Making Ethical Decisions in Family Child Care Settings

Family Child Care Professionalism Lesson 3 Explore Making Ethical Decisions in Family Child Care Settings Reflection Required	WWW.VIRTUALLABSCHOOL.ORG ACTIVITY ID: 20586 Name Certifier Date
Ethical dilemmas occur from time to time in family child care programs. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)’s Ethics Position Statement provides guidance that can help family child care providers address these dilemmas on ethical responsibilities in their work with children, families, colleagues, and communities. It emphasizes: Committing to children’s well-being by ensuring safe, supportive, and enriching environments that respect each child’s individuality. Respectfully partnering with families by valuing families’ roles and maintaining clear, honest communication while respecting confidentiality. Maintaining professional relationships by encouraging collaboration, honesty, and integrity among colleagues. Advocating for community involvement by supporting policies and practices that promote quality early childhood education and uphold children’s rights. Participating in ongoing professional development by committing to continuous learning and ethical practice. Directions: Read each ethical scenario below. Reflect on how the principles outlined in the NAEYC Ethics Position Statement can guide your decisions and actions in these situations. Share and discuss your responses with your trainer, coach, or family child care administrator. Scenario 1: Protecting Privacy A parent confides that her child, Michael, is having a difficult time adjusting after a recent move. Later that day, another parent picking up her child—who noticed Michael crying earlier—asks casually, “Is everything okay with Michael? Why was he crying earlier?” How do you respond? Scenario 2: Upholding Ethical Professionalism Among Providers During a field trip to a local children’s museum, you’re partnering with another family child care provider to supervise a group of children from both of your programs. While chatting with another adult, the provider says loudly, “Tara sure knows how to put on a show. She’s always so dramatic and such a handful.” Tara, a child from your program, overhears the remark and becomes visibly upset. How do you respond in a way that protects the child and maintains professionalism with the other provider? Scenario 3: Family Request vs. Best Practices A parent asks that their 4-year-old be given academic worksheets instead of participating in free-choice play. The parent believes this will help the child “get ahead” and prepare for kindergarten. You know that play-based experiences are more developmentally appropriate and beneficial at this age. How do you handle this request in a way that respects the family while adhering to the best developmental practices? Adapted from: National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2011, May). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment (Reaffirmed & updated). https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf

Reflection

Required

WWW.VIRTUALLABSCHOOL.ORG

ACTIVITY ID: 20586

Name

Certifier

Date

Ethical dilemmas occur from time to time in family child care programs. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)’s Ethics Position Statement provides guidance that can help family child care providers address these dilemmas on ethical responsibilities in their work with children, families, colleagues, and communities. It emphasizes:

Committing to children’s well-being by ensuring safe, supportive, and enriching environments that respect each child’s individuality.
Respectfully partnering with families by valuing families’ roles and maintaining clear, honest communication while respecting confidentiality.
Maintaining professional relationships by encouraging collaboration, honesty, and integrity among colleagues.
Advocating for community involvement by supporting policies and practices that promote quality early childhood education and uphold children’s rights.
Participating in ongoing professional development by committing to continuous learning and ethical practice.

Directions: Read each ethical scenario below. Reflect on how the principles outlined in the NAEYC Ethics Position Statement can guide your decisions and actions in these situations. Share and discuss your responses with your trainer, coach, or family child care administrator.

Scenario 1: Protecting Privacy

A parent confides that her child, Michael, is having a difficult time adjusting after a recent move. Later that day, another parent picking up her child—who noticed Michael crying earlier—asks casually, “Is everything okay with Michael? Why was he crying earlier?” How do you respond?

Scenario 2: Upholding Ethical Professionalism Among Providers

During a field trip to a local children’s museum, you’re partnering with another family child care provider to supervise a group of children from both of your programs. While chatting with another adult, the provider says loudly, “Tara sure knows how to put on a show. She’s always so dramatic and such a handful.” Tara, a child from your program, overhears the remark and becomes visibly upset. How do you respond in a way that protects the child and maintains professionalism with the other provider?

Scenario 3: Family Request vs. Best Practices

A parent asks that their 4-year-old be given academic worksheets instead of participating in free-choice play. The parent believes this will help the child “get ahead” and prepare for kindergarten. You know that play-based experiences are more developmentally appropriate and beneficial at this age. How do you handle this request in a way that respects the family while adhering to the best developmental practices?

Adapted from: National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2011, May). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment (Reaffirmed & updated). https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf