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?
Use the NAEYC Ethics Position Statement as a guide to help find an ethical solution to the dilemma
The NAEYC Ethics Position Statement:
1. Identify the problem and determine whether it involves ethics
2. Determine whether itis an ethical responsibility or an ethical dilemma
3. State the dilemma
4. Identify the conflicting responsibilities
5. Brainstorm possible resolutions
6. Consider ethical finesse
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