Professional Conduct | School of Early Childhood Education | Seneca Students

Professional Conduct Agreement

While participating in field placement, students are a representative of Seneca Polytechnic and are expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism.  Students are required to follow the ethical practices outlined in the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and adhere to college policies, including the Academic Integrity Policy, Discrimination and Harassment Policy, and Student Code of Conduct.

Students will ensure they implement and follow health and safety protocols during their placement.  This includes being aware of the physical, emotional health, and safety needs of children and promptly alerting staff of any potential risky situations. 

Students must be able to function independently at the required level to ensure the academic learning outcomes are met.  Seneca Polytechnic and/or community partners have the right and responsibility to make decisions to end a field placement opportunity, if a student demonstrates behaviours that could interfere with the safety and well-being of children in their care. 

Examples of unprofessional and prohibited conduct:  

Reported incidents of non-compliance with ethical behaviour and standards of practice will be reviewed. If a student is found responsible of such behaviour, the academic area or community partner may decide to end the field placement.  Further consequences may result in:

• Removal from the placement;
• Failing the field placement course (and subsequently any co-requisite course);
• Being withdrawn from Seneca’s School of Early Childhood Education program.