Preschool Ethics

We are all learning every day.  Children learn.  Adults learn.  We learn from each other.  In order to role model all the characteristics we value in life, we must hold ourselves as preschool educators to the highest standards.  If we want our children to learn empathy, we must be empathetic.  If we want them to be compassionate, honest, kind, leaders, etc., we must exhibit those same traits ourselves.  In the eyes of young children, we are their "heroes."  We are their "idols."  It may sound dramatic, but it's true.  We are being watched every moment and our children are learning from our actions.  Being an early childhood educator is a daunting job that requires courage and consistency.  Not only are our little ones observing our actions and listening to our words, they are internalizing it all and storing it up for future use.  We cannot let them down.  We all have less than stellar days in the classroom but that should not keep us from dusting ourselves off and walking a more exemplary path the next day.  Not only are our children watching us in the classroom, they are watching us out of the classroom as we interact with other staff members, parents, and administrators.  They may not fully understand all the "hats" we wear each day, but they know what they see and they know what they hear and that's enough.  It's a challenge we all face everyday but it's one that cannot be underestimated and must not be forgotten.  So, forge ahead with courage knowing that your "job" with young children is one of the most important ones in the world.  You CAN do it!