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Position Statement on Ethical Practice

May 2022

The Position Statement on Ethical Practice for the Division for Early Childhood (DEC)
of the Council for Exceptional Children is a public statement of principles and practice
guidelines supported by the mission of DEC. The purpose of this statement is to
support sound ethical reasoning and decision-making related to supporting families
and enhancing the optimal development of young children (0–8 years) who have or
are at-risk for developmental delays and disabilities. Foremost are our values of
ad vancing equitable and inclusive practices for all young children who have or are at-
risk for developmental delays and disabilities and their families as well as the field as
a whole; partnering with and respecting the autonomy of families as they make
decisions for their young children with disabilities/developmental delays; practicing a
mutual respect for, and collaborating with, our colleagues in the field; and
demonstrating the highest standards of personal integrity and honesty to inspire the
trust and confidence of children, families, and colleagues. As professionals of early
intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE), including child care
providers, direct service providers, educators, administrators, and researchers
(henceforth called professionals1), we must practice within the principles outlined
below. We must also disclose to the appropriate people and seek guidance when
ethical dilemmas arise.

This position statement will detail what ethical practice looks like in terms of the
following core principles: advancing equity and inclusion, using best available
evidence to make decisions, collaborating with families and other professionals,
following relevant policies, and engaging in ongoing learning and reflection. Then, the
various roles that professionals take within the EI/ECSE field are discussed. Lastly,
each core principle is expanded upon for individual roles. DEC emphasizes the
importance of reading this document in its entirety to understand and promote DEC’s
ethical principles as a whole. These guidelines supplement, and should be used in
tandem with, the laws, regulations, professional licensure standards, and other
professional guidance that inform our field.

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