Code of Ethical Conduct for Child Care Workers

NAEYC National Association for the Education of Young Children

Preamble NAEYC recognizes that many daily decisions are required of those who work with young children. Most are of a moral or ethical nature

So... In 1989 they developed a code of ethical conduct for child care workers

The code contains Guidelines for responsible behavior (guide conduct)Guidelines for responsible behavior (guide conduct) And a common basis for resolving problemsAnd a common basis for resolving problems The focus is on daily practices with children & their familiesThe focus is on daily practices with children & their families

Often... The best ethical course of action to take is not always obvious Or there may be no apparent positive way to handle a situation

The Code Has four sections of ethical responsibilities to 1.Children 2.Families 3.Colleagues 4.Community & society

Section I Summary To be familiar with the education knowledge base and keep current in child care issues while maintaining a safe healthy setting Above all - not to harm a child

Never to discriminate against a child To adapt teaching strategies and environments for the children Report suspected child abuse

Section II Summary To develop relationships of trust To respect the dignity of each family’s culture, language, beliefs and customs

Never to deny family members access to their child’s classroom or program To inform the family of policies and personnel qualifications To involve them in decision-making that affects their child

Section III Summary To be respectful, cooperative and trustworthy To share resources & information with co- workers

To exercise care in expressing personal views To be professional and help provide a quality program Do nothing to diminish the reputation of the program

Section IV Summary To provide the community with a high- quality education/care program To promote cooperation among agencies

To work toward an environmentally safe world in which all children receive health care, food, shelter and live free from violence To communicate openly and honestly

A complete Code of Ethical Conduct can be downloaded at