After reviewing the NAYEC’s and the DEC’s codes of ethics, I chose three
ideals that I found to be most meaningful to me:
·
“To recognize and respect the unique qualities,
abilities, and potential of each child” (NAEYC, 2005, April)
Each child is a unique individual
with likes, hopes and capabilities. As educators we need to embrace each
student for their specific needs as well as their unique personalities. Our goal should be to lift each of them up
and lead them to their highest potential. What better way to support their growth
than to show them that you respect them for who they are and that you are proud
of them for being themselves.
·
“To create and maintain safe and healthy settings
that foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and
physical development and that respect their dignity
and their contributions.” (NAEYC,
2005, April)
There
is so much research on child development nowadays and specialists have stated
how interconnected the areas of child development are and how important that
all areas are given the same amount of attention. We need to be consciously concerned for the whole child:
the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and creative growth and
development of each individual. Appreciating a holistic approach to
teaching and creating an environment that fosters children`s whole development shows
that we truly care about what is best for each child.
·
“We shall build relationships with
the
individual children
and
families while individualizing the curricula
and
learning environments to facilitate young children’s development and learning.”(The Division for Early Childhood, 2000, August)
By enhancing children`s security and
freedom to both trust and build new relationships, educators promote the
exploration of new learning.
“Children learn how to both love and
learn in their first relationships. How they are loved promotes how they learn.”
(Jayne Singer, 2007)
Building a strong relationship with
the child as well as his/her family is the first step to building a strong learning
foundation for the child. Getting to know the child and his/her interests can
support an educator in creating an environment that the child will feel secure
and happy in. Learning environments where student`s individuality is appreciated
are places where students are sure to thrive.
