NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct 1 Revised April 2005

POSITION STATEMENT

naeyc
Code of Ethical Conduct
and Statement of Commitment
Revised April 2005

A position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children

Endorsed by the Association for Childhood Education International

Adopted by the National Association for Family Child Care

Preamble Core values

NAEYC recognizes that those who work with young Standards of ethical behavior in early childhood care
and education are based on commitment to the follow-
children face many daily decisions that have moral and
ing core values that are deeply rooted in the history of
ethical implications. The NAEYC Code of Ethical
the field of early childhood care and education. We
Conduct offers guidelines for responsible behavior and
have made a commitment to
sets forth a common basis for resolving the principal
Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage
ethical dilemmas encountered in early childhood care and
of the human life cycle
education. The Statement of Commitment is not part of
the Code but is a personal acknowledgement of an Base our work on knowledge of how children develop
individuals willingness to embrace the distinctive values and learn
and moral obligations of the field of early childhood care Appreciate and support the bond between the child
and education. and family
The primary focus of the Code is on daily practice with Recognize that children are best understood and
children and their families in programs for children from supported in the context of family, culture,* community,
birth through 8 years of age, such as infant/toddler and society
programs, preschool and prekindergarten programs, child Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each
care centers, hospital and child life settings, family child individual (child, family member, and colleague)
care homes, kindergartens, and primary classrooms. Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues
When the issues involve young children, then these Recognize that children and adults achieve their full
provisions also apply to specialists who do not work potential in the context of relationships that are based
directly with children, including program administrators, on trust and respect
parent educators, early childhood adult educators, and
officials with responsibility for program monitoring and
* The term culture includes ethnicity, racial identity, economic
licensing. (Note: See also the Code of Ethical Conduct:
level, family structure, language, and religious and political
Supplement for Early Childhood Adult Educators, online beliefs, which profoundly influence each childs development
at www.naeyc.org/about/positions/pdf/ethics04.pdf.) and relationship to the world.

Copyright 2005 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct 2 Revised April 2005

Conceptual framework healthy, nurturing, and responsive for each child. We

are committed to supporting childrens development
The Code sets forth a framework of professional respon- and learning; respecting individual differences; and
sibilities in four sections. Each section addresses an helping children learn to live, play, and work coop-
area of professional relationships: (1) with children, (2) eratively. We are also committed to promoting
with families, (3) among colleagues, and (4) with the childrens self-awareness, competence, self-worth,
community and society. Each section includes an intro- resiliency, and physical well-being.
duction to the primary responsibilities of the early child-
hood practitioner in that context. The introduction is Ideals
followed by a set of ideals (I) that reflect exemplary
I-1.1To be familiar with the knowledge base of early
professional practice and by a set of principles (P) de-
childhood care and education and to stay informed
scribing practices that are required, prohibited, or per-
through continuing education and training.
mitted.
The ideals reflect the aspirations of practitioners. I-1.2To base program practices upon current knowl-
The principles guide conduct and assist practitioners edge and research in the field of early childhood
in resolving ethical dilemmas.* Both ideals and prin- education, child development, and related disciplines,
ciples are intended to direct practitioners to those as well as on particular knowledge of each child.
questions which, when responsibly answered, can I-1.3To recognize and respect the unique qualities,
provide the basis for conscientious decision making. abilities, and potential of each child.
While the Code provides specific direction for address- I-1.4To appreciate the vulnerability of children and
ing some ethical dilemmas, many others will require the their dependence on adults.
practitioner to combine the guidance of the Code with I-1.5To create and maintain safe and healthy settings
professional judgment. that foster childrens social, emotional, cognitive, and
The ideals and principles in this Code present a physical development and that respect their dignity
shared framework of professional responsibility that and their contributions.
affirms our commitment to the core values of our field.
I-1.6To use assessment instruments and strategies
The Code publicly acknowledges the responsibilities
that are appropriate for the children to be assessed,
that we in the field have assumed, and in so doing
that are used only for the purposes for which they
supports ethical behavior in our work. Practitioners
were designed, and that have the potential to benefit
who face situations with ethical dimensions are urged
children.
to seek guidance in the applicable parts of this Code
I-1.7To use assessment information to understand
and in the spirit that informs the whole.
and support childrens development and learning, to
Often the right answerthe best ethical course of
support instruction, and to identify children who may
action to takeis not obvious. There may be no readily
need additional services.
apparent, positive way to handle a situation. When one
important value contradicts another, we face an ethical I-1.8To support the right of each child to play and
dilemma. When we face a dilemma, it is our professional learn in an inclusive environment that meets the
responsibility to consult the Code and all relevant needs of children with and without disabilities.
parties to find the most ethical resolution. I-1.9To advocate for and ensure that all children,
including those with special needs, have access to the
support services needed to be successful.
I-1.10To ensure that each childs culture, language,
Section I ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and
valued in the program.
Ethical Responsibilities to Children
I-1.11To provide all children with experiences in a
Childhood is a unique and valuable stage in the language that they know, as well as support children
human life cycle. Our paramount responsibility is to in maintaining the use of their home language and in
provide care and education in settings that are safe, learning English.
I-1.12To work with families to provide a safe and
smooth transition as children and families move from
* There is not necessarily a corresponding principle for each ideal. one program to the next.

Copyright 2005 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct 3 Revised April 2005

Principles P-1.8We shall be familiar with the risk factors for and
symptoms of child abuse and neglect, including
P-1.1Above all, we shall not harm children. We shall physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse and
not participate in practices that are emotionally physical, emotional, educational, and medical neglect.
damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrad- We shall know and follow state laws and community
ing, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to procedures that protect children against abuse and
children. This principle has precedence over all neglect.
others in this Code.
P-1.9When we have reasonable cause to suspect child
P-1.2We shall care for and educate children in abuse or neglect, we shall report it to the appropriate
positive emotional and social environments that are community agency and follow up to ensure that
cognitively stimulating and that support each childs appropriate action has been taken. When appropriate,
culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure. parents or guardians will be informed that the referral
P-1.3We shall not participate in practices that dis- will be or has been made.
criminate against children by denying benefits, giving P-1.10When another person tells us of his or her
special advantages, or excluding them from programs suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected, we
or activities on the basis of their sex, race, national shall assist that person in taking appropriate action in
origin, religious beliefs, medical condition, disability, order to protect the child.
or the marital status/family structure, sexual orienta-
P-1.11When we become aware of a practice or situa-
tion, or religious beliefs or other affiliations of their
tion that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of
families. (Aspects of this principle do not apply in
children, we have an ethical responsibility to protect
programs that have a lawful mandate to provide
children or inform parents and/or others who can.
services to a particular population of children.)
P-1.4We shall involve all those with relevant knowl-
edge (including families and staff) in decisions con-
cerning a child, as appropriate, ensuring confidential- Section II
ity of sensitive information.
P-1.5We shall use appropriate assessment systems, Ethical Responsibilities to Families
which include multiple sources of information, to
provide information on childrens learning and Families* are of primary importance in childrens
development. development. Because the family and the early child-
P-1.6We shall strive to ensure that decisions such as hood practitioner have a common interest in the childs
those related to enrollment, retention, or assignment well-being, we acknowledge a primary responsibility to
to special education services, will be based on mul- bring about communication, cooperation, and collabo-
tiple sources of information and will never be based ration between the home and early childhood program
on a single assessment, such as a test score or a single in ways that enhance the childs development.
observation.
P-1.7We shall strive to build individual relationships Ideals
with each child; make individualized adaptations in
I-2.1To be familiar with the knowledge base related to
teaching strategies, learning environments, and
working effectively with families and to stay informed
curricula; and consult with the family so that each
through continuing education and training.
child benefits from the program. If after such efforts
have been exhausted, the current placement does not I-2.2To develop relationships of mutual trust and
meet a childs needs, or the child is seriously jeopar- create partnerships with the families we serve.
dizing the ability of other children to benefit from the I-2.3To welcome all family members and encourage
program, we shall collaborate with the childs family them to participate in the program.
and appropriate specialists to determine the addi-
tional services needed and/or the placement option(s)
most likely to ensure the childs success. (Aspects of
this principle may not apply in programs that have a * The term family may include those adults, besides parents, with
lawful mandate to provide services to a particular the responsibility of being involved in educating, nurturing, and
advocating for the child.
population of children.)
Copyright 2005 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct 4 Revised April 2005

