Scenario Reflection
Ethical dilemmas occur in early childhood programs from time to time. The National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Code of Ethical Conduct can be used to address these dilemmas. Read the scenario below and think about similar situations that have occurred in your infant-toddler classroom. In the space below, reflect on how you can handle a similar situation in the future using NAYEC’s Code of Ethics as your guide.
SCENARIO: MAGGIE
Maggie is a 30-month-old toddler in Patrick’s classroom. Maggie’s mom asks Patrick to keep Maggie awake in the afternoon until she is able to pick her up after work. She shares with Patrick that Maggie doesn’t want to go to bed after her dinner and bath when she has napped at school. Patrick listens attentively to her concerns, but is unsure what is really best for Maggie.
1. What concerns do you think Patrick might have about keeping Maggie awake as her mother requested?
2. What can Patrick do to address these concerns?
3. How would you react in a similar situation?
