The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment (2005) discusses many ideals in the field of Early Childhood Education. To choose three to discuss is a difficult task since this career is such a large part of my heart and soul. I chose to expand on three that focus on family relationships because that is where much of my career has taken me recently, into working with child care providers and center staff members to welcome and develop trusting relationships with the families they work with. The first Ideal in that section, is, "To be familiar with the knowledge base realted to working effectively with families and stay informed through continuing educaiton and training" (NAEYC, 2005). I have found that many providers that have been in the field for many years have the misconception that they do not need continuing education and training in the field of early childhood. I try to stress to them that new research and theories are being developed all the time, and they need to continue to research and read new information when it comes available. In New York State, the regulations require all providers and teachers to receive 15 hours of training a year, and it must cover specific topic areas. There is a reason provider and teachers are required to get training each year, and that is because research and information changes on a regular basis and they need to be informed of the most recent information.
The second ideal, "To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnersthips with the families we serve" (NAEYC, 2005), is a favorite topic of mine to train about. I always start the training out with photos of dancers and figure skaters and ask the participants to give one word descriptions about them. Trust, partnership, fluid movement and love are always workd that come up. I try to instill in them that the relationship they have with the famlies is the same, it is a partnership that is built on trust and should have fluid movement and a common goal...the love of the child.
The third ideal is, "To welcome all family members and encourage them to participate in the program" (NAEYC, 2005). This ideal seems to be the most difficult to talk to particpants about because they seem to have the common frustration that parents do not want to participate and be involved in the program. As a parent educator, I try to teach parents how important it is for them to be involved, how much better it makes the relationship between the parent and provider and a better situation for the child.
These are all ideals for a reason, things that we strive to achieve to the greatest level. It takes small steps, and a partnership between many agencies, providers, and center staff to achieve as close to the ideal as possible. I challange you, my peers, to choose one ideal and make it your mission to work on and teach others to work towards it as well.
Resource:
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved February 19, 2011, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
