“It’s our polite nudge in the ribs to help you and your team stay organised and on task.”
This week’s subject is: ECA Code of Ethics.
Element 4.2.2: Professional standards guide practice, interactions and relationships
Does your team regularly reflect on the principles of the ECA Code of Ethics to help guide professional practice and decision-making processes?
Standard 4.2 of the NQS focuses on professionalism in ECEC. Professionalism is demonstrated when management, educators and other staff develop and maintain relationships with each other that are based on the principles of mutual respect, equity and fairness.
The ECA Code of Ethics is one of many resources that ECEC professionals use to guide their professional practice. The Code of Ethics reflects pedagogical research and practice and is informed by the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1991) and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007). The Code of Ethics sets a standard for professional practice and ethical responsibilities for childhood professionals working in Education and Care Services.
Regularly reflecting on the principles of the Code of Ethics will assist educators to assess their alignment with the ECA Code of Ethics and identify areas for personal, professional and organisational growth, ensuring the Service consistently strives for continual improvement. It’s essential to engage in ongoing reflection and dialogue with colleagues to promote a strong ethical foundation across the Service. Educators should use the Code of Ethics alongside the Service’s Code of Conduct Policy and Philosophy to guide professional conversations about day-to-day practice and decision-making processes:
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- Provide a copy of the Code of Ethics as part of your new employee information package and have new employees sign to acknowledge and accept the code
- Ensure records are maintained of reflective discussions detailing meeting dates and who is in attendance to ensure all staff and educators have opportunity to participate and improve their professional practice
- Periodically unpack the ECA Code of Ethics in your regular staff meeting
- Reflect on your/educators own values and beliefs, and consider how they align with the principles of the Code of Ethics. Identify areas where you may need to adjust your practices
- Ensure that the rights of the child, as outlined in the Code of Ethics, are upheld in all interactions and decision-making processes. This includes respecting each child as an individual with their own unique needs, abilities and interests
- Reflect on the principles of the Code of Ethics when reviewing your Service’s philosophy, policies and procedures
- Actively promote ethical awareness within your team and the Service community. Share resources and engage in discussions to enhance everyone’s understanding of ethical principles
- Share the Code of Ethics with families by displaying a framed or laminated copy at the service and sharing in your Newsletter through a link to the Code of Ethics.
- Provide online learning modules and webinars for staff to engage in professional learning about how educators can use the Code of Ethics to strengthen relationships with children, families, colleagues and community
Embedding the ECA Code of Ethics is an ongoing process that requires commitment, continuity, reflection, and collaboration with colleagues and relevant stakeholders within the Service and ECEC sector.
Resources:
Developing a professional learning community
Collaboration and commitment: Building a culture of professional learning
ECA Code of Ethics Publications
Quality Area 4- Belonging, Being and Becoming for Educators
Within System7 go to Quality Area 4/Module 11 to submit self-assessment notes and if required, open a QIP issue if you identify any areas of improvement.
The Childcare Centre Desktop has a range of resources to assist services with professional standards. These include Code of Conduct Policy, Code of Conduct, Code of Conduct Staff Acknowledgement, Privacy and Confidentiality Policy, Critical Reflection Template, Philosophy Development and Review Procedure and much more.
Resources, NQS Element, Regulation and System7 links:
Childcare Centre Desktop – Childcare Centre Desktop
National Quality Standard – QA 4/ 4.2.2- Professional standards
National Regulations – 168
System7 Module – QA 4/ Module 11
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