I-2.4To listen to families, acknowledge and build upon P-2.8We shall treat child assessment information
their strengths and competencies, and learn from confidentially and share this information only when
families as we support them in their task of nurturing there is a legitimate need for it.
children. P-2.9We shall inform the family of injuries and
I-2.5To respect the dignity and preferences of each incidents involving their child, of risks such as expo-
family and to make an effort to learn about its struc- sures to communicable diseases that might result in
ture, culture, language, customs, and beliefs. infection, and of occurrences that might result in
I-2.6To acknowledge families childrearing values and emotional stress.
their right to make decisions for their children. P-2.10Families shall be fully informed of any pro-
I-2.7To share information about each childs educa- posed research projects involving their children and
tion and development with families and to help them shall have the opportunity to give or withhold consent
understand and appreciate the current knowledge without penalty. We shall not permit or participate in
base of the early childhood profession. research that could in any way hinder the education,
I-2.8To help family members enhance their under- development, or well-being of children.
standing of their children and support the continuing P-2.11We shall not engage in or support exploitation
development of their skills as parents. of families. We shall not use our relationship with a
I-2.9To participate in building support networks for family for private advantage or personal gain, or enter
families by providing them with opportunities to into relationships with family members that might
interact with program staff, other families, community impair our effectiveness working with their children.
resources, and professional services. P-2.12We shall develop written policies for the
protection of confidentiality and the disclosure of
childrens records. These policy documents shall be
Principles made available to all program personnel and families.
Disclosure of childrens records beyond family mem-
P-2.1We shall not deny family members access to their
bers, program personnel, and consultants having an
childs classroom or program setting unless access is
obligation of confidentiality shall require familial
denied by court order or other legal restriction.
consent (except in cases of abuse or neglect).
P-2.2We shall inform families of program philosophy,
P-2.13We shall maintain confidentiality and shall
policies, curriculum, assessment system, and person-
respect the familys right to privacy, refraining from
nel qualifications, and explain why we teach as we
disclosure of confidential information and intrusion
dowhich should be in accordance with our ethical
into family life. However, when we have reason to
responsibilities to children (see Section I).
believe that a childs welfare is at risk, it is permissible
P-2.3We shall inform families of and, when appropri- to share confidential information with agencies, as
ate, involve them in policy decisions. well as with individuals who have legal responsibility
P-2.4We shall involve the family in significant deci- for intervening in the childs interest.
sions affecting their child. P-2.14In cases where family members are in conflict
P-2.5We shall make every effort to communicate with one another, we shall work openly, sharing our
effectively with all families in a language that they observations of the child, to help all parties involved
understand. We shall use community resources for make informed decisions. We shall refrain from
translation and interpretation when we do not have becoming an advocate for one party.
sufficient resources in our own programs. P-2.15We shall be familiar with and appropriately
P-2.6As families share information with us about their refer families to community resources and profes-
children and families, we shall consider this informa- sional support services. After a referral has been
tion to plan and implement the program. made, we shall follow up to ensure that services have
P-2-7We shall inform families about the nature and been appropriately provided.
purpose of the programs child assessments and how
data about their child will be used.

Copyright 2005 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct 5 Revised April 2005

age, marital status/family structure, disability, or

Section III sexual orientation.

Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues BResponsibilities to employers

