Posted: June 1st, 2016

Explain the characteristics of an ethical dilemma. What are the ethical dimensions of the situation you are discussing?

Ethical Dilemmas –

1. Michael, a new early childhood graduate, works in the babies’ room. The director has been delighted to be able to employ a male teacher who wants to work with young children. In his first week of work, one of the parents complains about Michael and argues that all men should be banned from changing babies’ nappies.

OR

MY GROUP CHOSE THE HIGHLIGHTED ONE BELOW

2. Sai Munn is an active three year old child. He usually plays well with his peers but occasionally finds it difficult to comply with adult direction. Recently, when engrossed in block play, he was asked to move from inside to outside play. He did not want to move, but the educators needed him to go with the other children so that they could prepare the indoor space for other activities. Sai Munn became agitated and angry and swung a large wooden block at a staff member hitting her on the head and causing a mild concussion necessitating a visit to the local hospital. Several of the other staff members have now refused to work with Sai Munn.

Part B (40%): Reflective Essay on an Ethical Dilemma (1,800 words)

For this assessment task each student must write an essay that builds on the research and thinking undertaken for the group discussion.
Essay Topic:
The ‘best interests of the child’ (article 3.1 UNCRC) is not always easy to identify particularly in situations that present us with an ethical dilemma. Discuss your chosen dilemma in relation to the children’s rights (as defined by UNCRC) and the determination of children’s best interests. Provide a rationale for the resolution that your group reached and explain the ethical, rights-based, legal and professional considerations that led to the resolution.

In your essay make sure that you:
• Commence your essay identifying the dilemma you are addressing.
• Explain the characteristics of an ethical dilemma. What are the ethical dimensions of the situation you are discussing?
• Summarise the resolution the group reached.
• Explain the rationale for the resolution. What did you draw on to ensure that children’s ‘best interests’ were a primary consideration (for example, relevant insights from group discussion; the phases of the ethical response cycle; key documents – e.g., the UNCRC, ECA Code of Ethics, the NQS and EYLF- and readings from the modules?
• Briefly reflect upon the process of working through the ethical dilemma. In this reflection consider what you have learnt in regard to areas such as: your teaching practice; advocating and enacting children’s rights; and reconceptualising the child as an informed participant in issues that affect them.
• Follow the conventions of writing an essay (i.e. introduction, body, conclusion).