Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

(Book Review on Early Childhood Education)

Brittany Green (Clayton)

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana

Code of Ethics

The code of ethics is a group of guidelines for early education teachers and anyone who works
with young children to help them with the decisions they may face daily that could have moral or ethical
implications. It demonstrates responsible behavior and is a common basis for them to look at for
resolving dilemmas. This is important in giving every child the same opportunity and not discriminating
against them for any reason such as disability, religion and race. When people think of the code of
ethics, they think that it focuses only on religion and race, but there is so much more to it than just that.

The scenario I chose to write about was dilemma 5. In this dilemma the director of a childcare
center notices signs of abuse that were obvious. She knows that she should report the case to the local
child protective services agency but is hesitant because the last time that she did this a social worker
visited the family but did not intervene properly and because of this the family left town and were never
heard from again. This left the teacher worried for the child’s safety knowing she could no longer help
them.

Section one of the code of ethics is what I would use to solve this dilemma. Knowing that this
child is in an unsafe environment, it is my responsibility as an educator to intervene. I understand that a
social worker in the past may have made the wrong decision in determining whether to remove the
previous child, but that situation has nothing to do with this one and it is my job not only as a teacher
but also as a mother and an adult to do what I can to help this child.

Principle 1.1 says “Above all, 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.” (Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment, NAEYC, May 2011,
www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-
statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf) This principle states that we
shall not harm children. Even though we are not directly hurting the child in this scenario, not stopping
their abuse and not being their advocate is harmful to them. It is our job to protect them when no one
else will and we need to do what it takes to help them, no matter what we believe the outcome could
be.

Principle 1.4 says “We shall use two-way communications to involve all those with relevant
knowledge (including families and staff) in decisions concerning a child, as appropriate, ensuring
confidentiality of sensitive information.” (Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment,
NAEYC,May2011,www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globallyshared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position
-statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf). This principle states that we
need to use communication in making the decisions best for the child while making sure that
confidentiality is maintained. This principle may not seem as important as other ones were but keeping
the child’s privacy is important. You don’t want other parents or teachers talking about what is
happening with the child outside of the situation. This could cause additional harm to the child.

Principle 1.8 says “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.” (Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment,
NAEYC,May2011,www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globallyshared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position
-statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf). This principle is important
because knowing the symptoms and signs of neglect and abuse are the first steps in getting the child
Code of Ethics

help. State law says that we must report any signs of abuse to the proper channels. This should begin by
speaking to the child and the principal. Once the report has been made to the principal getting the social
worker involved would be the next step. Ignoring the problem in fear that nothing will happen will only
make things worse for the child.

Principle 1.9 says “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.” (Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment,
NAEYC,May2011,www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globallyshared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position
-statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf). As I stated in the previous
point, reporting the suspected abuse to the proper people is an important step. You as a teacher can not
handle this situation on your own and need to reach out to others who have specialized in these
problems.

Principle 1.11 says “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.” (Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment,
NAEYC,May2011,www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globallyshared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position
-statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf). Protecting our children is a
major aspect in making our children feel safe. Schools are safe places for children and they always
should feel this way. Informing parents is something to do if you don’t feel that the parents are the
problem, in this scenario however, informing them would not help. You need to inform the proper
authorities of the situation and get the child out as soon as you can.

In conclusion, as educators who are with children for several hours in a day, it is imperative that
we ensure that school is a safe place for all students, and they feel that they can trust those who are
charged with their care. As a teacher, it is important to notice signs of abuse and to take the proper
steps to ensure the situation is handled appropriately and in a way that is in the best interest of the
child. If abuse is suspected, educators are then responsible for taking the proper steps to ensure the
issue is resolved.
Code of Ethics

(Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment,

NAEYC,May2011,www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globallyshared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position
-statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf).