CODE OF ETHICS
AND STANDARD PRACTICES FOR TEXAS EDUCATORS
Effective 11/22/10
ENFORCEABLE STANDARDS
I.
Professional Ethical Conduct, Practices and Performance.
Standard 1.1. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly engage in deceptive
practices regarding official policies of the school district, educational institution, educator preparation
program, the Texas Education Agency, or the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and its
certification process.
Standard 1.2. The educator shall not knowingly misappropriate, divert or use monies, personnel,
property or equipment committed to his or her charge for personal gain or advantage.
Standard 1.3. The educator shall not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement, expenses or pay.
Standard 1.4. The educator shall not use institutional or professional privileges for personal or partisan
advantage.
Standard 1.5. The educator shall neither accept nor offer gratuities, gifts, or favors that impair
professional judgment or to obtain special advantage. This standard shall not restrict the acceptance of
gifts or tokens offered and accepted openly from students, parents of students or other persons or
organizations in recognition or appreciation of service.
Standard 1.6. The educator shall not falsify records, or direct or coerce others to do so.
Standard 1.7. The educator shall comply with state regulations, written local school board policies and
other state and federal laws.
Standard 1.8. The educator shall apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or a responsibility on the
basis of professional qualifications.
Standard 1.9. The educator shall not make threats of violence against school district employees, school
board members, students or parents of students.
Standard 1.10. The educator shall be of good moral character and demonstrate that he or she is worthy
to instruct or supervise the youth of this state.
Standard 1.11. The educator shall not intentionally or knowingly misrepresent the circumstances of his
or her prior employment, criminal history, and/or disciplinary record when applying for subsequent
employment.
Standard 1.12. The educator shall refrain from the illegal use or distribution of controlled substances
and/or abuse of prescription drugs and toxic inhalants.
Standard 1.13. The educator shall not consume alcoholic beverages on school property or during school
activities when students are present.
II.
Ethical Conduct Toward Professional Colleagues.
Standard 2.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential health or personnel information concerning
colleagues unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.
Standard 2.2. The educator shall not harm others by knowingly or recklessly making false statements
about a colleague or the school system.
Standard 2.3. The educator shall adhere to written local school board policies and state and federal laws
regarding the hiring, evaluation, and dismissal of personnel.
Standard 2.4. The educator shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political, professional or
citizenship rights and responsibilities.
Standard 2.5. The educator shall not discriminate against or coerce a colleague on the basis of race,
color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, family status, or sexual orientation.
Standard 2.6. The educator shall not use coercive means or promise of special treatment in order to
influence professional decisions or colleagues.
Standard 2.7. The educator shall not retaliate against any individual who has filed a complaint with the
SBEC or who provides information for a disciplinary investigation or proceeding under this chapter.
III.
Ethical Conduct Toward Students.
Standard 3.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential information concerning students unless
disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.
Standard 3.2. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently treat a student
or minor in a manner that adversely affects or endangers the learning, physical health, mental health or
safety of the student or minor.
Standard 3.3. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly misrepresent facts
regarding a student.
Standard 3.4. The educator shall not exclude a student from participation in a program, deny benefits to
a student, or grant an advantage to a student on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, national
origin, religion, family status, or sexual orientation.
Standard 3.5. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly engage in physical
mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of a student or minor.
Standard 3.6. The educator shall not solicit or engage in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with
a student or minor.
Standard 3.7. The educator shall not furnish alcohol or illegal / unauthorized drugs to any person under
21 years of age or knowingly allow any person under 21 years of age to consume alcohol or illegal /
unauthorized drugs in the presence of the educator.
Standard 3.8. The educator shall maintain appropriate professional educator-student relationships and
boundaries based on a reasonably prudent educator standard.
