Operating early childhood programs module 6 discussion
Module 6 Discussion
Ethical and Legal Responsibilities
Throughout this course, you have examined the legal aspects of operating a child development center, including in facilities management, hiring, and health, safety, and food. In this module, you have explored the ethical issues that center directors must be aware of and prepared to address in the management of their centers. In this Discussion, you will consider if and how these legal and ethical responsibilities overlap and/or conflict. Reflect on the following:
- After reviewing the Learning Resources for this module, how would you characterize the differences, or lack thereof, between ethical and legal responsibilities of a child development center director? Is what is legal always ethical, and do ethical choices always coincide with the law?
- As a director, how would you make decisions in legally and/or ethically ambiguous situations, such as the one described on pp. 69–70 of your course text? With whom, or what, would you consult before making these decisions? Is there a process you would follow? Explain.
With these thoughts in mind, follow the instructions below to post your response to this Discussion topic.
By Day 3 of Week 11:
Post a description of your thoughts on the relationship between ethical and legal responsibilities of child development center directors. Then, explain how, as a director, you might make decisions in legally and/or ethically ambiguous situations, including any process you might follow, and why.
By Day 7 of Week 12:
Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.
Respond to at least two colleagues who have presented a different or opposing view from your own. Does their viewpoint change your perspective? Or do you disagree? Explain your thoughts and reactions.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Reflect on what you learned in this activity and/or insights you gained this week.
