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Ethical Dilemmas And The Ethical Dilemma

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Ethical dilemmas occur when there is a disagreement about a situation and all parties involved question how they should behave based on their individual ethical morals. (Newman & Pollnitz, 2005). The dilemma that I will be addressing in this essay involves Michael, recently employed male educator working in the nursery, and parents of a baby enrolled at the centre. The parents have raised concerns about male educators changing their child’s nappy as they have cultural practices that do not allow this practice to take place. This situation is classed as an ethical dilemma as there is a dispute between cultural beliefs and legal requirements within the workplace. There are four parties involved (parents, child, educator and director), all …show more content…

This will allow the parents and child to feel a sense of belonging in the child care centre. Element 6.1, quality area 6 of the National Quality Standards (NQS) outlines the importance of relationships in regard to the parents, their child/children and educators. (Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority [ACECQA], n.d.). Michael has considered the families cultural beliefs and has decided to remain respectful of their request, but is concerned about his rights concerning gender discrimination (Australian Human Rights Commission, n.d.). Michael has a right to retain his position in the nursery room regardless of the issue with nappy changes for this one child. To allow for minimal disruption and any further consequences, the situation is to be kept confidential. This is a short- term resolution. The situation should be monitored and there may be long-term issues if the parents fail to form a relationship with Michael. Therefore, this may result in Michael requesting a change of room in the future (Ethical group discussion, 2017). The resolution was reached through exploring the steps involved in the ERC. As a group, (each group member representing a person in the dilemma) we examined eight steps in the ERC. Throughout each phase, the child’s primary best interests were considered by all parties. As the director progressed through the ERC, it became clear that both the parents and Michael have legal rights that need to be addressed.

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