In a caring, cooperative workplace, human dignity is Ideals

respected, professional satisfaction is promoted, and
positive relationships are developed and sustained. I-3B.1To assist the program in providing the highest
Based upon our core values, our primary responsibil- quality of service.
ity to colleagues is to establish and maintain settings I-3B.2To do nothing that diminishes the reputation of
and relationships that support productive work and the program in which we work unless it is violating
meet professional needs. The same ideals that apply laws and regulations designed to protect children or is
to children also apply as we interact with adults in violating the provisions of this Code.
the workplace.
Principles
AResponsibilities to co-workers
P-3B.1We shall follow all program policies. When we
Ideals do not agree with program policies, we shall attempt
to effect change through constructive action within
I-3A.1To establish and maintain relationships of the organization.
respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and P-3B.2We shall speak or act on behalf of an organiza-
cooperation with co-workers. tion only when authorized. We shall take care to
I-3A.2To share resources with co-workers, collaborat- acknowledge when we are speaking for the organiza-
ing to ensure that the best possible early childhood tion and when we are expressing a personal judgment.
care and education program is provided. P-3B.3We shall not violate laws or regulations de-
I-3A.3To support co-workers in meeting their profes- signed to protect children and shall take appropriate
sional needs and in their professional development. action consistent with this Code when aware of such
I-3A.4To accord co-workers due recognition of violations.
professional achievement. P-3B.4If we have concerns about a colleagues
behavior, and childrens well-being is not at risk, we
Principles may address the concern with that individual. If
children are at risk or the situation does not improve
P-3A.1We shall recognize the contributions of col-
after it has been brought to the colleagues attention,
leagues to our program and not participate in prac-
we shall report the colleagues unethical or incompe-
tices that diminish their reputations or impair their
tent behavior to an appropriate authority.
effectiveness in working with children and families.
P-3B.5When we have a concern about circumstances
P-3A.2When we have concerns about the professional
or conditions that impact the quality of care and
behavior of a co-worker, we shall first let that person
education within the program, we shall inform the
know of our concern in a way that shows respect for
programs administration or, when necessary, other
personal dignity and for the diversity to be found
appropriate authorities.
among staff members, and then attempt to resolve the
matter collegially and in a confidential manner.
P-3A.3We shall exercise care in expressing views CResponsibilities to employees
regarding the personal attributes or professional
conduct of co-workers. Statements should be based Ideals
on firsthand knowledge, not hearsay, and relevant to
the interests of children and programs. I-3C.1To promote safe and healthy working condi-
P-3A.4We shall not participate in practices that tions and policies that foster mutual respect, coopera-
discriminate against a co-worker because of sex, race, tion, collaboration, competence, well-being, confiden-
national origin, religious beliefs or other affiliations, tiality, and self-esteem in staff members.

Copyright 2005 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct 6 Revised April 2005

I-3C.2To create and maintain a climate of trust and P-3C.8We shall not make hiring, retention, termina-
candor that will enable staff to speak and act in the tion, and promotion decisions based on an indivi-
best interests of children, families, and the field of duals sex, race, national origin, religious beliefs or
early childhood care and education. other affiliations, age, marital status/family structure,
I-3C.3To strive to secure adequate and equitable disability, or sexual orientation. We shall be familiar
compensation (salary and benefits) for those who with and observe laws and regulations that pertain to
work with or on behalf of young children. employment discrimination. (Aspects of this principle
I-3C.4To encourage and support continual develop- do not apply to programs that have a lawful mandate
ment of employees in becoming more skilled and to determine eligibility based on one or more of the
knowledgeable practitioners. criteria identified above.)
P-3C.9We shall maintain confidentiality in dealing
Principles with issues related to an employees job performance
and shall respect an employees right to privacy
P-3C.1In decisions concerning children and pro- regarding personal issues.
grams, we shall draw upon the education, training,
experience, and expertise of staff members.
P-3C.2We shall provide staff members with safe and Section IV
supportive working conditions that honor confidences
and permit them to carry out their responsibilities Ethical Responsibilities to Community
through fair performance evaluation, written griev- and Society
ance procedures, constructive feedback, and opportu-
nities for continuing professional development and Early childhood programs operate within the context of
advancement. their immediate community made up of families and
P-3C.3We shall develop and maintain comprehensive other institutions concerned with childrens welfare.
written personnel policies that define program Our responsibilities to the community are to provide
standards. These policies shall be given to new staff programs that meet the diverse needs of families, to
members and shall be available and easily accessible cooperate with agencies and professions that share the
for review by all staff members. responsibility for children, to assist families in gaining
access to those agencies and allied professionals, and
P-3C.4We shall inform employees whose performance
to assist in the development of community programs
does not meet program expectations of areas of
that are needed but not currently available.
concern and, when possible, assist in improving their
As individuals, we acknowledge our responsibility to
performance.
provide the best possible programs of care and educa-
P-3C.5We shall conduct employee dismissals for just tion for children and to conduct ourselves with honesty
cause, in accordance with all applicable laws and and integrity. Because of our specialized expertise in
regulations. We shall inform employees who are early childhood development and education and
dismissed of the reasons for their termination. When a because the larger society shares responsibility for the
dismissal is for cause, justification must be based on welfare and protection of young children, we acknowl-
evidence of inadequate or inappropriate behavior that edge a collective obligation to advocate for the best
is accurately documented, current, and available for interests of children within early childhood programs
the employee to review. and in the larger community and to serve as a voice for
P-3C.6In making evaluations and recommendations, young children everywhere.
we shall make judgments based on fact and relevant to The ideals and principles in this section are pre-
the interests of children and programs. sented to distinguish between those that pertain to the
P-3C.7We shall make hiring, retention, termination, work of the individual early childhood educator and
and promotion decisions based solely on a persons those that more typically are engaged in collectively on
competence, record of accomplishment, ability to behalf of the best interests of childrenwith the
carry out the responsibilities of the position, and understanding that individual early childhood educa-
professional preparation specific to the developmental tors have a shared responsibility for addressing the
levels of children in his/her care. ideals and principles that are identified as collective.

