NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct

Principles

P-1.1

not participate in practices that are emotionally

damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading,

dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to

children.

others in this Code

P-1.2

positive emotional and social environments that are

cognitively stimulating and that support each child’s

culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure.

—Above all, we shall not harm children. We shallThis principle has precedence over all.—We shall care for and educate children in

P-1.3

against children by denying benefits, giving

special advantages, or excluding them from programs

or activities on the basis of their sex, race, national

origin, religious beliefs, medical condition, disability,

or the marital status/family structure, sexual orientation,

or religious beliefs or other affiliations of their

families. (Aspects of this principle do not apply in

programs that have a lawful mandate to provide

services to a particular population of children.)

—We shall not participate in practices that discriminate

P-1.4

(including families and staff) in decisions concerning

a child, as appropriate, ensuring confidentiality

of sensitive information.

—We shall involve all those with relevant knowledge

P-1.5

which include multiple sources of information, to

provide information on children’s learning and

development.

—We shall use appropriate assessment systems,

P-1.6

those related to enrollment, retention, or assignment

to special education services, will be based on multiple

sources of information and will never be based

on a single assessment, such as a test score or a single

observation.

—We shall strive to ensure that decisions such as

P-1.7

with each child; make individualized adaptations in

teaching strategies, learning environments, and

curricula; and consult with the family so that each

child benefits from the program. If after such efforts

have been exhausted, the current placement does not

meet a child’s needs, or the child is seriously jeopardizing

the ability of other children to benefit from the

program, we shall collaborate with the child’s family

and appropriate specialists to determine the additional

services needed and/or the placement option(s)

most likely to ensure the child’s success. (Aspects of

this principle may not apply in programs that have a

lawful mandate to provide services to a particular

population of children.)

P-1.8

symptoms of child abuse and neglect, including

physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse and

physical, emotional, educational, and medical neglect.

We shall know and follow state laws and community

procedures that protect children against abuse and

neglect.

—We shall be familiar with the risk factors for and

P-1.9

abuse or neglect, we shall report it to the appropriate

community agency and follow up to ensure that

appropriate action has been taken. When appropriate,

parents or guardians will be informed that the referral

will be or has been made.

—When we have reasonable cause to suspect child

P-1.10

suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected, we

shall assist that person in taking appropriate action in

order to protect the child.

—When another person tells us of his or her

P-1.11

that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of

children, we have an ethical responsibility to protect

children or inform parents and/or others who can.—When we become aware of a practice or situation—We shall strive to build individual relationships