Vision Statement
The Early Childhood Interventionists Association of Nova Scotia
strives to promote and strengthen professionalism by mentoring,
supporting and advocating for its members.
Mission Statement
The Early Childhood Interventionists Association of Nova Scotia
will provide leadership to develop and ensure universal policies,
standards, and guidelines to promote professionalism
and best practices.
Code of Ethics
Adopted March 30, 2007
The ECIANS Code of Ethics embodies the principles and values of
professionals in the field of Early Intervention in the province of Nova
Scotia. ECIANS strives to promote excellence in service provision and
supports the ongoing professional development of its members. Emphasis
on Family Centered Practice; respect for diversity including, but not
restricted to, culture, race, religion, social factors, and
ability/disability and adherence to sound practical and theoretical
knowledge are cornerstones in Early Intervention practice.
The ECIANS Code of Ethics reflects the definitions and procedures as indicated in the Early Intervention Provincial Standards and Guidelines. Members of the ECIANS will adhere to and promote practices in Early Intervention that support the principles of the Code of Ethics.
As I relate to Families, I will:
1. Work to develop partnerships with families that are based on mutual trust and open communication.
2. Demonstrate my respect for families as they nurture their children and support them in achieving the outcomes they desire for both themselves and their children.
3. Provide families with full and unbiased information in a direct, transparent and sensitive manner, in order for families to make independent and informed decisions.
4. Respect the uniqueness of each family, acknowledging different family compositions, and the significance of culture, customs, language, beliefs and the community context in which it resides.
5. Respect each family’s perspective, especially when their views differ from mine.
6. Assist each family to develop a sense of trust and connection to the services in which their children and family participate, and their right to be involved at the level they choose.
7.
Respect each family’s right to privacy and maintain confidentiality.
1.
View each child as a child first, irrespective of abilities or
disabilities.
2.
Ensure my practices reflect consideration of the child’s perspective.
3.
Demonstrate, in my behaviour and language, that I respect and appreciate
the unique value and human potential of each child.
4.
Advocate on behalf of all children, irrespective of diagnosis or
developmental status, race, colour, religion,
language,
sex, socio-economic status.
5.
Base my work with children on sound practical and theoretical knowledge,
as well as on my
individual knowledge of each child’s development, strengths and needs.
6.
Acknowledge each child’s needs and rights as a human being as well as
the additional needs that result from his/her developmental challenges.
7.
Acknowledge the major role of play in development and be sensitive of
each child’s right to play, his/her need for stimulation, enjoyment,
choice and preferences.
8.
Interact with children in ways that enhance their development and
competencies and value their achievements.
9.
Respect and foster the special relationship between children and their
families and incorporate this in all my interactions.
10. Engage
in and promote practices that are respectful of, and provide security
for, children and in no way degrade, endanger, exploit, intimidate or
harm them.
11. Act
on behalf of children to protect their physical and emotional
well-being, making referrals to protective services when necessary.
1. Create
and maintain a climate of effective teamwork and consultation based on
trust, respect, open communication and professional conduct.
2. Acknowledge
and support the personal and professional strengths of each colleague
and team member, respecting the perspectives that different disciplines
bring to the understanding of the needs of the child, family, service
and community.
3. Maintain
confidentiality.
4. Support
and assist colleagues and team members in their professional development
and adherence to this code of ethics.
5. Promote
policies and working conditions that are non-discriminatory and that
foster competence, well-being, and positive self esteem.
1. Review
and modify Early Childhood Intervention Programs in response to
community needs.
2. Support
the development and implementation of laws and policies that promote the
well-being of children and their families within my community.
3. Participate
in community education and advocacy for children and families.
4. Act
in my community, in a way that promotes respect for the early childhood
intervention profession.
5. Promote
awareness of Early Childhood Intervention Programs throughout my
community.
In relation to Myself as a Professional, I will:
1. Demonstrate
the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness and honesty in
all my professional activities in order to inspire the trust of the
public and those with whom I work.
2. Strive
for personal and professional excellence, seeking and utilizing new
information, and responding openly to the suggestions of others.
3. Communicate
with and consider the views of all families and colleagues with whom I
work.
4. Fulfill
my professional responsibilities, not allowing my personal values,
beliefs or conduct to interfere with my professional judgment and
performance.
5. Not
condone any form of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age,
religion or mental or physical disability.
6. Not
condone dishonesty, fraud or deception.
7. Initiate
and support research to strengthen and expand the knowledge base of
early childhood intervention.
8. Work
within the limits of my professional role and avoid misrepresentation of
my professional competence and qualifications.
9. Recognize
the particular importance of formal qualifications in early childhood
intervention together with experience, personal characteristics such as
openness to new ideas and a commitment to continued growth and
development.
10. Maintain
the standards values, ethics, knowledge and mission of the early
childhood intervention profession.
11. Take
action to prevent the unauthorized and unqualified practice of early
childhood intervention.
12. Be
an advocate for young children, services, education and therapies, and
early childhood intervention.
13. Adhere to and reflect upon my commitment to the Early Childhood Interventionists Association of Nova Scotia and to its policies and positions.