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It is impossible to consider the work of early childhood professionals without reference to the myriad daily decisions we make about children, families, ourselves and our colleagues. These decisions define our work and are the measure by which we claim to serve the best interests of children. A fundamental role of Early Childhood Australia's Code of Ethics is to challenge our daily decisions and actions so as to ensure that children always remain at the centre of our thinking. The Code therefore acts as a reflective tool, a guide and a mentor.
Thinking of the Code of Ethics as part of a system of review adds another dimension to the way in which it might be used. It shifts from something we reference when we have a problem to solve, to a framework we can build into our daily reflections about our work.
The Code of Ethics is a touchstone for the profession. Many use it when faced with difficult decisions or dilemmas on which they feel they need guidance. In fact, it was created to challenge ordinary decisions: the everyday way in which we work and view our contributions to the lives of children. This is reinforced in the preamble: 'This Code of Ethics provides a framework for reflection about the ethical responsibilities of early childhood professionals.'
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Embracing the Code as an integral part of what we do and how we do it should challenge us to ask questions about our work. This is not an easy task: finding time to reflect is always a trial in a busy workplace, yet if early childhood professionals do not systematically analyse their practice, it may compromise the quality of their programs.
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Challenging our everyday practice and reflecting on how we might act in new ways is a long-term endeavour and the categories of the Code lend themselves to continual reflection. They should not be seen as lists of tasks to complete or points to check off. Rather, the Code should guide us to ask questions about what we do, why we do it and how we do it.
The Code of Ethics does not provide direct answers to many of the challenging questions of our practice, but it does give us a framework to evaluate ethical practice. Using it in this way will influence the quality of our practice and, in turn, the care and education we provide.
Catharine Hydon and Lennie Barblett
Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics Working Party
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The Code of Ethics is available to view and download on the Early Childhood Australia website: www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/code or freecall 1800 356 900 to order posters (A1 size) and brochures.
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