Reference no: EM133625044

Scenario: After three months in your new position in the preschool classroom, you have been asked to move to the pre-kindergarten classroom as the lead teacher. The director commended you on your strong collaboration skills and your ability to influence and positively lead others. She explained a strong need for an experienced early education professional in pre-kindergarten as the other teacher, assistant teacher, and aides are new to the profession due to retirement. You are excited for the opportunity to support your early childhood education colleagues in understanding and applying ethical standards as well as early childhood professional standards. This change in roles is an opportunity for your own professional growth and development as you work to mentor others in your chosen field of early childhood education. You make an appointment with your peer coach to discuss and come up with a new professional goal related to mentoring and leadership as suggested by your supervisor.

After a month in your new role, you receive a phone call from a child's parent in your classroom. Jafari's mother explains that he is struggling with his behavior in his new learning setting. Jafari's mother is upset because she does not believe it was appropriate that while she was grocery shopping, a parent addressed her about a situation at school. You remember your study and commitment to upholding professional, ethical conduct and make an appointment for a virtual meeting so that you can give her your complete attention. At the meeting, Jafari's mother explains that the assistant teacher in the room had let her know that her son had pushed another child on the playground. She explained that the mother at the grocery store addressed her angrily and said the other teacher told her that Jafari had pushed her child. You assure her that you are taking notes and will investigate the incident she is describing. She thanks you for your professionalism and expresses her confidence and trust in ensuring this is treated professionally.

Your next step is to meet with the identified teacher. You plan talking points and the resources you may need to support this teacher's professional growth and development. The teacher confirmed when she reported the incident to the other parent, she did share Jafari's name and explained that the other child probably would have told his mom anyway. You respectfully share the parent's concern with her conduct and your desire to support her professionally. The teacher readily agrees to a mentoring session. As an early childhood professional and a mentor, you prepare for a mentoring session by reflecting.

Instructions:

First, read the above scenario.

Next, reflect on the following, including the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, and provide your thoughts and answers in your reflection journal entry to prepare for your upcoming professional mentoring session.

Summarize, NAEYC Standard 6: Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator
Include details specifically related to 6b - Know about and uphold ethical and other early childhood professional guidelines.
Why is this standard important to your work with children?
Share one Principle in Section I: Ethical Responsibilities to Children that you will discuss in your mentoring session and explain what you might say during the session and why it is important.
Share one Principle in Section II: Ethical Responsibilities to Families that you will discuss in your mentoring session and explain what you might say during the session and why it is important.
Share one Principle in Section III: Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues that you will discuss in your mentoring session and explain what you might say during the session and why it is important.