Standard 3.9. The educator shall refrain from inappropriate communication with a student or minor,
including, but not limited to, electronic communication such as cell phone, text messaging, email,
instant messaging, blogging, or other social network communication. Factors that may be considered in
assessing whether the communication is inappropriate include, but are not limited to:
(i)
The nature, purpose, timing, and amount of the communication;
(ii)
The subject matter of the communication;
(iii) Whether the communication was made openly or the educator attempted to conceal the
communication;
(iv)
Whether the communication could be reasonably interpreted as soliciting sexual contact or a
romantic relationship;
(v)
Whether the communication was sexually explicit; and
(vi)
Whether the communication involved discussion(s) of the physical or sexual attractiveness or the
sexual history, activities, preferences, or fantasies of either the educator or the student.
POSITION STATEMENT
Code of Ethical Conduct
and Statement of Commitment
Revised April 2005,
Reaffirmed and Updated May 2011
A position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children
Endorsed by the Association for Childhood Education International and
Southern Early Childhood Association
Adopted by the National Association for Family Child Care
Preamble
NAEYC recognizes that those who work with young
children face many daily decisions that have moral and
ethical implications. The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
offers guidelines for responsible behavior and sets forth a
common basis for resolving the principal ethical dilemmas
encountered in early childhood care and education. The
Statement of Commitment is not part of the Code but is a
personal acknowledgement of an individual’s willingness to
embrace the distinctive values and moral obligations of the
field of early childhood care and education.
The primary focus of the Code is on daily practice with
children and their families in programs for children from birth
through 8 years of age, such as infant/toddler programs,
preschool and prekindergarten programs, child care centers,
hospital and child life settings, family child care homes,
kindergartens, and primary classrooms. When the issues
involve young children, then these provisions also apply to
specialists who do not work directly with children, including
program administrators, parent educators, early childhood
adult educators, and officials with responsibility for program
monitoring and licensing. (Note: See also the “Code of Ethical Conduct: Supplement for Early Childhood Adult Educators,” online at www.naeyc.org/about/positions/pdf/ethics04.
pdf. and the “Code of Ethical Conduct: Supplement for Early
Childhood Program Administrators,” online at http://www.
naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05_supp.pdf)
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
* The term culture includes ethnicity, racial identity, economic
level, family structure, language, and religious and political beliefs,
which profoundly influence each child’s development and relationship to the world.
Copyright © 2011 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
Conceptual framework
The Code sets forth a framework of professional responsibilities in four sections. Each section addresses an area
of professional relationships: (1) with children, (2) with
families, (3) among colleagues, and (4) with the community and society. Each section includes an introduction
to the primary responsibilities of the early childhood
practitioner in that context. The introduction is followed
by a set of ideals (I) that reflect exemplary professional
practice and by a set of principles (P) describing practices that are required, prohibited, or permitted.
The ideals reflect the aspirations of practitioners.
The principles guide conduct and assist practitioners in
resolving ethical dilemmas.* Both ideals and principles
are intended to direct practitioners to those questions
which, when responsibly answered, can provide the
basis for conscientious decision making. While the Code
provides specific direction for addressing some ethical
dilemmas, many others will require the practitioner to
combine the guidance of the Code with professional
judgment.
The ideals and principles in this Code present a
shared framework of professional responsibility that
affirms our commitment to the core values of our field.
The Code publicly acknowledges the responsibilities
that we in the field have assumed, and in so doing supports ethical behavior in our work. Practitioners who
face situations with ethical dimensions are urged to seek
guidance in the applicable parts of this Code and in the
spirit that informs the whole.
Often “the right answer”—the best ethical course of
action to take—is not obvious. There may be no readily
apparent, positive way to handle a situation. When one
important value contradicts another, we face an ethical
dilemma. When we face a dilemma, it is our professional
responsibility to consult the Code and all relevant parties to find the most ethical resolution.
Section I
Ethical Responsibilities to Children
Childhood is a unique and valuable stage in the human
life cycle. Our paramount responsibility is to provide
care and education in settings that are safe, healthy,
nurturing, and responsive for each child. We are commit-
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ted to supporting children’s development and learning;
respecting individual differences; and helping children
learn to live, play, and work cooperatively. We are also
committed to promoting children’s self-awareness, competence, self-worth, resiliency, and physical well-being.
