Ethics and the Early Childhood Educator

Stephanie Feeney, PhD, is professor emerita of education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Stephanie has written extensively about professionalism and ethics and has been deeply involved in developing the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, revising the Code, and developing the supplements for adult educators and program administrators. She is coauthor of Ethics and the Early Childhood Educator and Teaching the Code of Ethical Conduct: A Resource Guide. Nancy K. Freeman, PhD, is professor emerita of early childhood education at the University of South Carolina, in Columbia. She has served as president of the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE) and was on its board for many years. Nancy has written extensively on professional ethics and has been involved in the NAEYC Code’s revisions and the development of its supplements. Nancy is coauthor of Ethics and the Early Childhood Educator and of Teaching the Code of Ethical Conduct: A Resource Guide.

Continuing their groundbreaking work to define and apply the NAEYC Code of Ethics, Feeney and Freeman emphasize the need to explore cultural contexts for decision making. This timely edition comes as the early childhood field engages in progressive levels of work to define and unify the profession.—Nancy Barbour, Professor of Early Childhood Education, James Madison UniversityAn incredible resource for all early childhood professionals, no matter where you are in your career. With a focus on application, this book is perfect for deepening your understanding of how to use the NAEYC Code of Ethics in your daily practice.—J. Cody Summerville, Kindergarten Teacher, Pflugerville Independent School District Whether in my role as administrator of a school or teacher of college students, I have always kept Feeney and Freeman’s text close at hand. This is the book I use to prepare new teachers and help guide veteran teachers on ethical decision making.—Rabbi Dr. Meir Muller, Assistant Professor, College of Education, University of South Carolina, and Head of School, Cutler Jewish Day School Recognizing and changing practices that may be harmful or disrespectful to children, their families, and our colleagues require that we do more than understand program rules and follow legal mandates. This book provides powerful reflection tools to help us hone our professional judgment and decision making.—Ed Greene, Vice President, Partnerships and Community Educational Outreach, Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network

• ForewordPrefaceChapter 1: An Introduction to EthicsChapter 2: The NAEYC Code of Ethical ConductChapter 3: Addressing Ethical IssuesChapter 4: Ethical Responsibilities to ChildrenChapter 5: Ethical Responsibilities to FamiliesChapter 6: Ethical Responsibilities to ColleaguesChapter 7: Ethical Responsibilities to Community and SocietyChapter 8: The Code of Ethics and YouReflection QuestionsGlossaryReferencesAppendix A: History and Development of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Its SupplementsAppendix B: NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of CommitmentAppendix C: Code of Ethical Conduct—Supplement for Early Childhood Program AdministratorsAcknowledgmentsAbout the Authors