Copyright 2005 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct 7 Revised April 2005

Ideal (Individual) do not have the competence, qualifications, or re-

sources to provide.
1-4.1To provide the community with high-quality
P-4.3We shall carefully check references and shall not
early childhood care and education programs and
hire or recommend for employment any person whose
services.
competence, qualifications, or character makes him or
her unsuited for the position.
Ideals (Collective)
P-4.4We shall be objective and accurate in reporting
I-4.2To promote cooperation among professionals the knowledge upon which we base our program
and agencies and interdisciplinary collaboration practices.
among professions concerned with addressing issues P-4.5We shall be knowledgeable about the appropri-
in the health, education, and well-being of young ate use of assessment strategies and instruments and
children, their families, and their early childhood interpret results accurately to families.
educators. P-4.6We shall be familiar with laws and regulations
I-4.3To work through education, research, and that serve to protect the children in our programs and
advocacy toward an environmentally safe world in be vigilant in ensuring that these laws and regulations
which all children receive health care, food, and are followed.
shelter; are nurtured; and live free from violence in P-4.7When we become aware of a practice or situa-
their home and their communities. tion that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of
I-4.4To work through education, research, and children, we have an ethical responsibility to protect
advocacy toward a society in which all young children children or inform parents and/or others who can.
have access to high-quality early care and education P-4.8We shall not participate in practices that are in
programs. violation of laws and regulations that protect the
I-4.5To work to ensure that appropriate assessment children in our programs.
systems, which include multiple sources of informa- P-4.9When we have evidence that an early childhood
tion, are used for purposes that benefit children. program is violating laws or regulations protecting
I-4.6To promote knowledge and understanding of children, we shall report the violation to appropriate
young children and their needs. To work toward authorities who can be expected to remedy the
greater societal acknowledgment of childrens rights situation.
and greater social acceptance of responsibility for the P-4.10When a program violates or requires its
well-being of all children. employees to violate this Code, it is permissible, after
I-4.7To support policies and laws that promote the fair assessment of the evidence, to disclose the
well-being of children and families, and to work to identity of that program.
change those that impair their well-being. To partici-
pate in developing policies and laws that are needed, Principles (Collective)
and to cooperate with other individuals and groups in
these efforts. P-4.11When policies are enacted for purposes that do
I-4.8To further the professional development of the not benefit children, we have a collective responsibil-
field of early childhood care and education and to ity to work to change these practices.
strengthen its commitment to realizing its core values P-4-12When we have evidence that an agency that
as reflected in this Code. provides services intended to ensure childrens well-
being is failing to meet its obligations, we acknowl-
Principles (Individual) edge a collective ethical responsibility to report the
problem to appropriate authorities or to the public.
P-4.1We shall communicate openly and truthfully We shall be vigilant in our follow-up until the situation
about the nature and extent of services that we is resolved.
provide. P-4.13When a child protection agency fails to provide
P-4.2We shall apply for, accept, and work in positions adequate protection for abused or neglected children,
for which we are personally well-suited and profes- we acknowledge a collective ethical responsibility to
sionally qualified. We shall not offer services that we work toward the improvement of these services.