Ideals
I-1.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base of early
childhood care and education and to stay informed
through continuing education and training.
I-1.2—To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development, and related disciplines, as well
as on particular knowledge of each child.
I-1.3—To recognize and respect the unique qualities,
abilities, and potential of each child.
I-1.4—To appreciate the vulnerability of children and
their dependence on adults.
I-1.5—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.
I-1.6—To use assessment instruments and strategies
that are appropriate for the children to be assessed,
that are used only for the purposes for which they
were designed, and that have the potential to benefit
children.
I-1.7—To use assessment information to understand
and support children’s development and learning, to
support instruction, and to identify children who may
need additional services.
I-1.8—To support the right of each child to play and
learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs
of children with and without disabilities.
I-1.9—To advocate for and ensure that all children,
including those with special needs, have access to the
support services needed to be successful.
I-1.10—To ensure that each child’s culture, language,
ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and valued in the program.
I-1.11—To provide all children with experiences in a
language that they know, as well as support children
in maintaining the use of their home language and in
learning English.
I-1.12—To work with families to provide a safe and
smooth transition as children and families move from
one program to the next.
* There is not necessarily a corresponding principle for each ideal.
Copyright © 2011 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
Principles
P-1.1—Above all, we shall not harm children. We shall
not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading,
dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children.
This principle has precedence over all others in
this Code.
P-1.2—We shall care for and educate children in positive
emotional and social environments that are cognitively
stimulating and that support each child’s culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure.
P-1.3—We shall not participate in practices that discriminate against children by denying benefits, giving special
advantages, or excluding them from programs or
activities on the basis of their sex, race, national origin,
immigration status, preferred home language, religious
beliefs, medical condition, disability, or the marital
status/family structure, sexual orientation, or religious
beliefs or other affiliations of their families. (Aspects of
this principle do not apply in programs that have a lawful mandate to provide services to a particular population of children.)
P-1.4—We shall use two-way communications to involve
all those with relevant knowledge (including families
and staff) in decisions concerning a child, as appropriate, ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information.
(See also P-2.4.)
P-1.5—We shall use appropriate assessment systems,
which include multiple sources of information, to
provide information on children’s learning and development.
P-1.6—We shall strive to ensure that decisions such as
those related to enrollment, retention, or assignment
to special education services, will be based on multiple sources of information and will never be based
on a single assessment, such as a test score or a single
observation.
P-1.7—We shall strive to build individual relationships
with each child; make individualized adaptations in
teaching strategies, learning environments, and curricula; and consult with the family so that each child
benefits from the program. If after such efforts have
been exhausted, the current placement does not meet
a child’s needs, or the child is seriously jeopardizing
the ability of other children to benefit from the program, we shall collaborate with the child’s family and
appropriate specialists to determine the additional
services needed and/or the placement option(s) most
likely to ensure the child’s success. (Aspects of this
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principle may not apply in programs that have a lawful
mandate to provide services to a particular population
of children.)
P-1.8—We shall be familiar with the risk factors for and
symptoms of child abuse and neglect, including physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse and physical,
emotional, educational, and medical neglect. We shall
know and follow state laws and community procedures
that protect children against abuse and neglect.
P-1.9—When we have reasonable cause to suspect child
abuse or neglect, we shall report it to the appropriate community agency and follow up to ensure that
appropriate action has been taken. When appropriate,
parents or guardians will be informed that the referral
will be or has been made.
P-1.10—When another person tells us of his or her
suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected, we
shall assist that person in taking appropriate action in
order to protect the child.
P-1.11—When we become aware of a practice or situation that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of
children, we have an ethical responsibility to protect
children or inform parents and/or others who can.
Section II
Ethical Responsibilities to Families
Families* are of primary importance in children’s development. Because the family and the early childhood
practitioner have a common interest in the child’s wellbeing, we acknowledge a primary responsibility to bring
about communication, cooperation, and collaboration
between the home and early childhood program in ways
that enhance the child’s development.
Ideals
I-2.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base related to
working effectively with families and to stay informed
through continuing education and training.
