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. ( NAYCE, 2005).
This particular code of ethic means the world to me. I have worked in many places and have seen children who have disabilities being treated unfairly because the teachers do not understand the child. A young child who has a disability is challenging I know, but in order to give them a fair shot at learning the teachers need to have patience and a true love for children. My brother grew up with a disability and it was difficult to see the teachers not putting an effort forth to help him. Because he was not “normal” he was pushed to the side and it seemed no one cared. When he was officially diagnosed he was put in a special education class which helped him tremendously. So to create an environment for children who have disabilities along with those who do not is a true concern of mine.
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. ( NAYCE, 2005).
This is another code that struck a nerve with me, for two reasons. One I currently work with a lady who has no patience for children and has no respect for them. It is like she is there for the pay check and that is it. Creating an environment that is socially and emotionally positive is important at such a young age. The lady whom I referred to is not a positive person and is constantly saying that as soon as another job offer comes along she is leaving; she has even expressed this negativity in front of the parents at school. This behavior bothers me and makes it very difficult to work with her. The second reason is because of the aspect that refers to supporting the child’s culture, language, and ethnicity. I truly believe that a child should be taught in a manner that is comfortable to them. If a child is white and learns about nothing but the black culture that is all they will know. A child needs adversity in their life to grow well rounded. Around Christmas time I feel it is important to celebrate all holidays that are involved in this season. Maybe a child is Jewish, or celebrates Kwanza; these are good things to learn about. I never knew a lot about Kwanza until I moved to Richmond and started teaching. That was just a holiday that we were never really taught in school. So supporting a child in every aspect of their life is important.
1. We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child. ( Division of early childhood, 2009).
This code is of the utmost importance to me. Children imitate what they see and if you are showing bad behavior they will too. Children can sense a bad mood and negative energy. The lady that I referred to earlier is the prime example of this. She has been in the day care system for almost 16 years and maybe it has just been too much for her, but she shows nothing but negative behavior. If a two year old tells you no because they do not want to clean up, most people are not going to get but so upset right? This lady takes it to the extreme and believes that the child is back talking her and is being rude. A child that age is just learning what they are saying and what is means, there is no reason to blow is out of proportion. I have seen her grab a child by the arm and yell in their face, I have also seen a child say something that would be considered “smart” from an adult, but from a child it is kind of funny, and she has raised her hand to them and threatened them. This lady is the complete opposite of the code listed above. Children will mimic you, so being able to set the best example possible is what we as teachers should do.
References
Division of early childhood. (2009). Code of ethics. Retrieved from http://www.dec-sped.org
NAYCE. (2005). National association of the education of young children position statement. Retrieved from http://www.nayce.org
WOW, you are so right and whoever that other lady is, should think long and hard about her career choice. If you think that a 2 year old has the sophistication to "talk back" you need to thin again. You are right, they are just mimicikin what they have heard. Negative attitude affect childrens social development and can do serious harm to a chold's self esteem. Sucha bummer that those children have to suffer because she is unhappy. "Getting in a child's face and yelling?" at a child care center? Is this something you could talk to a supervisor about?
ReplyDeleteIt just goes to show you the importance of the word "passion" that we learned about in week 2. If you don't have it when working with children, you do not belong in the field. It is something I struggle with instilling in my staff. It is so difficult to witness a negative person when they are working with children.
ReplyDeleteTiffany, It was gret being in class with you and getting to know you via the computer! Just think, this is the beginning of an incredible journey. Good luck in all you do.
ReplyDelete