Values, Morality, & Ethics In Early Childhood Education

Values Values are… Qualities that individuals believe to be intrinsically desirable or worthwhile and that they prize for themselves, for others, and for the world in which they live For example, truth, beauty, honesty, justice, respect for people, and the environment. Your priorities, the goals you set for yourself and for the children in your care, reflect your values.

Professional Ethics The kinds of actions that are right and wrong in the workplace and are a public matter. Professional moral principles are not statements of taste or preference; they tell practitioners what they ought to do and what they ought not to do. NAEYC has developed a Code of Ethics.

Personal Morality Personal Morality is a person's view of what is good, right, or proper; their beliefs about their obligations; and their ideas about how they should behave. The roots of personal morality can be found in the early childhood years

Personal Ethics Personal Ethics is the study of right and wrong, duty and obligation. It involves critical reflection on morality. Both ethics and morality involve the human ability to make choices among values and to make decisions about right and wrong. (Sometimes the terms are used interchangeably.)

Core Values Different from personal values, core values of a profession are statements expressing what like- minded professionals hold important. They provide the foundation for professional ethics

Core Values Standards of ethical behavior in early childhood care and education are based on commitment to core values that are deeply rooted in the history of our field. We have committed ourselves to: Appreciating childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human cycle. Basing our work with children on knowledge of child development. Appreciating and supporting the close ties between the child and family.

Bye Y’all!

Core Values We have committed ourselves to (continued): Recognizing that children are best understood in the context of family, culture, and society. Respecting the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual; child, family member, colleague Helping children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust, respect, and positive regard.