I am drawn to the "Ethical Responsibilities to Families" section in the NAEYC's Code of Ethics. As a parent educator, I am highly invested in working with and supporting parents for the best possible outcomes for them and their children. Here are the ideals that spoke to me professionally in that document:
I-2.2 To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve. I work diligently to build relationships with parents from the first time I meet them. I want to know them well and understand their hopes and dreams for their families. I work with them in groups in my classroom but I also do lots of parent education away from my classroom as well. Often times, a parent needs support outside of the context of the curriculum I am delivering in class. I need them to know that I am on their side. Even when we are dealing with very tough topics, my success lies in the fact that parents know I am committed to them and their children.
I-2.3 To welcome all family members and encourage them to participate in the program. I teach 4 terms each school year. Parents register and we draw attendance randomly. It is imperative that we create a community of inclusiveness at ECFE. We are a universal access program that welcomes all learners. Each parent has a voice in each of my classes. I believe that parents need to know that the class belongs to them and that their voice is important.
I-2.8 To help family members enhance their understanding of their children and support the continuing development of their skills as parents. I think the focus on parents at ECFE is what makes our program unique. We are not a early childhood program with a focus on parent education. We are a parent education program in an early childhood setting. We believe that by educating parents, we change the forecast for all children. I support parents, a child's first and most important teacher, in their most important role of their lives.
One of my primary responsibilities as a teacher in an early childhood program is to make referrals for early intervention. The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) code of ethics statement speaks to that responsibility in the "Responsive Family Centered Practices" section.
4. We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers of services for their children. This requires me to be aware of a multitude of resources for families. Because of the relationship I build with families, I can partner with parents as we navigate the sometimes confusing and overwhelming task of making a referral when we suspect that a child is not developing typically.
Empowering families is something that is very important in the education profesion. We have to always be mindful and network with other agencies so that we can provide resources to families. When parents feel that they can trust you as a teacher we can have a lasting relationship that empower the child and the family.
ReplyDeleteI applaud your efforts with parents. Sometimes, I think that parents drop off their children and leave their children's education to the teacher. Some parents forget to realize the impact they have on their child and their attitude towards learning. If parents can learn how to have a stronger voice, as in your program, the partnership between school and home would insure the child's success. Kudos to your work. The school and community are lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteKaty great Codes of Ethics. I always enjoy reading information on ways to better the lives of children and their families.As a Headstart Teacher we are looking for ways to keep the children parents involve with their education.
ReplyDeleteHi Katy,
ReplyDeleteYour heart is really about the family connection, and I like that. I am learning to develop that relationship of trust with my families as well;knowing children are not isolated from their families and the affects families have on their children are lasting.
Great Post!
Hi Katy,
ReplyDeleteI loved your code of ethics that you selected to share with the group, especially I.2.2; that spoke about trust and building partnerships with the family.
I think this has to be in the top 3 when working with children and their families. We as teachers and educators are presented with so many different issues, tasks, and personal information that it is only by the right of the parents and family to ensure a safe comforting relationship with them. A bond of confidentiality also play s a role in trusting and building a relationship with them. Thank You for Sharing.
Sherrell
I like the second point you posted about working with families - so much learning happens in the home that families need to work together to make sure that all children succeed. Families and educators may not always see eye-to-eye, but there is still the opportunity for educators to create that trust with the families that the educator really does have the best interest at heart for all of the children in their classroom. I see this happening in the daycare I work in, from the infants to the preschool kids - the director may not agree with everything the parents are doing to raise their children, but she still has their best interest at heart; and vice versa as well.
ReplyDelete