I-2.2—To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.
I-2.3—To welcome all family members and encourage
them to participate in the program, including involvement in shared decision making.
* The term family may include those adults, besides parents, with
the responsibility of being involved in educating, nurturing, and
advocating for the child.
Copyright © 2011 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
I-2.4—To listen to families, acknowledge and build upon
their strengths and competencies, and learn from
families as we support them in their task of nurturing
children.
I-2.5—To respect the dignity and preferences of each
family and to make an effort to learn about its structure, culture, language, customs, and beliefs to ensure
a culturally consistent environment for all children and
families.
I-2.6—To acknowledge families’ childrearing values and
their right to make decisions for their children.
I-2.7—To share information about each child’s education and development with families and to help them
understand and appreciate the current knowledge base
of the early childhood profession.
I-2.8—To help family members enhance their understanding of their children, as staff are enhancing their
understanding of each child through communications
with families, and support family members in the continuing development of their skills as parents.
I-2.9—To foster families’ efforts to build support networks and, when needed, participate in building
networks for families by providing them with opportunities to interact with program staff, other families,
community resources, and professional services.
Principles
P-2.1—We shall not deny family members access to their
child’s classroom or program setting unless access is
denied by court order or other legal restriction.
P-2.2—We shall inform families of program philosophy,
policies, curriculum, assessment system, cultural practices, and personnel qualifications, and explain why we
teach as we do—which should be in accordance with
our ethical responsibilities to children (see Section I).
P-2.3—We shall inform families of and, when appropriate, involve them in policy decisions. (See also I-2.3.)
P-2.4—We shall ensure that the family is involved in significant decisions affecting their child. (See also P-1.4.)
P-2.5—We shall make every effort to communicate effectively with all families in a language that they understand. We shall use community resources for translation and interpretation when we do not have sufficient
resources in our own programs.
P-2.6—As families share information with us about their
children and families, we shall ensure that families’ input
is an important contribution to the planning and implementation of the program.
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P-2-7—We shall inform families about the nature and
purpose of the program’s child assessments and how
data about their child will be used.
P-2.8—We shall treat child assessment information confidentially and share this information only when there
is a legitimate need for it.
P-2.9—We shall inform the family of injuries and incidents involving their child, of risks such as exposures
to communicable diseases that might result in infection, and of occurrences that might result in emotional
stress.
P-2.10—Families shall be fully informed of any proposed
research projects involving their children and shall
have the opportunity to give or withhold consent
without penalty. We shall not permit or participate in
research that could in any way hinder the education,
development, or well-being of children.
P-2.11—We shall not engage in or support exploitation
of families. We shall not use our relationship with a
family for private advantage or personal gain, or enter
into relationships with family members that might impair our effectiveness working with their children.
P-2.12—We shall develop written policies for the protection of confidentiality and the disclosure of children’s
records. These policy documents shall be made available to all program personnel and families. Disclosure
of children’s records beyond family members, program
personnel, and consultants having an obligation of
confidentiality shall require familial consent (except in
cases of abuse or neglect).
P-2.13—We shall maintain confidentiality and shall respect the family’s right to privacy, refraining from disclosure of confidential information and intrusion into
family life. However, when we have reason to believe
that a child’s welfare is at risk, it is permissible to share
confidential information with agencies, as well as with
individuals who have legal responsibility for intervening in the child’s interest.
P-2.14—In cases where family members are in conflict
with one another, we shall work openly, sharing our
observations of the child, to help all parties involved
make informed decisions. We shall refrain from becoming an advocate for one party.
P-2.15—We shall be familiar with and appropriately refer
families to community resources and professional support services. After a referral has been made, we shall
follow up to ensure that services have been appropriately provided.
Copyright © 2011 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
Section III
Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues
In a caring, cooperative workplace, human dignity is respected, professional satisfaction is promoted, and positive relationships are developed and sustained. Based
upon our core values, our primary responsibility to
colleagues is to establish and maintain settings and relationships that support productive work and meet professional needs. The same ideals that apply to children also
apply as we interact with adults in the workplace. (Note:
Section III includes responsibilities to co-workers and to
employers. See the “Code of Ethical Conduct: Supplement for Early Childhood Program Administrators” for
responsibilities to personnel (employees in the original
2005 Code revision), online at http://www.naeyc.org/
files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05_supp.pdf.)
