From a Code of Ethics to an ‘Ethic of Caring’: Perspectives from Aotearoa/New Zealand

Abstract

This paper traces key aspects in the development of a code of ethics for early childhood educators within the diversity of services in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The development process included a survey of practitioners ethical concerns which contributed to understandings of ethical situations faced and to the values held by educators. Further analysis of the data using Polkinghorne's (1995) analysis of narrative approach revealed four themes that presented a picture of educators philosophies and practices in dealing with ethical issues. The remainder of this paper discusses the fourth theme, an ‘ethic of caring’, where it is argued that the decisions and actions of educators in Aotearoa/New Zealand are underpinned by the value of care when dealing with ethical concerns and difficult situations.

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