CDA Professionalism and Ethical Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct places the highest priority on:
- Educators' professional advancement
- The well-being of children (Correct answer)
- Program administrative efficiency
- Family satisfaction
Correct answer: The well-being of children
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct's first principle is to prioritize the well-being of children above all other considerations.
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct establishes a hierarchy of obligations: first to children, then to families, then to colleagues, and then to the community and society. When conflicts arise, the welfare of children takes precedence.
Question 2: An educator suspects a child is experiencing abuse at home. Under the CDA professional framework and state law, the educator should:
- Investigate the situation personally before involving authorities
- Report the suspicion to the appropriate child protective services agency immediately (Correct answer)
- Wait to gather more evidence before reporting
- Speak only to the parents about the concern
Correct answer: Report the suspicion to the appropriate child protective services agency immediately
Early childhood educators are mandated reporters required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect to child protective services.
All states require early childhood educators to report reasonable suspicions of child abuse or neglect. Educators do not need to be certain - only to have a reasonable suspicion. They should not investigate or confront parents. Educators are protected from liability for good-faith reports.
Question 3: Which of the following demonstrates professional behavior in the workplace?
- Discussing confidential family information with colleagues during lunch
- Maintaining confidentiality of all child and family information (Correct answer)
- Venting about a child's behavior on personal social media
- Sharing family contact information with other parents
Correct answer: Maintaining confidentiality of all child and family information
Maintaining confidentiality is a core professional obligation that protects families' privacy and builds trust.
Confidentiality is a fundamental ethical obligation in early childhood education. Educators have access to sensitive information that must be protected. Sharing this information inappropriately violates professional ethics, damages trust, and may have legal consequences.
Question 4: Continuing professional development is important for CDA professionals because:
- It satisfies credential renewal requirements only
- It ensures educators stay current with research, best practices, and evolving standards (Correct answer)
- It is required only for educators who are struggling
- It replaces the need for supervision
Correct answer: It ensures educators stay current with research, best practices, and evolving standards
Ongoing professional development keeps educators current with research-based practices, new standards, and evolving understanding of child development.
The early childhood field continuously evolves as new research emerges on brain development, language acquisition, trauma-informed practice, and inclusive education. Professional development ensures educators implement evidence-based practices.
Question 5: A colleague asks you to falsify documentation about a child's progress. What is the ethical response?
- Comply to maintain a positive relationship with the colleague
- Refuse and, if necessary, report the request to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Alter the documents slightly to compromise
- Ignore the request and document nothing
Correct answer: Refuse and, if necessary, report the request to a supervisor
Falsifying documentation is unethical and potentially illegal; the professional response is to refuse and escalate appropriately.
Accurate documentation is essential to children's welfare, program accountability, and legal compliance. Falsifying records violates professional ethics and program integrity. The NAEYC Code requires honesty and integrity in all documentation.
Question 6: Reflective practice in early childhood education involves:
- Looking at your physical appearance before entering the classroom
- Critically examining one's teaching choices, assumptions, and their impact on children (Correct answer)
- Reviewing only positive teaching moments
- Reflecting only on children's behavior rather than one's own
Correct answer: Critically examining one's teaching choices, assumptions, and their impact on children
Reflective practice involves thoughtful examination of one's beliefs, decisions, and their effects on children, leading to continuous professional growth.
Reflective practice is the habit of pausing to examine one's professional actions, values, and assumptions in light of their impact on children and families. Reflective educators use journals, peer consultation, and mentoring to deepen self-awareness and improve practice over time.
CDA Professionalism and Ethical Practices 2
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct places the highest priority on: