Course Description
This course provides a broad overview of ethics and professional responsibilities as they relate to early childhood educators. NAEYC’s Code of Ethical Conduct guides those of us who work with young children and their families as we work through the tough decisions confronted on a daily basis. We will also take into consideration other professional standards and codes of conduct such as the CEC Code for Special Educators.
Our Conceptual Framework is based on this statement:
“Ethics is the science which enables us to understand humanity as it is and humanity as it could be; and then instruct us on how to move from reality to the ideal. To act ethically is to exercise choice which ends in right action. Virtue is the cause of right choice”. - McIntyre, 1981
Prerequisite
- Acceptance into the program.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Articulate the ideals and principles of the NAEYC Code of Ethics and become familiar with the CT Teachers Code and The CEC Code for Special Educators
- Recognize signs and consequences of abuse and neglect.
- Discuss key issues in leadership and advocacy in early childhood
- Discuss current ethical challenges in the field of early childhood education: (e.g., inclusion, readiness assessments, preschool expulsion)
- Articulate the similarities between NAEYC's Code of Ethics and NAEYC's philosophy of Developmentally Appropriate Practice.
Standards: NAEYC: 5a, 5b, 5d, 5e DEC/CEC: Knowledge: 1.2, 9.1, 9.2 Skills: 9.2, 9.7
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-5) | 40% |
Written Assignments | 60% |
Total | 100% |
Required Texts
- Feeney, Stephanie, Nancy K. Freeman & Peter J. Pizzolongo. Ethics and the Early Childhood Educator: Using the NAEYC Code. 3rd ed. 2018. NAEYC # 1134 ISBN-13: 978-1-938113-33-8-83-8
- Brochure: Code of Ethical Conduct & Statement of Commitment. See NAEYC webpage.
Additional Resources
- Journal articles, online materials, etc. maybe required on a weekly basis. They will be posted in Blackboard.
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1,2 | Topic: Introduction to ethics and morality
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2 | 1,3,5 | Topic: Ethical issues in the field
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| 3 | 1,2,3,4 | Topic: Applying the code of ethics to children
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4 | 1,2,4 | Topic: Applying the code of ethics to families and colleagues
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5 | 1,2,3,4 | Topic: Applying the code of ethics to society& you
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.