Observations

Palomar College Child Development Department

Statement of Commitment and Confidentiality

As an individual who works with and/or observes young children, I commit myself to furthering the values of early childhood education as they are reflected in the ideals and principles of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct in which this document is meant to honor.

To the best of my ability, I will adhere to the following.

• Keep all children safe.
• Leave cell phones, food, and drinks outside of the classroom.
• Comply with the CHDV Department General Observation and Activity Guidelines.
• Discuss children in a professional way only in the class with my respective instructor and other students.
• Record and document class discussions and observations using only paper and a writing instrument.
• Use a pseudonym (made up name) for documenting children and the word “teacher” to describe staff.
• Politely excuse myself from any conversation with children, families, staff, or other adult and refer all conversations to the lead teacher or members of the leadership team.
• Refrain from bringing any weapons, medications or other dangerous or toxic substances onto Lab School grounds. This includes such items as pepper spray or aspirin (or other over the counter or prescription medications) carried in purses, bags, or pockets. Necessary medications will be brought to the attention of the leadership team to protect the children.
• Wear proper attire (i.e., closed toed shoes) when in a classroom with children.
• Refrain from wearing any perfume and/or cologne as a measure of safety for children and staff with asthma.
• Ensure that programs and activities for young children are based on current knowledge and research of child development and early childhood education.
• Respect and support families in their task of nurturing children.
• Respect colleagues (teachers, staff, and classmates) in early childhood care and education and support them in maintaining the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Serve as an advocate for children, their families, and their teachers in community and society. Stay informed of and maintain high standards of professional conduct.
• Engage in an ongoing process of self-reflection, realizing that personal characteristics, biases, and beliefs have an impact on children and families.
• Be open to new ideas and be willing to learn from the suggestions of others. Continue to learn, grow, and contribute as a professional.

This Statement of Commitment is personal acknowledgment of my willingness to embrace the distinctive values and moral obligations of the field of early childhood care and education.

Confidentiality Statement:

Ethical behavior requires confidentiality be maintained at all times. This means that discussion about children take place only in class and/or with your professors. All notes and writing must be protected so as not to disclose information accidentally or purposefully about the children and families. Information shared about families, children, and staff with others who are not in the class, with classmates outside class, or if others are provided observation notes and papers to be read. Students may not make recordings of class discussions.

If I see something that concerns me and I believe the safety of the children is compromised, I will immediately go to the lead teacher or director and report what I have seen. I will discuss all other concerns with my course instructor privately outside of the adult classroom situation.

I understand the ECE Lab Schools are not liable for any injuries incurred due to a variety of uneven surfaces, materials on the floor, toys left out by children, or the children themselves.

By signing this statement and/or the ECELS sign in sheets, I agree to adhere to the policies of the Statement of Commitment and Confidentiality as stated above.