About the Code of Ethics

NAEYC recognizes that those who work with young children face many daily decisions that have moral and ethical implications. The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct offers guidelines for responsible behavior and sets forth a common basis for resolving the principal ethical dilemmas encountered in early childhood care and education.

*NEW* NAEYC’s Governing Board, with the support of educators, advisors, expert workgroups, and advisory councils, has embarked on revisions of the Code of Ethical Conduct (last revised in 2011). You are invited to engage in the process of collective revision with us, starting with the opportunity to participate in a survey about the ethical dilemmas facing you today. Read the letter from NAEYC CEO Michelle Kang, Governing Board President Natalie Vega-O'Neil, and Committee Chair Stacey French-Lee, and then take the survey! 

SURVEY IN ENGLISH                       ENCUESTA EN ESPANOL

The survey will be open through October 6, 2023 - and it is just the beginning. NAEYC’s commitment to public and equitable engagement, discussion, and consensus building in our position statement processes is clear and consistent, and you can expect to have the opportunity to review drafts of the position statements, and to share your comments, perspectives, and feedback. Thank you for helping us shape these collective, shared resources that support early childhood educators, partnering with families, in creating joyful, equitable learning environments for all.

Position Statements

(Reaffirmation and Updated, 2011)

Digital

• Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment
• El Código de Conducta Ética y Declaración de Compromiso

Print

• NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct Brochure

Supplements

• Supplement for Early Childhood Program Administrators
• Supplement for Early Childhood Adult Educators 

Why NAEYC has Updated the Ethics Position Statements

In May 2011, the NAEYC Governing Board reaffirmed the 2005 Code and updated this position statement to reflect consistency with the “Supplement for Early Childhood Program Administrators,” which was initially approved in July 2006. Specifically, Section III-C of the Code (Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues / Responsibilities to Employees) was deleted, as these Ideals and Principles are addressed in the Supplement. Other minor modifications were also made to ensure clarity and consistency. In addition, changes were made to Ideals and Principles that regard responsibilities to families to ensure alignment with current family engagement best practices in the field.

The “Supplement for Early Childhood Program Administrators” was also reaffirmed by the NAEYC Governing Board in May 2011, and changes were made to Ideals and Principles that regard responsibilities to families to ensure alignment with current family engagement best practices in the field. In addition, references to the Code of Ethical Conduct, Section III, Part C: Responsibilities to Employees were deleted, as Section III, Part C was deleted in the May 2011 update of the Code.