Professionalism
What is tested
Ethics, legal responsibilities, collaboration, reflective practice, and professional growth.
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
Core values include childhood as a unique and valuable stage, knowledge of how children develop and learn, close child-family ties, the dignity and worth of each person, and relationships built on trust and respect. Responsibilities run to children (above all, do no harm), families, colleagues, and community and society. When principles conflict - a family request against a child's needs, for example - name the dilemma, consult the Code, weigh the most vulnerable party, and seek collegial consultation before acting.
Legal and safety duties
Protect the confidentiality of education records (FERPA) and health information. Report suspected abuse or neglect to Oklahoma DHS. Maintain supervision and required ratios, document injuries and incidents, and follow social media rules that forbid posting identifying photos or discussing children online.
Collaboration and reflection
Work with co-teachers, paraprofessionals, specialists, and administrators. Use a reflective cycle - what happened, why, what next - and invite feedback. Professional development should be job-embedded and tied to child data rather than accumulated seat hours. Advocacy for funding, pre-K access, and the profession is part of the role.
Worked ethical scenario
A colleague repeatedly yells at children. Reasoning: the first obligation is children's safety and dignity, so address it directly and privately, documenting specifics; if it continues, report it to a supervisor. Confidentiality governs how you discuss the matter (need to know), not whether you act. Silence, or retaliation against a reporter, violates the Code.
Traps
Thinking confidentiality means never reporting; treating social media as private; confusing personal preference with an ethical principle; waiting for permission before acting on immediate risk.