Topic 6.3: Professional Relationships

The NAEYC has a Statement of Commitment that educators are encouraged to commit to and sign. Consider making this part of your institution’s commitment (NAEYC, 2024):

FIGURE. 2.1

NAEYC Statement of Commitment (2024)

This Statement of Commitment represents a personal acknowledgment of my willingness to embrace the core values and ethical responsibilities distinctive to early childhood educators.

This commitment includes adherence to the tenet that has had precedence over all others in every iteration of the Code of Ethics: above all, we shall not harm children. This means that we shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children. Further, we recognize that while we have many ethical responsibilities and relationships, the safety and well-being of the children in our care is our primary responsibility, above our obligations to all other constituencies.

In my capacity as an individual working with young children, families, and/or other educators, I sign this statement to indicate my professional commitment to furthering the core values and ethical responsibilities of early childhood educators as reflected in this Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators, and in alignment with the Professional Standards and Competencies.

PRINTED NAME: ____________________________________________________________________

SIGNED NAME: ____________________________________________________________________

NAME OF PROGRAM: ________________________________________________________________

LOCATION: ______________________________________________________________________

DATE: ______________________________________________________________________

Figure 2.1 (NAEYC, 2024, p. 5).