Focus on Ethics, coedited by Stephanie Feeney and Nancy K. Freeman, features two kinds of alternating articles. The first presents dilemmas that early childhood educators encounter as they work with young children and their families. The second provides analysis of the dilemma presented in the previous column. These columns reflect the field's current best thinking by answering the question "What should an ethical early childhood educator do?"

Why “Focus on Ethics”?

Use this column to increase your knowledge of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and your skills applying it to situations presented in the columns, which describe realistic challenges you may face as you work with young children and families. We invite NAEYC members with a particular interest in ethics to apply to serve as guest editors for the column.

How can I get involved?

NAEYC members can participate in this column as follows:

1. Share an ethical issue. If you have encountered an ethical dilemma in your workplace that you would like to present in this column, send the coeditors a short (400–500 word) description of the situation. Contact information appears in each column.
2. Respond to the scenarios presented in the column. Think about the situation described and discuss it with a friend or colleague, in a class, or in a staff meeting, then decide what the “good early childhood educator” should do in this situation. Submit your analysis to the coeditors along with a recommended resolution supported by the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. Readers’ responses will be the basis for the published analysis of each case.
3. Serve as a guest editor. Apply to participate as a guest editor for the column if you have a serious interest in, and substantial experience working with, professional ethics. Guest editors review submitted responses and draft the analysis published in the journal. To apply, e-mail the coeditors a paragraph describing your involvement in professional ethics, a dilemma you have encountered in your work, and an analysis and proposed resolution of that situation. The coeditors will contact you if they plan on inviting you to serve as a guest editor for an upcoming column.

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