why we wanted to attend Walden University and how in our own ways are bring new ideas to educating today’s youth and their families. With that said, I felt as if I began to get to know my classmates on an academic and social level as well. As a result of this interaction, I found that several of my classmates would personally e-mail me if they had a question , concern, or simply let me know if I submitted something in the wrong area  so I wouldn’t get points taken off  for an assignment (Thanks Elizabeth J). And I had other classmates whom showed support in other ways. For example, Some would simply say I look forward to your discussion post because they are so insightful, or either someone would give insight on a topic  by making comments that made me think about a subject in a totally different manner. But I always tried to support my classmates by posting comments that were thought provoking, or simply sharing my experiences to motivate someone else to continue furthering their education as a single parent regardless of their age and or circumstance.

I feel as if we all showed support of each other by sharing resources, pictures of our special loved ones, and intimate thoughts about losing loved ones shortly after graduating college, or enjoying silly poses in wedding pictures . I found these ideals and moments to be priceless and I am thankful that my classmates shared these moments with me and I was able to share myself with everyone in the class as well. Everyone has truly motivated to continue to be an advocate for children and I wish everyone success professionally, personally, and academically.

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT AND BEST WISHES TO ALL!!