Ethics in Early Childhood

When I first started teaching I didn't realize that there were so many resources for professionals in the field of child development. As I began to become really invested in the field and joined the NAEYC I was looking for guiding principals to help me be the best early childhood professional I could be. One of the most important resources I found and still refer to is the NAEYC position statement on Ethical Conduct. This important document gives professionals guiding principals on our responsibilities to children, families, and each other. I think that there are a few that are the most important values and all inservice teachers need to be aware of. These values are 

1. We shall strive to build individual relationships with each child; make individualized adaptations in teaching strategies, learning environments, and curricula; and consult with the family so that each child benefits from the program. If after such efforts have been exhausted, the current placement does not meet a child’s needs, or the child is seriously jeopardizing the ability of other children to benefit from the program, we shall collaborate with the child’s family and appropriate specialists to determine the additional services needed and/or the placement option(s) most likely to ensure the child’s success. (Aspects of this principle may not apply in programs that have a lawful mandate to provide services to a particular population of children.)

2. To respect the dignity and preferences of each family and to make an effort to learn about its structure, culture, language, customs, and beliefs to ensure a culturally consistent environment for all children and
families.

3,We shall recognize the contributions of colleagues to our program and not participate in practices

that diminish their reputations or impair their effectiveness in working with children and families

Resources for the Field

I struggle with finding an effective way to store resources especially articles. I have begun to organize printed articles by category and type (for parents, teachers, or both), so I can pull them when I need to. The problem is it takes up a lot of time and space. Compiling resources into one place has been very helpful. The NAEYC website has archived issues of Young Children on their website for members. With this archive all I had to do is to save the table of contents for easy reference and can pull up and email or print the articles I need. This solves some of my problem. The other problem I have is with resource books, I have been called an addict to reading and collecting books on early childhood and education in general. I have a few that never seem to make it back on the shelf and sit dog eared and highlighted on my desk, or in my bag. These three books have been the foundation of my career and are a must for every library

The Visionary Director by Margie Carter and Deb Curtis- This book has been my guide as I have taken on the role of a center director.I have turned to this valuable resource when I am feeling run down and like I should just give. It gives me inspiration and reinvigorates my sprite.

The second book is The Intentional Teacher by Ann Epstein. This book has helped in in guiding my staff and sharing my personal teaching philosophy and  how to  be sure that everything we do with young children has a purpose full-time job.

The last book that I relied on when I started teaching is the NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practice. This resource I use often when I need to expand or deepen the understanding of a concept of developmentally appropriate practice.

My Personal Childhood Web

In each of our lives we have people who support, nurture, love, and ultimately shape the people we become. As early childhood professionals it is important to reflect on who is in  or micro-system and how they influenced our values and beliefs so that we can enhance the lives of the children we work with.

My mom- My childhood was far from ideal, but my mom loved me unconditionally and allowed me to express myself how I needed to. My mom was a silent support system and was always there if and when I needed her.

My Siblings- I am the youngest of four and my sibling were often given the task of watching me and helping me accomplish whatever small task I needed to accomplish.

My mom's best friend- My mom's best friend was a preschool director and probably one of the most influential people in my life. I spent a lot of time interacting with and watching her, she wanted the best for me and my siblings and supported my mom in what she needed as a single parent.

This is just a small set of the many people in my life growing up whose daily interactions with me influenced my development and gave me a strong foundation in how I life my life.

Everyday Discoveries

 During my day I often find myself wondering down to the infant classroom and spending time with the infants. One of the reasons I love spending time in there and why I was drawn to working with infants and toddlers was because you see new discoveries daily. Earlier this week during one of my visits I was watching one of the 15 month old enrolled in our infant program sitting and working with a puzzle. Each time he put piece in the spot he would clap. As I watched him I thought about how often we overlook these everyday discoveries because we are too busy to notice. This child was demonstrating a strong sense of self and recognition of his own accomplishments. I moved near him and we he clapped I simply said "You did it, you found another piece", after I engaged him he would look at me and clap each time, so a strong relationship with adults was being demonstrated. He moved around the room to find more puzzles and pieces and brought them back to where I was sitting to complete the puzzle.
This simple story shows how important it is to take time and observe what children are doing before we interrupt and respond.

Chilldren's Books

I love children's literature, there is something about selecting just the right book to help guide a childhood through a difficult time or a book that will spark an idea or conversation. Over the years I have had several books that are my favorite and it is usually because it is of great interest to the current group of children. I also am always drawn to the book Parts by Ted Arnold. This simple book is s great story about growing up and the changes that happen to us like our teeth falling out and peeling skin. As adults we tend to take for granted that children will understand the changes that happen to them and forget to explain what is happening to them.

There have been several quotes that I have heard or read that have inspired me in my teaching career. As a program director that statement has been important to me as I guide and plan for training the staff as been...

"Children who engage in rich conversations with responsive adults become reflective thinkers.  Conversation brings deeper meaning to life as children seek to contemplate and understand their world.  Conversation is the comprehension connection." Ketch

As adults in the classroom we have a responsibility to facilitate conversations with children that not only stimulate them to think and communicate on a deeper level, but conversations that challenge us to dig deeper and answer the questions that the children ask of us.