1. The NAEYC Code of Ethics
    2. Materials Needed
      1. Handout A-1
    3. Ethical Dilemmas Discussion
    4. TEACHER’S KEY



    The NAEYC Code of Ethics





    Materials Needed


    ·   Handout A-1, “Ethical Dilemmas Discussion” and teacher’s key

    ·   NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct: http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf  


     

    Distribute Handout A-1. Divide the class into groups of 3 and assign each group a situation to refer to the Code for help. In their group have them discuss in detail how the code might assist them in handling their situation. Have groups share their responses with the group, then discuss. Have each student complete a form as they follow along.

     

     





    Handout A-1

     

    Ethical Dilemmas Discussion



    These situations require you to weigh competing obligations to children, families, colleagues, community, and society, and to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions. The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct can help you answer the question “What should the good early childhood educator do?” It can help you to understand your ethical responsibilities and provide guidance for addressing ethical dilemmas that arise in the workplace. Where would you look for guidance to the following dilemmas? Give the Ideal or Principle number you would use to make your decision of what to do.

     
    Situation
    Code of Ethics Ideal or Principle
     

    A teacher hears a co-worker tell an insulting joke about children and families of a specific ethnic group.     		 
     

    A teacher tells her director that a 2-year-old in her class has been diagnosed with contagious diarrhea. The director tells her not to mention this to the families of the other children and reminds her to wash her hands well after changing the child’s diaper.     		 
     

    A teacher suspects that a child in his or her classroom is being abused at home. There are often bruises on the child. The teacher reports to the director, who says that it is program policy that the director makes the report.     		 
     

    You have a large and very aggressive child in your group who often frightens and hurts other children. You are spending so much time dealing with this child that the other children are not getting the attention they need.     		 
    You learn that your state's licensing regulations limit group size to 14 2-year-olds. Seventeen children have been assigned to your group.  
     

    Your co-teacher sometimes leaves you alone with the children during the program day while she leaves the center to conduct personal business.     		 
    Parents are questioning the play-based curriculum in your 4-year-old program. They want assurance that their children will be ready for kindergarten.

          		 





    Ethical Dilemmas Discussion





    TEACHER’S KEY

     

    These situations require you to weigh competing obligations to children, families, colleagues, community, and society, and to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions. The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct can help you answer the question “What should the good early childhood educator do?” It can help you to understand your ethical responsibilities and provide guidance for addressing ethical dilemmas that arise in the workplace. Where would you look for guidance to the following dilemmas? Give the Ideal or Principle number you would use to make your decision of what to do.

     
    Situation
    Code of Ethics Ideal or Principle
     

    A teacher hears a co-worker tell an insulting joke about children and families of a specific ethnic group.     		P-3A.1

    I-1.10
     

    A teacher tells her director that a 2-year-old in her class has been diagnosed with contagious diarrhea. The director tells her not to mention this to the families of the other children and reminds her to wash her hands well after changing the child’s diaper.     		P-2.9
     

    A teacher suspects that a child in his or her classroom is being abused at home. There are often bruises on the child. The teacher reports to the director, who says that it is program policy that the director makes the report.     		P-1.8

    P-1.9

    P-1.10, and P1.11
     

    You have a large and very aggressive child in your group who often frightens and hurts other children. You are spending so much time dealing with this child that the other children are not getting the attention they need.     		P-3B.4

    P-3B.5
    You learn that your state's licensing regulations limit group size to 14 2-year-olds. Seventeen children have been assigned to your group. I-1.12
     

    Your co-teacher sometimes leaves you alone with the children during the program day while she leaves the center to conduct personal business.     		P-1.7
    Parents are questioning the play-based curriculum in your 4-year-old program. They want assurance that their children will be ready for kindergarten.

          		P-3A.2

    P-B.5  

    Back to top