Course Overview

You will need a journal for your work in this course. 

This journal is a place to reflect, revisit, question, and trace your learning. Do not skip over the journal prompts. The journal prompts will appear throughout the course under the heading, “Calling yourself in…”

This course begins by situating early childhood educators within ethical commitments, as articulated by the Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC). It is critical that all child care managers and leaders familiarize themselves with the ECEBC Code of Ethics (2021) as a governing document committed to advancing the profession of early childhood education. 

The ECEBC Code of Ethics (2021) acknowledges:

"While having a set of principles is important, it is another matter to take them to heart and live them. We may be challenged by others who think and act differently about what is acceptable for children and families. We may want to avoid confronting situations where this difference causes a sense of insecurity in addressing the issue at hand. Belonging to a professional body that shares principles for ethical practice provides an extraordinary level of support for all early childhood educators and unites us in our practice. These principles reflect standards of conduct designed to prompt us to think and act of the best interest of the children and families we serve. Living these principles means, not being silent about what needs to be addressed. Advocacy and taking action are grounded in the Code of Ethics." (p. 3)

This course is designed to prepare child care managers and leaders to recognize anti-bias, anti-racism, and anti-oppressive frameworks as a requirement of ethical practice in the 21st century. Within this course, early childhood educators are positioned as professionals with the capacity to respond to inequity and injustice. Child care managers and leaders are positioned as professionals with a responsibility to enact ethical change, to lead by example, and to advocate for practices and conditions that make more caring worlds possible.

Ethical practice, what is it?

Before we can go much further in this course, spend time revisiting the ECEBC Code of Ethics. Make notes as you read, highlight areas where you feel that your practice excels, and make note of terminology, concepts, or implications for practice that you recognize room for your personal growth.