NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct guides responsible behavior and a common basis for resolving ethical dilemmas in early childhood care and education. The Core Values are deeply rooted in the history of the field of early childhood care and education. Those who work with young children commit themselves to the Statement of Commitment to the best of their ability.
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 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 acknowledgement 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.