A—Responsibilities to co-workers
Ideals
I-3A.1—To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and cooperation with co-workers.
I-3A.2—To share resources with co-workers, collaborating to ensure that the best possible early childhood
care and education program is provided.
I-3A.3—To support co-workers in meeting their professional needs and in their professional development.
I-3A.4—To accord co-workers due recognition of professional achievement.
Principles
P-3A.1—We shall recognize the contributions of colleagues to our program and not participate in practices
that diminish their reputations or impair their effectiveness in working with children and families.
P-3A.2—When we have concerns about the professional
behavior of a co-worker, we shall first let that person
know of our concern in a way that shows respect for
personal dignity and for the diversity to be found
among staff members, and then attempt to resolve the
matter collegially and in a confidential manner.
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P-3A.3—We shall exercise care in expressing views
regarding the personal attributes or professional
conduct of co-workers. Statements should be based on
firsthand knowledge, not hearsay, and relevant to the
interests of children and programs.
P-3A.4—We shall not participate in practices that discriminate against a co-worker because of sex, race, national origin, religious beliefs or other affiliations, age,
marital status/family structure, disability, or sexual
orientation.
B—Responsibilities to employers
Ideals
I-3B.1—To assist the program in providing the highest
quality of service.
I-3B.2—To do nothing that diminishes the reputation
of the program in which we work unless it is violating
laws and regulations designed to protect children or is
violating the provisions of this Code.
Principles
P-3B.1—We shall follow all program policies. When we
do not agree with program policies, we shall attempt
to effect change through constructive action within the
organization.
P-3B.2—We shall speak or act on behalf of an organization only when authorized. We shall take care to acknowledge when we are speaking for the organization
and when we are expressing a personal judgment.
P-3B.3—We shall not violate laws or regulations designed to protect children and shall take appropriate
action consistent with this Code when aware of such
violations.
P-3B.4—If we have concerns about a colleague’s behavior, and children’s well-being is not at risk, we may
address the concern with that individual. If children
are at risk or the situation does not improve after it has
been brought to the colleague’s attention, we shall report the colleague’s unethical or incompetent behavior
to an appropriate authority.
P-3B.5—When we have a concern about circumstances
or conditions that impact the quality of care and
education within the program, we shall inform the
program’s administration or, when necessary, other
appropriate authorities.
Copyright © 2011 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
Section IV
Ethical Responsibilities to Community
and Society
Early childhood programs operate within the context
of their immediate community made up of families and
other institutions concerned with children’s welfare.
Our responsibilities to the community are to provide
programs that meet the diverse needs of families, to
cooperate with agencies and professions that share the
responsibility for children, to assist families in gaining
access to those agencies and allied professionals, and to
assist in the development of community programs that
are needed but not currently available.
As individuals, we acknowledge our responsibility to
provide the best possible programs of care and education for children and to conduct ourselves with honesty
and integrity. Because of our specialized expertise
in early childhood development and education and
because the larger society shares responsibility for the
welfare and protection of young children, we acknowledge a collective obligation to advocate for the best
interests of children within early childhood programs
and in the larger community and to serve as a voice for
young children everywhere.
The ideals and principles in this section are presented
to distinguish between those that pertain to the work of
the individual early childhood educator and those that
more typically are engaged in collectively on behalf of
the best interests of children—with the understanding
that individual early childhood educators have a shared
responsibility for addressing the ideals and principles
that are identified as “collective.”
Ideal (Individual)
1-4.1—To provide the community with high-quality early
childhood care and education programs and services.
Ideals (Collective)
I-4.2—To promote cooperation among professionals and
agencies and interdisciplinary collaboration among
professions concerned with addressing issues in the
health, education, and well-being of young children,
their families, and their early childhood educators.
