Ethical Dilemma
Jane, a petite just-turned-3-year-old, is new in Kristen’s class. Jane’s father brings
her to the centre each day at breakfast time. The centre policy is to include milk to
be served at breakfast and lunch. Like a number of children in the centre, Jane
refuses milk and drinks water instead. Kristen allows children to make this choice.
One day Jane’s father tells Kristen that he and his wife do not want her to allow Jane
to drink water until she has drunk at least a full cup of milk. Kristen assures them that
she will encourage Jane to drink her milk. At the next meal, Kristen tells Jane that
her family wants her to drink milk so she’ll be healthy and grow strong. Jane sobs
uncontrollably. Kristen comforts her and allows her to drink water. She tells Jane she
will talk to Jane’s father about letting her drink water. Jane’s eyes grow wide, and
she sobs even harder, saying, “Don’t tell Daddy! Don’t tell Daddy! Should Kristen
honour the wishes of the family or allow Jane to continue to drink water instead of
milk?
Consider the ethical principles from Newman and Pollnitz (2005) and include a
paragraph for each role and what ethical principles they would like to be considered and ranked accordingly (child, educator, parents)
This basic discussion need to be supported by Newman & Pollnitz (2005),Code of ethics, EYLF, NQS, regs, UNCRC, Code of contact.
