About the Code of Ethics

NAEYC recognizes that those who work with young children face many daily decisions that have moral and ethical implications. The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct offers guidelines for responsible behavior and sets forth a common basis for resolving the principal ethical dilemmas encountered in early childhood care and education.

Position Statements

(Reaffirmation and Updated, 2011)

Digital

• Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment
• El Código de Conducta Ética y Declaración de Compromiso

Print

• NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct Brochure

Supplements

• Supplement for Early Childhood Program Administrators
• Supplement for Early Childhood Adult Educators 

Why NAEYC has Updated the Ethics Position Statements

In May 2011, the NAEYC Governing Board reaffirmed the 2005 Code and updated this position statement to reflect consistency with the “Supplement for Early Childhood Program Administrators,” which was initially approved in July 2006. Specifically, Section III-C of the Code (Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues / Responsibilities to Employees) was deleted, as these Ideals and Principles are addressed in the Supplement. Other minor modifications were also made to ensure clarity and consistency. In addition, changes were made to Ideals and Principles that regard responsibilities to families to ensure alignment with current family engagement best practices in the field.

The “Supplement for Early Childhood Program Administrators” was also reaffirmed by the NAEYC Governing Board in May 2011, and changes were made to Ideals and Principles that regard responsibilities to families to ensure alignment with current family engagement best practices in the field. In addition, references to the Code of Ethical Conduct, Section III, Part C: Responsibilities to Employees were deleted, as Section III, Part C was deleted in the May 2011 update of the Code.