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I-4.3—To work through education, research, and advocacy toward an environmentally safe world in which
all children receive health care, food, and shelter; are
nurtured; and live free from violence in their home and
their communities.
I-4.4—To work through education, research, and advocacy toward a society in which all young children
have access to high-quality early care and education
programs.
I-4.5—To work to ensure that appropriate assessment
systems, which include multiple sources of information, are used for purposes that benefit children.
I-4.6—To promote knowledge and understanding of
young children and their needs. To work toward
greater societal acknowledgment of children’s rights
and greater social acceptance of responsibility for the
well-being of all children.
I-4.7—To support policies and laws that promote the
well-being of children and families, and to work to
change those that impair their well-being. To participate in developing policies and laws that are needed,
and to cooperate with families and other individuals
and groups in these efforts.
I-4.8—To further the professional development of the
field of early childhood care and education and to
strengthen its commitment to realizing its core values
as reflected in this Code.
Principles (Individual)
P-4.1—We shall communicate openly and truthfully
about the nature and extent of services that we provide.
P-4.2—We shall apply for, accept, and work in positions
for which we are personally well-suited and professionally qualified. We shall not offer services that we do not
have the competence, qualifications, or resources to
provide.
P-4.3—We shall carefully check references and shall not
hire or recommend for employment any person whose
competence, qualifications, or character makes him or
her unsuited for the position.
P-4.4—We shall be objective and accurate in reporting the knowledge upon which we base our program
practices.
P-4.5—We shall be knowledgeable about the appropriate use of assessment strategies and instruments and
interpret results accurately to families.
Copyright © 2011 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
P-4.6—We shall be familiar with laws and regulations
that serve to protect the children in our programs and
be vigilant in ensuring that these laws and regulations
are followed.
P-4.7—When we become aware of a practice or situation that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of
children, we have an ethical responsibility to protect
children or inform parents and/or others who can.
P-4.8—We shall not participate in practices that are in
violation of laws and regulations that protect the children in our programs.
P-4.9—When we have evidence that an early childhood
program is violating laws or regulations protecting
children, we shall report the violation to appropriate authorities who can be expected to remedy the situation.
P-4.10—When a program violates or requires its employees to violate this Code, it is permissible, after fair
assessment of the evidence, to disclose the identity of
that program.
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Principles (Collective)
P-4.11—When policies are enacted for purposes that do
not benefit children, we have a collective responsibility
to work to change these policies.
P-4-12—When we have evidence that an agency that
provides services intended to ensure children’s wellbeing is failing to meet its obligations, we acknowledge
a collective ethical responsibility to report the problem
to appropriate authorities or to the public. We shall be
vigilant in our follow-up until the situation is resolved.
P-4.13—When a child protection agency fails to provide
adequate protection for abused or neglected children,
we acknowledge a collective ethical responsibility to
work toward the improvement of these services.
Copyright © 2011 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
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Glossary of Terms Related to Ethics
Code of Ethics. Defines the core values of the field and
provides guidance for what professionals should
do when they encounter conflicting obligations or
responsibilities in their work.
Values. Qualities or principles that individuals believe
to be desirable or worthwhile and that they prize for
themselves, for others, and for the world in which
they live.
Core Values. Commitments held by a profession that
are consciously and knowingly embraced by its
practitioners because they make a contribution to
society. There is a difference between personal values and the core values of a profession.
Morality. Peoples’ views of what is good, right, and
proper; their beliefs about their obligations; and
their ideas about how they should behave.
Ethics. The study of right and wrong, or duty and
obligation, that involves critical reflection on morality and the ability to make choices between values
and the examination of the moral dimensions of
relationships.
Professional Ethics. The moral commitments of a
profession that involve moral reflection that extends
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a nonprofit corporation, tax exempt under
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, dedicated to
acting on behalf of the needs and interests of young children.
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct (Code) has been developed in furtherance of NAEYC’s nonprofit and tax exempt
purposes. The information contained in the Code is intended
to provide early childhood educators with guidelines for working with children from birth through age 8.
