Codes of Ethics

The four codes of conduct that stood out the most to me include:

1. To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to the support services needed to be successful.
2. To work through education, research, and advocacy toward a society in which all young children have access to high-quality early care and education programs.
3. We shall honor and respect the diverse backgrounds of our colleagues including such diverse
characteristics as sexual orientation, race, national origin, religious beliefs, or other affiliations.
4. We shall serve as advocates for children with disabilities and their families and for the professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that enhance the quality of their lives.

These codes of conducts stood out to me the most because they included the message to respect diversity among children with special needs, all children in general, as well as colleagues. As I strive to work with all different kinds of children and adults from across the world as well as those who require special needs, I can understand the importance of these four conducts in order to help me provide the best educational environment possible.

References:
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved from http://www.dec-sped.org/

Inspirational Quotes

Passion and Motivation

Louise Derman-Sparks:
"I had a built-in passion that was important to make a contribution to the world and to fix all the injustices [...] through teaching."

Raymond Hernandez:
"I'm not here to save the world, I'm here just to make a difference."


Difficulties and Reinforcement

Edward Zigler:
"It is a good rule to face difficulties at the time they arise and not allow them to increase unacknowledged."

Lilian Katz:
"Of course children benefit from positive feedback. But praise and rewards are not the only methods of reinforcement. More emphasis should be placed on appreciation -- reinforcement related explicitly and directly to the content of a child's interest and efforts."

Elmer the Elephant is Taking Some Leaves

A 4 year old girl made this piece of artwork. It is inspired by the stories about Elmer the Elephant. I particularly like this art-piece because it uses different media and is simplistic yet colourful. It is unique and playful, displaying the limitless imagination of a child.

Rainbow Fish

Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister is a charming book about the joy of sharing. The beautiful fish is initially reluctant to distribute its shiny scales but in the end, with others' advice, it gives in and feels joy from sharing with others. It can be difficult for children to share and understand why it is important to do so. This book tries to convey the positive aspects of sharing as it can make another happy, which in turn will make oneself happy.