The Code of Ethics of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC)

Professional Practice: Professional and Interpersonal Behavior 4. We shall serve as advocates for children with disabilities and their families and for the professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that
enhance the quality of their lives.

This is something that I practice everyday and has great meaning to me and my job. I work towards including children with signification needs into a general education classroom.  My life revolves around serving as an advocate for children with disabilities and their families. 

Professional Practice: Professional Collaboration 2. We shall honor and respect the rights, knowledge, and skills of the multidisciplinary colleagues with whom we work recognizing their unique contributions to children, families, and the field of early childhood special education.

Respecting the rights, knowledge and skill of my colleagues is something that is very important to me.  I have an amazing team of therapist that I work with for each of my students.  In order to make the most of each of our students time at school we need to all work together.  I have an occupational therapist and a speech language pathologist who come into my room to train me and my Para's on how to work on specific issues we are having with each student.  It takes a lot of their time but they are so willing to jump into my classroom and help, all for the benefit of our students.

Responsive Family Centered Practices: Enhancement of Children’s and Families’ Quality of Lives 4. We shall advocate for equal access to high quality services and supports for all children and families to enhance their quality of lives. 

Always WE MUST advocate for equal access to high quality services.  Having mediocre services it simply not enough.  I think that when we don't agree with something we must stand up and advocate. During this time of budget cuts there has been talks of increasing my case load for next year.  There were talks of having 22 high needs special education students.  I was outraged because that would decrease the quality of my program.  Luckily, this will not end up happening because myself and my psychologist at my school simple said no, this would not benefit our students.