Connections to Ethics

NAEYC CODE OF ETHICS

...a core value...

"Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage

of the human life cycle."

I couldn't have said it better myself. In order to respect children, and to meet their develomental needs, we must first appreciate that what is going on inside of a child's body and brain is an incredible piece of life. Before we can make a difference, we must value what is already there.

...another core value...

"Recognize that children and adults achieve their full

potential in the context of relationships that are based

on trust and respect."

We are but a product of our own environments. The experiences that we gain over our lifetime shape our paths. The relationships that we build along the way, beginning in our earliest years, provide us with the environments in which we then safely, or unsafely explore. With a strong level of trust and respect, incredible discoveries can be made.

DEC CODE OF ETHICS

...a principle of Professional Development and Preparation...

"We shall continually be aware of issues challenging the field of early childhood special education 

and advocate for changes in laws, regulations, and policies leading to improved outcomes and 

services for young children with disabilities and their families."

With updated information about changes occuring directly within the field, we then have the power to advocate for the changes that support the positive evolution of our practice. We must first know the root and affect of the issue in order to properly understand the action that is or is not being taken.

Motivated to make a difference

“It was discovered that the preschool years are critical. They are the first most fundamental period when children are in fact noticing who they are, and are noticing the attitudes and the stereotypes and the discomforts…”

It is our duty to help children navigate through their critical moments of discovery, whether it is a positive or negative discovery. Just as the preschool years are fun and exciting, they can also be detrimental to the development of a healthy self-image.

A message to the teachers

Yes; Teachers in the U.S. are not always treated the way they should be. Yes; Teachers in the U.S. not only pour all of their energy, time, and resources into their job, but their entire hearts as well. Yes; Teachers in the U.S. are providing our country's future with more hope, chance, and strength than most other professions. Marcy Whitebook said, "The unfortunate reality is that child care employment offers low wages, few job benefits, and limited opportunities for professional advancement." And boy, was she right.

Well ladies and gents, I'm here to tell you that we are going to change that. It may take a while, but educators voices are growing stronger. We are working hard to make our stories known. We certainly are not hesitating to uncover and share the data that states how important we really are. Be proud of the work you do. Don't lose sight in your importance, not only as an educator but as a human being as well. Speak up. We will be heard, and we will change our futures.

Farewell, early educator's paradise....

So here I am.. Writing on the Amtrak train, heading home from Washington, D.C. What an incredible few days it has been. What was I doing in the nation's capitol, you might be asking yourself. I was attending the National Conference and Expo for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Four days of lectures, interactive presentations, resources, books, free Elmers Glue and countless convincing sales persons from companies such as Discount School Supply and Teaching Strategies Gold. To say my past week has been inspiring would be an understatement. At the conference I met leaders in the field of early education that make incredible impacts across various sectors of the field. I had a chance to hear Ella Jenkins sing and Lillian Katz speak. I wish it never ended. Messages of parental value, the need for technological literacy, and strong leadership were most impactful to my experience.

"Every time you give a parent a sense of success or of empowerment, you're offering it to the baby indirectly. Because every time a parent looks at that baby and says 'Oh, you're so wonderful,' that baby just bursts with feeling good about themselves."
- T. Berry Brazelton

 

 

The best part about Dr. Brazelton's quote is that parents and teachers can be interchangeable. If we continue to boost the confidence and internal value of teachers, their positive footprint in a child's path of development grows deeper.



Personal Childhood Web

Grandma. To quote a younger me, "My grandma is the best grandma in the world." The reason I wrote that in a formal quote, is because it is the opening line from an award I gave Grandma Estelle while I was in the fifth grade. She honestly is the most wonderful person I have ever met.  All throughout my life, Grandma Estelle has literally, emotionally, and cognitively been my greatest support. Though she did not live in my home, she was never further than 5 miles away. From delivering forgotten lunches to school, to teaching me her famous butter cookie recipe, I knew, and still know, I can always count on her. As a reading specialist, Grandma emphasized the importance of enjoying the process of learning. Even when I struggled, she found ways to build my confidence. I contribute a major portion of my success directly to her. Even to this date, I can call her in tears, venting about struggles in my workplace, and know that she will always have the right words to brighten my perspective. I could go on for days all of the ways she motivates, inspires, and cares for me. Her heart is made of gold, and for that I am beyond grateful. 

Dad. Good old, Dad. He always finds ways to make me realize that I am not alone in my struggles. As a child, I struggled with believing in myself; especially with academics, as my two siblings truly are exceptional learners. I can remember the first time he made me feel important... I was in middle school, venting about how sad I was that I didn't have close friends. I felt lonely and isolated. We sat in the parking lot of the ice rink, waiting to head inside to watch my older brother's hockey game. As I began to cry, Dad did too. He told him how hard it was for him to make close friends as well. He shared some secrets of his past that affect him greatly, but also shared how he has overcome his struggles. At that moment, I realized that even without close friends, I had the best supporter anyone could ask for.

Jacqueline. Yes, when I was a child, I cried. A lot. It usually came from a situation that revolved around me not getting enough attention. My cousin, Jakky, always seemed to ignore my meltdowns. Even if it happened in the middle of a game of sharks and minnows in her backyard, with all of our family, she almost immediately invited me back into the game as soon as the water works shut down. No matter how ridiculous I was acting or feeling, Jakky always acted as if it didn't mean a thing. To this day, she is my best friend. We openly share opinions, agreeing and disagreeing. I always know that she will have my back, and will always make sure that I am supported no matter what. 

When thinking of the other adults that influenced my childhood, I can't think of many. As a young child, I struggled with emotional regulation, and in turn harbored negative feelings about many people up until very recently. I feel sad that it has taken me so long to see the true intention in their actions, but know that my perceptions are skewed. My mom, for example, always wanted nothing more that to show me love and support. More often than not, I misinterpreted her actions and felt as though she didn't care for me the way she cared for my siblings. As I grow older, I find that I am SO very much like her. Even though we didn't have a strong relationship in the past, I am more than proud to be her daughter. She recently became a Master of Social Work, and wants to dedicate the rest of her like to support others. 

"Every child deserves a childhood, a time of magic and wonder, of safety and security in which to discover what life has to offer." 

-Jim Greenman

When thinking of children's literature that really, truly means something to me, a new book comes to mind: Stuck by Oliver Jeffers. This is a book that has recently been added to my collection, after being recommended by a fellow educator at a recent professional development training. This educator is a model kindergarten teacher, who is constantly thinking outside of the box. The reason she shared this story with me was to inspire a "Why not?" attitude. Throughout the story, the main character finds himself struggling to think of a successful way to get his kite out from a tree. Each page shares a different, yet same solution: throwing a new object into the tree, with hopes that it will knock the kite out. The boy throws object, after object, but each time something new gets stuck. As he finally walks away, too discouraged to continue trying, all of the objects in the tree immediately start brainstorming new, unique ideas to get out of the tree. As sweet as the story is, it also holds a very powerful message: when at first you don't succeed, take the time to think of a new route. More often that not, children find themselves in situations that they can't quite seem to get themselves out of. As educators, it is so important that we provide children with not only the tools, but opportunities to learn ways to solve their own problems. The same approach does not always work. In fact, it very rarely works.