Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in the Teaching Profession for Early Childhood Teachers

Abstract

This academic article aims to present practical guidelines for early childhood teachers in adhering to the Code of Ethics for the Teaching Profession. It analyzes the relationship between the five categories of professional ethics, as outlined in the Teachers' Council of Thailand Regulation B.E. 2556 (2013), and the seven roles of early childhood teachers stated in the Early Childhood Education Curriculum B.E. 2560 (2017). The findings reveal that the ethical codes align closely with the roles of early childhood educators and can be synthesized into practical guidelines that encompass self-development, role-modeling, age-appropriate experience planning, holistic development promotion, appropriate use of technology, and fostering collaboration with parents and communities. Moreover, three new conceptual insights emerged: the Ethics of Integration, the Ethics of Connection, and the Ethics of Empowerment. Following these ethical practices will help early childhood teachers gain the trust of children, professional peers, and society, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of early childhood education quality.