Statement of Commitment: Within this profession it is my intent to make a positive difference in the lives of young people. I recognize that young people are our future and commit to meeting the needs of each individual student while acting in the best interest of the children. Also I commit to being a life long learner myself, and will continue to actively contribute to my profession.
Ethical Code Statement: NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct (Revised May 2011) This Statement of Commitment is not part of the Code but is a personal acknowledgment of the individual’s willingness to embrace the distinctive values and moral obligations of the field of early childhood care and education. It is recognition of the moral obligations that lead to an individual becoming part of the profession. As an individual who works with young children, I commit myself to furthering the values of early childhood education as they are reflected in the ideals and principles of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
To the best of my ability I will:
• Never harm children.
• Ensure that programs for young children are based on current knowledge and research of child development and early childhood education.
• Respect and support families in their task of nurturing children.
• Respect colleagues in early childhood care and education and support them in maintaining the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Serve as an advocate for children, their families, and their teachers in community
and society.
• Stay informed of and maintain high standards of professional conduct.
• Engage in an ongoing process of self-reflection, realizing that personal characteristics, biases, and beliefs have an impact on children and families.
• Be open to new ideas and be willing to learn from the suggestions of others.
• Continue to learn, grow, and contribute as a professional.
• Honor the ideals and principles of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
To the best of my ability I will:
• Never harm children.
• Ensure that programs for young children are based on current knowledge and research of child development and early childhood education.
• Respect and support families in their task of nurturing children.
• Respect colleagues in early childhood care and education and support them in maintaining the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Serve as an advocate for children, their families, and their teachers in community
and society.
• Stay informed of and maintain high standards of professional conduct.
• Engage in an ongoing process of self-reflection, realizing that personal characteristics, biases, and beliefs have an impact on children and families.
• Be open to new ideas and be willing to learn from the suggestions of others.
• Continue to learn, grow, and contribute as a professional.
• Honor the ideals and principles of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
Core Values: Standards of ethical behavior in early childhood care and education are based on commitment to the following core values that are deeply rooted in the history of the field of early childhood care and education.
We have made a commitment to:
• Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle.
• Base our work on knowledge of how children develop and learn.
• Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family.
• Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture,* community, and society.
• Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, and colleague).
• Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues.
• Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect.
We have made a commitment to:
• Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle.
• Base our work on knowledge of how children develop and learn.
• Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family.
• Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture,* community, and society.
• Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, and colleague).
• Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues.
• Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect.
Mandated Reporter Statement: As a childcare professional I am legally obligated by Michigan Child Protection Law to report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect to Children's Protective Services at the Department of Health and Human Services. Per Child Protection Law, Section 722.627, I am required to make an immediate verbal report to CPS followed by a written report within 72 hours after suspecting abuse. Failure to report can result in both civil and criminal liability. As a mandated reporter I vow to report any suspicion, even just as an act of good faith, because it is my duty to keep children happy, safe, and healthy.