Stefanie Gonzales

ECE 251

Spring 2017

Activity: Ethical Dilemma or Ethical Responsibility

1. Read the following situations. Explain why Situation #1 is an example of an ethical

responsibility and Situation #2 is an example of an ethical dilemma. (10 pts)

Situation 1

Situation 1 is an example of ethical responsibility due to the fact as a caregiver we

should know that Power Rangers may not be appropriate for all 4 year olds. Not every

parent will want their child watching this type of movie. Before a caregiver should

bring a movie like that into the classroom they need to have permission from the

childrens parents. Also, a 75 minute video is way to long for 4 year olds. Children that

age need to be mobile and hands on, not sit that long and watch television. This is an

ethical responsibility of the caregiver because it is not DAP appropriate and the

caregiver needs to find some other activity to occupy the children during the rainy

day. Maybe several shorter activities that allow for mobility, play, imagination,

reading, and a set quiet or alone time.

Situation 2

Situation 2 is an example of ethical dilemma due to the fact that the childs wellbeing

is at risk. The caregiver needs to respect the parents concern but the priority needs to

be the wellbeing of the child. This is hard because at the childcare facility the
 situation states that in order for Paul to be in a positive emotional state for the day

he needs his nap time. If the caregiver gives in and keeps Paul up during the

scheduled nap time, this could potentially harm Paul and other children. An example

could be that Paul gets very cranky and throw tantrums throughout the remainder of

the day. While throwing these tantrums at some point or another toy may begin to

start flying across the room in frustration and hitting another child. Or Paul may get

cranky and shove or hit another child. The possibilities of a cranky child are endless.

In this situation I think it best for the caregiver to work with the mother. The

caregiver should keep Paul up for a week during the nap time and record his behavior

then present it to the mother in order to justify reasoning as to why Paul needs his

nap time.

2. Ethical Responsibilities to Children: I 1.2, I 1.4, I 1.5, I 1.8, I 1.10,

Ethical Responsibilities to Families I 2.2, I 2.3, I 2.5, I 2.6,

Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues I 3A.2, I 3A.3, I 3B.1, I 3B.2

Ethical Responsibilities to Community and Society I 4.1, I 4.6

3. Concerning the ethical dilemma, Situation 2:

Additional information: This is a single mom with one child. Her schedule is a follows:

7:00 am ... Drops of Paul

7:30 am ... Begins work

5:30 pm ... Picks up Paul

6:00 - 6:30 ... Arrives home

4. Individuals involved

Julie (teacher) - Julie is concerned about Pauls wellbeing and emotional state when

he doesnt have his nap time. Julie must also consider the other 4 year olds that are in

Pauls group. The 4 year olds possibly can be affected by Pauls moodiness.

Group of 4 year olds in the class The 4 year olds in the group will have issues

concerning Pauls emotional state when he is tired. They may get pushed, shoved,

yelled at by Paul.

Mother The mother has a couple of issues and concerns. First of all she is concerned

about her sleep and needs to have Paul not nap at school. She knows that he isnt in a

good emotional state at school when he doesnt nap so this is another concern. Also,

the mother must be concerned about the teacher and what she is going through. The

mother might worry about what the teacher thinks of her as a mother or what

stresses the teacher might have to deal with if Paul is overly tired.

5. Ethical Responsibilities to Children P 1.1, P 1.2, P 1.4, P 1..5

Ethical Responsibilities to Families P 2.2, P 2.3, P 2.4, P 2.6,

6. P 2.2