In any work place, it should only be expected that ethical situations will most certainly arise.

How we handle those situations does define our character to both our employers and fellow coworkers. It is important to decide what you will or will not stand for before entering the work force. Thankfully, however, many establishments have drawn up a Code of Ethics for which they expect all persons associated with them to abide. In child care, as in many other occupational realms, the importance of having a code of ethics cannot be fully explained. For this purpose, the National Association for the Education of Young Children drew up a Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment for the services they render to both children and their families. This Code of Ethics contains certain standards that NAEYC promises to uphold concerning their responsibilities to children, families, colleagues, community, and society. It can be used as a guideline for any type of childcare facility to use in a situation that proposes an ethical dilemma. The principles and ideals set forth in the Code of Ethics are intended to aid in situations where a clear, black and white answer cannot always be found. By implementing these principles and ideals, a childcare facility may be able to resolve certain issues that will arise with less conflict. In order to provide a basis on how the Code of Ethics can be used, I will now apply them to a scenario. I am the director of a child care center. A child in my center shows definite signs of being abused. I know that I should report the case to my local child protective services agency. The last time I referred a child to them, however, a worker visited the family, but did not promptly intervene. The family left town, never to be heard from again. This scenario does indeed pose some questions that I, as a director, will have to consider. The thought of the family leaving would be very disheartening, as the child would then leave the facility. If my suspicions,

however, turn out to be right on the mark, the child could be in grave danger. Three principles provided in Section I of the Code of Ethics help me to make a decision on my course of action. First of all, P-1.1 states, Above all, we shall not harm children. We shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children. This principle has precedent over all others in this Code. The most important aspect of working with children should be their well being. If this is not the case, there is no real purpose for childcare and education. I may not be the person actually inflicting harm onto the child, but by keeping silent about my suspicions, I am advocating the harmful deeds. Whenever a suspicion exists about a child in harm's way, failing to bring it to the attention of the proper authority is being responsible, in part, for the harm done to the child. Secondly, P-1.8 states, We shall be familiar with the risk factors for and symptoms of child abuse and neglect, including physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse, and physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional neglect. We shall know and follow state laws and community procedures that protect children against abuse and neglect. According to this principle, it is important that both I and my staff are familiar with all issues pertaining to abuse and neglect so that we will be able to recognize these harmful situations in the lives of the children we come in contact with. Furthermore, recognizing signs that could indicate abuse or neglect of any kind and failing to report it would be in violation of Indiana State law that mandates suspicions of abuse and neglect to be reported. If I fail to report a situation where neglect or abuse is suspected or proven, not only do I put that child at great risk for harm, but I also put myself in a situation of violating a law and facing the consequences that comes with the violation.

Lastly, P-1.11,When we become aware of a practice or situation 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. I believe this principle bests puts into perspective, why I, as a director, have responsibility to report any situation where abuse and neglect are even suspected. In simple terms, I must make a report because it is the right thing to do. Despite the risk of the family fleeing, as happened before, I must do whatever lies in my power to protect the child or children involved in the situation. Children cannot protect themselves and they need adults in their lives who will step up and be a voice for them. In this case, I may be the only help they have. If I fail to report the situation to the proper authority, I have ultimately failed as a childcare provider because I have failed to keep the child out of harm's way. Even if this situation turns out as the situation before, I must know that I did everything within my power to help the child. In conclusion, based upon afore mentioned principles, I would contact the appropriate authorities and file a report about the suspicion of neglect or abuse I had notices in the life of the child or children within my care. Although the possibility exists that little or nothing will be done, I have an ethical responsibility to children, my staff, and myself, to see that something is done. I may not be able to correct the wrong being done, but I can and will most definitely do all within my power.