To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child. (NAEYC, 2005, p. 2 I-1.3).
- Not every person learns and comprehends in the same manner. It is our goal to recognize how to reach each child in their unique setting, with their abilities, and their individual potential. I'm pained when I hear parents and others complain and compare two children. We have to remember when working with children that their emotional stability and/or lack there of is important. Children do hear when someone comments on how behind a certain child is compared to another that is excelling. Recognizing not only a child's level of learning but also how to properly communicate each is important.
To ensure that each child’s culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and valued in the program (NAEYC, 2005, p. 2 I-1.10).
- I read a great article last week during our course readings titled "Helping All Families Participate in School Life." This article gave a great description of the challenges families of other cultures have when dealing with their child's education here in the US. I believe that each child; no matter culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure are all deserved the same equal level of education, participation, and support! It's amazing when learning about the Chinese New Year to have a family from the classroom bring in items from their home country of China and help the classroom celebrate the holiday. The awesome feeling that child has to share their home life with everyone within their class will give them a confidence that is missed out of a lot of classrooms! I believe it is our job as educators to participate in understanding each child for who they are and learn to meet their needs and encourage them where each child is. You can't reach them if you can't see them!
When another person tells us of his or her suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected, we shall assist that person in taking appropriate action in order to protect the child (NAEYC, 2005, p. 3 P-1.10).
- It is our responsibility as an educator to report any suspected behavior that a child may be in danger. As a leader in the education field, it is also my responsibility to help educate others in the field of the proper procedures to follow when dealing with this super sensitive situation! In the past, I have always called upon our local Child Protective Services (CPS) team to come to our centers and supply our staff with proper training through watching videos, lecturing, question and answer time, and real life occurrences. This isn't a scare tactic to show staff of the horrible things that have happened; but this is a way to help educate them properly without question that they understand a policy differently. CPS has a goal to help educate those working in the field as much as our goal should be to be best educated in these practices; therefore the training they offer are FREE! When a teacher or director come to me with a problem or situation asking for advice on this topic I usually tell them; if you have to think about it then I would always call the hotline number. CPS will determine if the call is valid or not.
Interested in contacting your local congress member to advocate for the Early Childhood field? Below is a site for helpful steps to take in the process! If you feel strong about a policy or lack there of then step out and advocate for those that can't speak for themselves.
Want more information to read the complete Code of Ethics? Below are the full resources!
Resources:
Bang, Y.. (2009). Helping All Families Participate in School Life. YC Young Children, 64(6), 97-99. Retrieved April 5, 2011, from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 1908826341).
The Division for Early Childhood (August, 2000). Code of Ethics. Retrieved 13 February 2011. Website: www.dec-sped.org
NAEYC (April, 2005). Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment. Retrieved 13, February 2011. Website: www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETHo5.pdf
Shelly - I like your #2 statement. As educators or human beings in general, we really have to respect everyone's culture and ethnicity. I can remember some time ago, while working in a hospital, (yes, I have worked in quite a few industries), every employee had to take a mandated diversity class. I really learned a lot about how different cultures handle situations in a variety of ways. It gave me a lot of ensight that I still use today!
ReplyDeleteShelly, Your 3rd statement about abuse is so true. I like how you said that if you had to think about it to go ahead and call. I truely believe that we often give parents the benefit of the doubt, but if you give the wrong person the benefit the person you hurt is a child.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your #2 statement about diversity. Like Kaysha said you do have to respect cultures and ethnicity. Everyone grows up differently and every family's values are going to be different.
I like that you included “To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child. (NAEYC, 2005, p. 2 I-1.3).” I agree with you that not everyone learns and comprehends in the same manner. As educators, it is very important that we take this into consideration when working with the children. We should always make sure that we are focusing on the types of learners within our classroom when planning lessons and activities for the children.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing the additional resources!
Shelly,
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading what you have written. On the subject of abuse, we see this everyday whether is be physical, emotional or just plain neglect. Sometimes it is hard to determine what is going on but I 100% agree with what you said, "if you have to think about it go ahead and call". We have a saying in our agency Go ahead and if need be ask for forgiveness later.