Cultivate Excellence

NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct provides insight to both ideals and practices. Ideals for when things are good and the principles for when things can be better. Many programs do not require early learning practitioners a NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct training. Many veteran teachers have not heard of the Code and individuals in NAEYC accredited programs have reported they only received the document to read over. This is mind boggling because, in the event of a teacher’s liability for an event directly related to the children in their care, the judicial system will want to better understand our industries code of ethics. This is a governing document adopted by early learning practitioners throughout the nation however the very teachers responsible for direct services have not had the opportunity to be trained on the Code.

Did you know? The NAEYC association is comprised of nearly 60,000 individual members of the early childhood community and more than 300 regional Affiliate chapters, all committed to delivering on the promise of high-quality early learning. In addition, the CDA Council for Professional Recognition request the adoption of the Code of Ethical Conduct as a part of the application process? “A community of over 370,000 early educators”; of this community, there are a number of Head Start teachers, assistants and home visitors, because per Head Start Standard: 1302.91 Staff qualifications and competency requirements the CDA Credential is referenced as the minimum educational criteria for EHS, Pre-School and recommended for Home Visitors.

My point in making this connection is the curiosity around indirect service providers such as the training companies and early learning trainers, elementary trainers and instructors are we doing our part? When it comes to accountability, cultivating a culture of excellence are we providing full disclosure? There is no place in this industry for division in the duality of what we do for the practitioner we must provide full disclosure. Every industry is responsible for full disclosure however our orientation, day one is filled with shadowing other employees, meeting and greeting parents, health and safety pre-service. Is this enough to understand the ethical responsibilities early learning providers embark on day one?

Are we providing the underlined understanding of the respected role the teacher will have in the lives of children and their families? Have we cultivated excellence? Learn more about how TIPS for Child Care Institute, Inc. is committed to cultivating excellence daily, together shaping our future.