CODE OF CONDUCT

6.1 CODE OF CONDUCT

DATED: January, 2006

SOURCED: Draft Code of Conduct 1997, Family Day Care Association of Queensland

SOURCED: Anne Stonehouse (Convenor), Margaret Clyde, Barbara Creaser, Lyn Fasoli, Barbara
Piscitelli and Christine Woodrow. Code of Ethics 1990, Early Childhood Australia

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POLICY

This Code of Conduct applies to its management committee members, staff and Carers. As part of our professional conduct we will abide by the following principles:

CONFIDENTIALITY

Maintain and respect each individual’s right to privacy and confidentiality.
Information regarding the families and children’s needs will be shared between the carer and Coordination unit in the best interest of the child.
Information regarding families' needs will be shared with communituy agencies only with the family's
permission, except in cjild protection matters.

Conflict of Interest

Individuals must maintain their professional integrity by recognizing and reporting potential conflicts of interest, for example:

► Financial gain

► Personal knowledge that may compromise the integrity of either party

► Relationship

Fair and Respectful Behaviour

Communicate honestly and openly

Have access to a grievance procedure

Value each person's point of view

Welcome diversity and engage in inclusive practice

In Relation to Children

Above all else, our first responsibility is to children in providing a healthy, nurturing and responsive setting hich is both safe and challenging.

Rights

In appreciation of the special vulnerability of the child our practices will acknowledge the rights of each child and include the child’s right:

To a voice

To dignity and respect

To participation

To quality experiences whilst in care

To be a child

To learn through play

We are committed to respecting and supporting

All children as individuals with their own individual cultural, social and family backgrounds

The development of the whole child across all areas

The competence of each child

In Relation to Families

Acknowledge and value the uniqueness and diversity of families including cultural and religious beliefs and child rearing values

Acknowledge the rights of each family to confidentiality, privacy, information and participation

Assist families to exercise freedom of choice in accessing quality family day care

Inform families of policies and procedures that relate to all aspects of their participation with the scheme

Be accountable to families by adhering to legislative requirements regulating children’s services

Be conscious of the key relationships that exist in the work environment and ensure that professional boundaries are maintained

In Relation to Colleagues

Recognise and respect the dignity and rights of the individual and conduct myself in a professional manner

Practice open and effective communication

Be fair and consistent in decision making within a co-operative framework

Recognise and observe boundaries that support professional relationships

Be accountable in my work relationships and value each individual and their contribution

In Relation to Self as a Professional

Be committed to the principles of honesty, respect, trust and integrity that underpin all of my professional practice

Demonstrate and be committed to reflective practices that encompass an awareness of my strengths, limitations and well-being

Demonstrate a commitment to my professional development, knowledge and skills

Own and promote a vision that is child focused and congruent with current best practice

In Relation to Community

Acknowledge the role of community in setting community standards and articulating community needs and will be responsible to the community by:

Liaison and co-operation with agencies and professions which support children and families

Engaging in culturally appropriate and non discriminatory practices

Actively promote the service in the wider community

Work within the legislative framework and quality assurance process to promote the well being of children

Develop and sustain services which are characterised by

Openness

Accountability

Accessibility

Flexibility

Professionalism

Support community education and advocacy for children

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

In the event of an incident or complaint relating to the scheme’s Code of Conduct, the matter will be dealt with under the Grievance & Complaints Policy & Procedure.
- It is essential that procedural fairness and natural justice be shown to all parties concerned.
- If the matter relates to harm to a child the matter will be immediately reported to the Department of Communities and referred to the Juvenile Aid Bureau to be investigated.