The Code of Ethics for Exceptional Children

Did you know that there is a Code of Ethics designed specifically for exceptional children?  To reference this code, please select the link under Blog Resources, or enter http://www.dec-sped.org/.

The Code of Ethics of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children is a public statement of principles and practice guidelines.  These principles and guidelines are based on sound ethical reasoning related to professional practice with young children with disabilities and their families and with interdisciplinary colleagues. The code respects the autonomy of families as they make decisions for their young children with disabilities, while practicing a mutual respect for our colleagues in the field. Early childhood professionals that practice within the principles and guidelines of the code will uphold the laws and regulations of our professional licensure standards.

As a child care provider that accepts children with exceptional needs into the program, I found the following portions of the Code of Ethics most significant.

Responsive Family Centered Practices

1. We shall demonstrate our respect and appreciation for all families’ beliefs, values, customs,

languages and culture relative to their nurturance and support of their children toward achieving

meaningful and relevant priorities and outcomes families’ desire for themselves and their children.

2. We shall provide services and supports to children and families in a fair and equitable manner

while respecting families’ culture, race, language, socioeconomic status, marital status, and

sexual orientation.

3. We shall respect, value, promote, and encourage the active participation of ALL families by

engaging families in meaningful ways in the assessment and intervention processes.

4. We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers

of services for their children.

5. We shall collaborate with families and colleagues in setting meaningful and relevant goals and

priorities throughout the intervention process including the full disclosure of the nature, risk, and

potential outcomes of any interventions.

6. We shall respect families’ rights to choose or refuse early childhood special education or related

services.

7. We shall be responsible for protecting the confidentiality of the children and families we serve by

protecting all forms of verbal, written, and electronic communication.

Notice that step number 2 of the code requires the fair and equitable provision of services to exceptional children.  I know of many parents of exceptional children that have been turned down for care a multitude of times!  Are most early childhood centers following this code?  As an early childhood provider that provides services fairly and equitably, I challenge others in my profession to do the same.  I will offer any support or services applicable, to any professional, to assist in their compliance with this code.

Also, notice code number 6.  I can tell you from personal experience, it is difficult to sit back and watch a family refuse services that you feel are necessary.  Tactful education and resource selection is one route you can use to state your opinion; however the final decision on specialized care still falls on the parents.  It is inappropriate to discuss the exceptional child, as his/her privacy must be respected (code #7).  We cannot go out to dinner, and openly discuss any child with a group of people, commenting on care, or even laughing about a funny moment, without prior permission of the responsible parent.  Therefore, even if you do not agree with a parent’s decisions, you cannot overrule the parent and take it upon yourself to communicate for the parents about the child. 

It is also necessary to train staff persons on the issues of confidentiality.  While the staff person may not have the ability to enroll students, or to recommend services, the staff person does talk to other people.  Therefore all staff persons must be educated on the importance of confidentiality in the classroom for all families and children.