An individual’s or program’s use, reference to, or review
of the Code does not guarantee compliance with NAEYC
Early Childhood Program Standards and Accreditation Performance Criteria and program accreditation procedures. It is
recommended that the Code be used as guidance in connection with implementation of the NAEYC Program Standards,
but such use is not a substitute for diligent review and application of the NAEYC Program Standards.
NAEYC has taken reasonable measures to develop the
Code in a fair, reasonable, open, unbiased, and objective
manner, based on currently available data. However, further
and enhances the personal morality practitioners
bring to their work, that concern actions of right and
wrong in the workplace, and that help individuals resolve moral dilemmas they encounter in their work.
Ethical Responsibilities. Behaviors that one must
or must not engage in. Ethical responsibilities are
clear-cut and are spelled out in the Code of Ethical
Conduct (for example, early childhood educators
should never share confidential information about a
child or family with a person who has no legitimate
need for knowing).
Ethical Dilemma. A moral conflict that involves
determining appropriate conduct when an individual faces conflicting professional values and
responsibilities.
Sources for glossary terms and definitions
Feeney, S., & N. Freeman. 2005. Ethics and the early childhood
educator: Using the NAEYC code. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
Kidder, R.M. 1995. How good people make tough choices: Resolving the dilemmas of ethical living. New York: Fireside.
Kipnis, K. 1987. How to discuss professional ethics. Young Children 42 (4): 26–30.
research or developments may change the current state
of knowledge. Neither NAEYC nor its officers, directors,
members, employees, or agents will be liable for any loss,
damage, or claim with respect to any liabilities, including
direct, special, indirect, or consequential damages incurred
in connection with the Code or reliance on the information
presented.
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
2005 Revisions Workgroup
Mary Ambery, Ruth Ann Ball, James Clay, Julie Olsen
Edwards, Harriet Egertson, Anthony Fair, Stephanie
Feeney, Jana Fleming, Nancy Freeman, Marla Israel,
Allison McKinnon, Evelyn Wright Moore, Eva Moravcik,
Christina Lopez Morgan, Sarah Mulligan, Nila Rinehart,
Betty Holston Smith, and Peter Pizzolongo, NAEYC Staff
Copyright © 2011 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
9
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
Revised May 2011
Statement of Commitment*
s an individual who works with young children, I commit myself to furthering the
A
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.
* 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.
Copyright © 2011 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
CODE OF ETHICS
AND STANDARD PRACTICES FOR TEXAS EDUCATORS
Effective 11/22/10
ENFORCEABLE STANDARDS
I.
Professional Ethical Conduct, Practices and Performance.
Standard 1.1. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly engage in deceptive
practices regarding official policies of the school district, educational institution, educator preparation
program, the Texas Education Agency, or the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and its
certification process.
Standard 1.2. The educator shall not knowingly misappropriate, divert or use monies, personnel,
property or equipment committed to his or her charge for personal gain or advantage.
Standard 1.3. The educator shall not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement, expenses or pay.
Standard 1.4. The educator shall not use institutional or professional privileges for personal or partisan
advantage.
Standard 1.5. The educator shall neither accept nor offer gratuities, gifts, or favors that impair
professional judgment or to obtain special advantage. This standard shall not restrict the acceptance of
gifts or tokens offered and accepted openly from students, parents of students or other persons or
organizations in recognition or appreciation of service.
Standard 1.6. The educator shall not falsify records, or direct or coerce others to do so.
Standard 1.7. The educator shall comply with state regulations, written local school board policies and
other state and federal laws.
Standard 1.8. The educator shall apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or a responsibility on the
basis of professional qualifications.
Standard 1.9. The educator shall not make threats of violence against school district employees, school
board members, students or parents of students.
Standard 1.10. The educator shall be of good moral character and demonstrate that he or she is worthy
to instruct or supervise the youth of this state.
Standard 1.11. The educator shall not intentionally or knowingly misrepresent the circumstances of his
or her prior employment, criminal history, and/or disciplinary record when applying for subsequent
employment.
