Ethics:  Dilemma vs. Responsibility

Ethics: Dilemma vs. Responsibility

Every ECE should expect to face a situation that will have them question their ethics.  It would be good practice to reflect on our personal ethics to be prepared for those moments that will undoubtedly arise, where we pause and think, “Ok, what’s the best direction to take here”?

Although a situation that requires us to take ethical responsibility is one that most ECEs hope they never have to face, it almost takes the pressure off of us to do the right thing.  It is clearly mandated what action must be taken under those circumstances. It by no means will make the situation easier, but being bound by law means there is no decision to be made. An ethical dilemma is different in that the decision making is up to the ECE to do what they feel is best when presented with a scenario that could have several different outcomes; whether or not the outcome is acceptable depends on which point of view we take.

An ECE is trusted to make decisions for the children in their care.  When making decisions related to an ethical dilemma, it is in our best interest to have a clear explanation as to why we chose the direction we did.

 

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