Standards, ethics and early childhood curriculum documents Documents such as the Australian Early Childhood Association Code of Ethics (1991) and New Zealand's early childhood curriculum Te inhariki (MoE 1996) further assist us in this task by weaving together culturally specific knowledge, principles, intentions and outcomes for early childhood education in each country. In so doing, they highlight additional considerations that early childhood professionals can bring to their programmes.
The Australian Early Childhood Association Code of Ethics (1991: 3) is a set of statements that express the core values underpinning the work of early childhood professionals in relation to children, families, colleagues, community and society, and oneself as a professional. It has been formulated in consultation with practitioners, as a guide for early childhood professionals to use for critical reflection, professional behaviour and, when necessary, the resolution of ethical dilemmas. It particularly stresses a commitment to:
•' viewing the well-being of the individual child as having fundamental importance'; •'acknowledging the uniqueness of each person;
•"considering the needs of the child in the context of the family and culture as the family has a major influence on the young child';
•taking into account the critical impact of self esteem on an individual's development',
•"basing practice on sound knowledge, research and theories while at the same time recognizing thr limitations and uncertainties of these'
•"working to fulfil the right of all children and their families to services of high quality