#standardsofpractice

By: Samantha Paradis

This professional ethics review is on the case study #7 New Kid on the Block from the CECE-college of early childhood educators: website (continuous professional learning, 2015). To illustrate the complexities of this case study; a newly hired RECE named, Jenna, is feeling unsatisfied at her new job, because of discriminating remarks being made against one of the children, the other staff, and the parents by fellow staff members. The first incident occurs when Jenna over-hears one of her fellow co-workers talking about a child and their personal educational needs. The second incident, is when one of the ECEs talks negatively about another co-worker named, Oliver, and their ability to work. Lastly, the third incident is when Jenna hears her fellow co-workers talking negatively about the parents and their points of views for their own individual child. Jenna even notices one of the parents almost in tears and tries to help them. She offers to bring them to Robin, her boss, but this just makes the parents leave in anger over the mentioning of her name. Jenna then goes to her boss, Robin, and asks about the parents. Robin then explains that the parents only care about their religion and beliefs, and that she does not have enough time in her day to hear about their concerns(College of Early Childhood Educators, Case Study 7: New Kid on the Block, 2015). This leaves Jenna confused on what to do further with her career, and whether or not she should continue working at her current job.

Case Study Reflections

1.What are the key facts of the case? The key facts of this case study, is that there was discriminating comments made by Jenna’s co-workers towards the children, other staff, and the parents. This made Jenna unsure on how to handle the situation and feel uncomfortable with in the work environment (Code of Ethics and Standers of Practice, 2011, pp.11-26).

2.Analyze the case from the perspectives of the case writer, Ben’s parents and the director. How do their perspectives differ? Ben’s parents want more of their culture being brought into the class room and taught to Ben. The director prefers the programs to stay the same and doesn't think they should consider Ben’s parents thoughts (Code of Ethics and Standers of Practice, 2011, pp.11-26).

3.What are the main issues in this case? The main issues found within this case, are the discriminating comments made towards the children, staff, and parents as well as the unjustified and negative behavior shown towards Ben’s parents and their cultural beliefs (Code of Ethics and Standers of Practice, 2011, pp.11-26).

4.When the case writer sees that Ben’s parents are upset, she offers her help. As an educator in the toddler room and not the preschool room, she questions whether or not it was her place to become involved with Ben’s parents. To what extent do you think her actions can be justified? Jenna’s actions can be justified by the reasoning that, there was a lot of yelling and distress from the parents that was causing an unsafe and negative environment for the children. Therefore, if Jenna never got involved by trying to help Ben’s parents, they may have gotten even more frustrated and caused more of a problem (Code of Ethics and Standers of Practice, 2011, pp.11-26).

5.In what ways do you think this case reflects the collective experiences of other members of the early childhood education profession? This case reflects the collective experiences of other member of the early childhood education profession, because every ECE has different experiences with children and their own theories. this can cause frustration and confusion from staff that work together,but as an ECE/RECE you are required by the CECE (collage of early childhood educators) to always be respectful of other staff members and open to new theories (Code of Ethics and Standers of Practice, 2011, pp.11-26).

6.How are the ethical and professional standards reflected (or not reflected) through this case? The ethical and professional standers reflect in some ways in which Jenna shows the professional responsibility for the children, families, community, colleagues, and the profession. But other staff and her boss, Robin, presented inactive use of the code of ethics and standards of practice. Jenna’s co-worker and her boss failed to recognize that families of the children are their main source of development and know what’s best for their child. They also need to be open to bringing culture and the families into the learning environment to enhance children’s development and make them feel more comfortable. They also failed to treat fellow co-workers with respect, act professionally, and responsibly in the work place (Code of Ethics and Standers of Practice, 2011, pp.11-26). Therefore, the displays of inactive use of the code of ethics and standards of practice may cause children to be at a loss when it comes to their educational and developmental needs.

7.By the end of the case study, the case writer appears to have a diminished sense of professional self-confidence and questions her future career. What advice would you give this RECE? Jenna should discuss what she has seen and heard with everyone at the next meeting or when everyone is present in a professional manner, to get her thoughts across and remind every one of the code of ethics and standards of practice. This will hopefully inspire her co-workers and boss to be more excepting and respectful, and make Jenna feel more comfortable within the work environment as well as the children and parents (Code of Ethics and Standers of Practice, 2011, pp.11-26). 

References

Code of Ethics and Standers of Practice: Recognizing and Honouring Our Profession. (2011). Toronto, ON: College of Early Childhood Educators.