Introduction
The ECA Code of Ethics is a set of statements about appropriate and expected behaviour of early childhood professionals. Designed especially for early childhood education and care environments and based on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1991), the ECA Code of Ethics reflects current pedagogical research and practice, providing a framework for reflection about the ethical responsibilities of early childhood professionals who work with or on behalf of children and families in early childhood settings.
Early Childhood Australia recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been nurturing and teaching children on this land for thousands of years. The ECA Code of Ethics acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional ways of being and caring for children.
The Code is not intended to, and could not possibly provide, easy answers, formulas or prescriptive solutions for the complex issues early childhood professionals face in their work. As an aspirational document, it does provide a basis for critical reflection, a guide for professional behaviour and principles to inform individual and collective decision-making.
ECA's Code of Ethics Principles
The core principles in this code are based on the fundamental and prized values of the profession.
ECA Code of Ethics Brochure
The Code of Ethics brochure outlines ECA’s Code of Ethics in easy-to-follow point form.
ECA Code of Ethics Poster
The Code of Ethics poster is suitable for display in early childhood centres training environments
Ethics in Action: A practical guide
This easy-to-use practical guide is suitable for all educators, managers, leaders and childhood professionals caring for children.
ECA Code of Ethics Translations
Our Code of Ethics has been translated into Chinese, Arabic and Hindi and available in a printable PDF version, as well as audio files.
ECA's Code of Ethics History
The first Code of Ethics for the Australian early childhood profession was developed in 1988; widely cited and used for the past 19 years.