Copyright 2005 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct 8 Revised April 2005

Glossary of Terms Related to Ethics

Code of Ethics. Defines the core values of the field extends and enhances the personal morality
and provides guidance for what professionals practitioners bring to their work, that concern
should do when they encounter conflicting obliga- actions of right and wrong in the workplace, and
tions or responsibilities in their work. that help individuals resolve moral dilemmas they
encounter in their work.
Values. Qualities or principles that individuals believe
to be desirable or worthwhile and that they prize Ethical Responsibilities. Behaviors that one must or
for themselves, for others, and for the world in must not engage in. Ethical responsibilities are
which they live. clear-cut and are spelled out in the Code of Ethical
Conduct (for example, early childhood educators
Core Values. Commitments held by a profession that
should never share confidential information about a
are consciously and knowingly embraced by its
child or family with a person who has no legitimate
practitioners because they make a contribution to
need for knowing).
society. There is a difference between personal
values and the core values of a profession. Ethical Dilemma. A moral conflict that involves
determining appropriate conduct when an indi-
Morality. Peoples views of what is good, right, and
vidual faces conflicting professional values and
proper; their beliefs about their obligations; and
responsibilities.
their ideas about how they should behave.
Ethics. The study of right and wrong, or duty and
obligation, that involves critical reflection on Sources for glossary terms and definitions
morality and the ability to make choices between Feeney, S., & N. Freeman. 1999. Ethics and the early childhood
values and the examination of the moral dimensions educator: Using the NAEYC code. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
of relationships. Kidder, R.M. 1995. How good people make tough choices:
Resolving the dilemmas of ethical living. New York: Fireside.
Professional Ethics. The moral commitments of a Kipnis, K. 1987. How to discuss professional ethics. Young
profession that involve moral reflection that Children 42 (4): 2630.

The National Association for the Education of Young manner, based on currently available data. However,
Children (NAEYC) is a nonprofit corporation, tax exempt further research or developments may change the current
under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, state of knowledge. Neither NAEYC nor its officers,
dedicated to acting on behalf of the needs and interests of directors, members, employees, or agents will be liable
young children. The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct for any loss, damage, or claim with respect to any liabili-
(Code) has been developed in furtherance of NAEYCs ties, including direct, special, indirect, or consequential
nonprofit and tax exempt purposes. The information con- damages incurred in connection with the Code or reliance
tained in the Code is intended to provide early childhood on the information presented.
educators with guidelines for working with children from
birth through age 8.
An individuals or programs use, reference to, or review NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
of the Code does not guarantee compliance with NAEYC Revisions Workgroup
Early Childhood Program Standards and Accreditation
Performance Criteria and program accreditation proce- Mary Ambery, Ruth Ann Ball, James Clay, Julie
dures. It is recommended that the Code be used as guid- Olsen Edwards, Harriet Egertson, Anthony Fair,
ance in connection with implementation of the NAEYC Stephanie Feeney, Jana Fleming, Nancy Freeman,
Program Standards, but such use is not a substitute for Marla Israel, Allison McKinnon, Evelyn Wright
diligent review and application of the NAEYC Program Moore, Eva Moravcik, Christina Lopez Morgan,
Standards. Sarah Mulligan, Nila Rinehart, Betty Holston
NAEYC has taken reasonable measures to develop the Smith, and Peter Pizzolongo, NAEYC Staff
Code in a fair, reasonable, open, unbiased, and objective

Copyright 2005 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct 9 Revised April 2005

Statement of Commitment*
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 prin-
ciples 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 commu-
nity and society.
Stay informed of and maintain high standards of professional conduct.
Engage in an ongoing process of self-reflection, realizing that personal character-
istics, 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 individuals 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 2005 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children