Read the paragraph and determine who the dilemma is with (parents, child, colleagues, the community).
Describe the dilemma. Identify the Ideal(s) and Principle(s) related to the dilemma and write them in full.
Describe in detail how and to whom you will address the dilemma based on the NAEYC Ideals and Principals. Your paper should be 2-3 pages in length and include the following headings.
Ethical Dilemma #
Description of the Dilemma
Ethical Response
Best Solution Based on the Ideals and Principles
Ethical dilemma #4
Jane, a petite just-turned-3-year-old is new in Kristen’s class. Her father brings her to school
each day at breakfast time.
As required by licensing and the USDA food program, the school serves milk each day at
breakfast and lunch. Like a number of children in her class, 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!”
What do you think a good early childhood educator should do? Should Kristen honor the wishes
of the family or allow Jane to continue to drink water instead of milk?
How could Kristen use the
NAEYC Code to guide her thinking and decision making in this situation?
