Taylor Manalo C I 295A November 21, 2013

--For the 16 ethical dilemmas, decide whether you think each one is ethical and find a Principle or Ideal statement in the code that supports your decision. Put your answers in the Ethical Dilemmas dropbox. Due by midnight, Friday Nov. 22. 1. The Broken Marriage No, this is not ethical. The teacher should not be giving away private information, even if it is just to a friend. The parent entrusted the information to the teacher, and it is the teachers responsibility to keep that information private. Principle: P-2.11 We shall not engage in or support exploitation of families. We shall not use our relationship with a family for private advantage or personal gain, or enter into relationships with family members that might impair our effectiveness working with their children. P-2.13 We shall maintain confidentiality and shall respect the familys right to privacy, refraining from disclosure of confidential information and intrusion into family life. 2. The Bed Wetter No, this is not ethical. The teacher should have reported the incident, as the childs health and well-being seem to be at risk. Principle: P-1.9 When we have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, we shall report it to the appropriate community agency and follow up to ensure that appropriate action has been taken. When appropriate, parents or guardians will be informed that the referral will be or has been made. 3. The Great Assistant No, this is not ethical. The teacher should not withhold a valuable educational resource from other children who need it for her own personal benefit. Additionally, the teacher is lying, as she knows that the assistant teacher is qualified for the job. The teacher in this situation is limiting her colleagues professional development, which goes against the ideal detailed below. Ideal Statement: I-3A.3 To support co-workers in meeting their professional needs and in their professional development.

4. The Aggressive Child No, this is not ethical. The teacher should not threaten to leave if the child is not removed. Instead, the teacher should continue to try to work through the difficulties she is facing with the child and family, and if this does not work, the teacher should discuss other options with the program director and the family. Principle: P-1.7 We shall strive to build individual relationships with each child; make individualized adaptations in teaching strategies, learning environments, and curricula; and consult with the family so that each child benefits from the program. If after such efforts have been exhausted, the current placement does not meet a childs needs, or the child is seriously jeopardizing the ability of other children to benefit from the program, we shall collaborate with the childs family and appropriate specialists to determine the additional services needed and/or the placement option(s) most likely to ensure the childs success. 5. The Incompetent Teacher No, this is not ethical. If the childrens learning is suffering as a result of the teachers lack of preparation or attention to the class, something should be said/done. Principle: P3A.2 When we have concerns about the professional behavior of a co-worker, we shall first let that person know of our concern in a way that shows respect for personal dignity and for the diversity to e found among staff members, and then attempt to resolve the matter collegially and in a confidential manner. 6. HIV/AIDS Yes, this is ethical. By allowing the child to stay in the program, the teacher is respecting the right that all children have to education, and by informing parents and families about safety information, the teacher is also meeting the other families needs. Principle: P-1.3 We shall not participate in practices that discriminate against children by denying benefits, giving special advantages, or excluding them from programs or activities on the basis of their sex, race, national origin, immigration status, preferred home language, religious beliefs, medical condition, disability, or the marital status/family structure, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs or other affiliations of their families. P-2.9 We shall inform the family of injuries and incidents involving their child, of risks such as exposures to communicable diseases that might result in infection, and of occurrences that might result in emotional stress. 7. The High-Paying Job No, this is not ethical. If students are not receiving the best education possible, the teacher should not

contribute to such practices. Ideal: 1-4.1 To provide the community with high-quality early childhood care and education programs and services. **This situation would be ethical, based on the same ideal, if the teacher makes an effort to change the way that education is approached at this program! Then, she would be providing the community with good-quality education while still being able to keep her job. 8. The Volunteer No, this is not ethical. While the volunteer may feel frustrated or uncomfortable, it is the teachers responsibility to maintain confidentiality in this situation. Principle: P-2.13 We shall maintain confidentiality and shall respect the familys right to privacy, refraining from disclosure of confidential information and intrusion into family life. 9. The Nap No, this is not ethical. While it is important that the teacher respects the parents insight, it is also important that the teacher respects the childs needs. Rather than simply disregarding her own intuitions, the teacher should talk to the mother about her observations about the child possibly needing a mid-day nap. Ideal: I-2.8 To help family members enhance their understanding of their children, as staff are enhancing their understanding of each child through communications with families, and support family members in the continuing development of their skills as parents. 10. Cooking with Children No, this is not ethical. As a professional, the teacher should not be complaining about the rules that the program has established. Instead, the teacher should still follow the rules, but she should handle this in a more constructive way. Principle: P-3B.1 We shall follow all program policies. When we do not agree with program policies, we shall attempt to effect change through constructive action within the organization. 11. The Divorce No, this is not ethical. Even if the teacher does believe that the mother would be a better parent, the teacher has the responsibility of helping all parties involved, rather than taking one partys side. Principle: P-2.14 In cases where family members are in conflict with one another, we shall work openly, sharing our observations of the child, to

help all parties involved make informed decisions. We shall refrain from becoming an advocate for one party. 12. Cultural Differences No, this is not ethical. Even if the aide does understand the culture, the actions still put the child in danger! This is the most important rule to follow, and it should definitely be brought to the aides attention. Principle: P-1.1 Above all, we shall not harm children. We shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to other children. This principle has precedence over all others in this Code. 13. Contagious Diarrhea No, this is not ethical. The illness presents a safety concern for families, and thus, it should be brought to their attention, even if the director does not agree. The teacher can go about it in a proper way, but it should still not be simply dismissed or let go of. P-2.9 We shall inform the family of injuries and incidents involving their child, of risks such as exposures to communicable diseases that might result in infection, and of occurrences that might result in emotional stress. 14. Going Home No, this is not ethical. If the teacher suspects that the child is in danger, it is his or her responsibility to take measures to ensure that the child is safe. Principle: P-4.7 When we become aware of a practice or situation that endangers the health, safety, or well-being of children, we have an ethical responsibility to protect children or inform parents and/or others who can. 15. The Harsh Teacher Yes, this is ethical. Especially concerning this issue, it is important to address the situation, as it can have very negative consequences if ignored. Principle: P-3A.2 When we have concerns about the professional behavior of a co-worker, we shall first let that person know of our concern in a way that shows respect for personal dignity and for the diversity to be found among staff members, and then attempt to resolve the matter collegially and in a confidential manner. **If the situation seems dangerous enough, it may be necessary to report it right away. In other words, if the teacher is sure that she saw another teacher physically or verbally abuse a child, the situation should be

brought to immediate attention. 16. The Ethnic Joke No, this is not ethical. Teachers should not be insulting individuals of specific ethnic groups, and if it goes unnoticed, it could lead to bigger problems down the road. The teacher should confront the individual who made the remark about it. Principle: P-3A.2 When we have concerns about the professional behavior of a co-worker, we shall first let that person know of our concern in a way that shows respect for personal dignity and for the diversity to be found among staff members, and then attempt to resolve the matter collegially and in a confidential manner.