Standard 1.12. The educator shall refrain from the illegal use or distribution of controlled substances
and/or abuse of prescription drugs and toxic inhalants.
Standard 1.13. The educator shall not consume alcoholic beverages on school property or during school
activities when students are present.
II.
Ethical Conduct Toward Professional Colleagues.
Standard 2.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential health or personnel information concerning
colleagues unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.
Standard 2.2. The educator shall not harm others by knowingly or recklessly making false statements
about a colleague or the school system.
Standard 2.3. The educator shall adhere to written local school board policies and state and federal laws
regarding the hiring, evaluation, and dismissal of personnel.
Standard 2.4. The educator shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political, professional or
citizenship rights and responsibilities.
Standard 2.5. The educator shall not discriminate against or coerce a colleague on the basis of race,
color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, family status, or sexual orientation.
Standard 2.6. The educator shall not use coercive means or promise of special treatment in order to
influence professional decisions or colleagues.
Standard 2.7. The educator shall not retaliate against any individual who has filed a complaint with the
SBEC or who provides information for a disciplinary investigation or proceeding under this chapter.
III.
Ethical Conduct Toward Students.
Standard 3.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential information concerning students unless
disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.
Standard 3.2. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently treat a student
or minor in a manner that adversely affects or endangers the learning, physical health, mental health or
safety of the student or minor.
Standard 3.3. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly misrepresent facts
regarding a student.
Standard 3.4. The educator shall not exclude a student from participation in a program, deny benefits to
a student, or grant an advantage to a student on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, national
origin, religion, family status, or sexual orientation.
Standard 3.5. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly engage in physical
mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of a student or minor.
Standard 3.6. The educator shall not solicit or engage in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with
a student or minor.
Standard 3.7. The educator shall not furnish alcohol or illegal / unauthorized drugs to any person under
21 years of age or knowingly allow any person under 21 years of age to consume alcohol or illegal /
unauthorized drugs in the presence of the educator.
Standard 3.8. The educator shall maintain appropriate professional educator-student relationships and
boundaries based on a reasonably prudent educator standard.
Standard 3.9. The educator shall refrain from inappropriate communication with a student or minor,
including, but not limited to, electronic communication such as cell phone, text messaging, email,
instant messaging, blogging, or other social network communication. Factors that may be considered in
assessing whether the communication is inappropriate include, but are not limited to:
(i)
The nature, purpose, timing, and amount of the communication;
(ii)
The subject matter of the communication;
(iii) Whether the communication was made openly or the educator attempted to conceal the
communication;
(iv)
Whether the communication could be reasonably interpreted as soliciting sexual contact or a
romantic relationship;
(v)
Whether the communication was sexually explicit; and
(vi)
Whether the communication involved discussion(s) of the physical or sexual attractiveness or the
sexual history, activities, preferences, or fantasies of either the educator or the student.
•
Bailey Nix
Thursday Sep 27 at 3:58pm
Manage Discussion Entry
As a parent of a young child, you are the person responsible for making decisions for them, based on
what you believe is right and follows your belief system. I-2.6—To acknowledge families’ childrearing
values and their right to make decisions for their children. In the NAEYC code of ethics the teachers
responsibility is to respect the parents wishes, in this case that means allow Crystal to be tested by a
different person. The teacher can refer the family to somebody else that is as equally qualified that
will give them the best care. The teach also has to think of the student in the NAEYC code of ethics I1.10—To ensure that each child’s culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and
valued in the program, the teacher has the responsibility to respect the students culture and their
beliefs. The code of ethics and Standards states Standard 2.5. The educator shall not discriminate
against or coerce a colleague on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender,
disability, family status, or sexual orientation. This means the teacher can not discriminate against
peoples belief and their religion or anything like that that would set them apart from what the
teacher believes. I believe that the teacher decision to allow the retesting because that is what the
family wanted because of their beliefs, they did not want their daughter to be tested my a black
person. The teacher respected the parents beliefs to be retested, so the choice the teacher made was
ethical.
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