ECIANS Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics
Adopted March 30, 2007
The ECIANS Code of Ethics embodies the principles and values of professionals in the field of Early Intervention in the province of Nova Scotia. ECIANS strives to promote excellence in service provision and supports the ongoing professional development of its members. Emphasis on Family Centered Practice; respect for diversity including, but not restricted to, culture, race, religion, social factors, and ability/disability and adherence to sound practical and theoretical knowledge are cornerstones in Early Intervention practice.
The ECIANS Code of Ethics reflects the definitions and procedures as indicated in the Early Intervention Provincial Standards and Guidelines. Members of the ECIANS will adhere to and promote practices in Early Intervention that support the principles of the Code of Ethics.
As I relate to Families, I will:
1. Work to develop partnerships with families that are based on mutual trust and open communication.
2. Demonstrate my respect for families as
they nurture their children and support them in achieving the outcomes they
desire for both themselves and their children.
3. Provide families with full and
unbiased information in a direct, transparent and sensitive manner, in order
for families to make independent and informed decisions.
4. Respect the uniqueness of each family,
acknowledging different family compositions, and the significance of culture,
customs, language, beliefs and the community context in which it resides.
5. Respect each family’s perspective,
especially when their views differ from mine.
6. Assist each family to develop a sense
of trust and connection to the services in which their children and family
participate, and their right to be involved at the level they choose.
7. Respect each family’s right to privacy
and maintain confidentiality.
As I relate to Children, I will:
1. View
each child as a child first, irrespective of abilities or disabilities.
2. Ensure
my practices reflect consideration of the child’s perspective.
3. Demonstrate,
in my behavior and language, that I respect and appreciate the unique value and
human potential of each child.
4. Advocate
on behalf of all children, irrespective of diagnosis or developmental status,
race, colour, religion, language, sex, socio-economic status.
5. Base
my work with children on sound practical and theoretical knowledge, as well as
on my individual knowledge of each child’s development, strengths and needs.
6. Acknowledge
each child’s needs and rights as a human being as well as the additional needs
that result from his/her developmental challenges.
7. Acknowledge
the major role of play in development and be sensitive of each child’s right to
play, his/her need for stimulation, enjoyment, choice and preferences.
8. Interact
with children in ways that enhance their development and competencies and value
their achievements.
9. Respect
and foster the special relationship between children and their families and
incorporate this in all my interactions.
10. Engage in and promote practices that are
respectful of, and provide security for, children and in no way degrade,
endanger, exploit, intimidate or harm them.
11. Act
on behalf of children to protect their physical and emotional well-being,
making referrals to protective services when necessary.
As I relate to Colleagues, I will:
1. Create
and maintain a climate of effective teamwork and consultation based on trust,
respect, open communication and professional conduct.
2. Acknowledge
and support the personal and professional strengths of each colleague and team
member, respecting the perspectives that different disciplines bring to the
understanding of the needs of the child,
family, service and community.
3. Maintain
confidentiality.
4. Support
and assist colleagues and team members in their professional development and
adherence to this
code of ethics.
5. Promote
policies and working conditions that are non-discriminatory and that foster
competence, well-being, and positive self esteem.
As I relate to Community & Society, I will:
1. Review and modify Early Childhood Intervention Programs in response to community needs.
2. Support the development and
implementation of laws and policies that promote the well-being of children and
their families within my community.
3. Participate in community education and advocacy for children and families.
4. Act in my community, in a way that
promotes respect for the early childhood intervention profession.
5. Promote
awareness of Early Childhood Intervention Programs throughout my community.
In relation to
Myself as a Professional, I will:
1. Demonstrate
the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness and honesty in all my
professional activities in order to inspire the trust of the public and those
with whom I work.
2. Strive
for personal and professional excellence, seeking and utilizing new
information, and responding openly to the suggestions of others.
3. Communicate
with and consider the views of all families and colleagues with whom I work.
4. Fulfill
my professional responsibilities, not allowing my personal values, beliefs or
conduct to interfere with my professional judgment and performance.
5. Not
condone any form of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion or
mental or physical disability.
6. Not
condone dishonesty, fraud or deception.
7. Initiate
and support research to strengthen and expand the knowledge base of early
childhood intervention.
8. Work
within the limits of my professional role and avoid misrepresentation of my
professional competence and qualifications.
9. Recognize
the particular importance of formal qualifications in early childhood
intervention together with experience, personal characteristics such as
openness to new ideas and a commitment to continued growth and development.
10. Maintain the standards values, ethics, knowledge
and mission of the early childhood intervention profession.
11. Take action to prevent the unauthorized and
unqualified practice of early childhood intervention.
12. Be
an advocate for young children, services, education and therapies, and early childhood
intervention.
13. Adhere
to and reflect upon my commitment to the Early Childhood Interventionists
Association of Nova Scotia and to its policies and positions.
