How Much Can Teachrs Say?

As Early Childhood Educators we are constantly faced with ethical dilemmas. We have to find a balance between what we believe is right and what is being required of us. Consider the following scenario:

For the past five years Kim has worked as a lead teacher at a large Head Start center in a major city. She is a supporter of Head Start and believes in its mission of helping low- income children and families. Kim was ecstatic when she heard the news that Head Start would get additional funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. However, last week the regional Head Start office released data showing that 1,253 children who are eligible for Head Start in Kim¿s city will not be served. Kim believes that all children should have the benefits of Head Start, and she is sick and tired of people saying that children are the nation¿s greatest resource but not putting money where their mouths are! In frustration, Kim meets with Marty, the center director, to tell her that she has talked with a community activist who suggests that she call a meeting of parents with Head Start¿ eligible children to discuss how to demand additional funding under the federal government¿s economic stimulus plan. However, Marty becomes angry and defensive: Look, Kim, I don’t want you to rock the Head Start boat! We have to be satisfied with the additional funding we may receive. Head Start never has been and never will be fully funded in spite of all the new federal stimulus dollars.

Kim needs to respond to the situation. She could ignore Marty and develop plans to organize the parents, perhaps risking her career and reputation, she could reluctantly agree with Marty and resign herself to the fact that there is nothing she can do about a large governmental agency like Head Start, or she pursue some other course of action to help the children.

In a one to two page paper with proper APA format and citations, respond to the questions listed below. Concisely state:

a) What is your stance on publicly funded preschool programs?

b) What role do you think teachers need to play in advocating for funding?

c) Is it ever acceptable for teachers to organize parents to work against their employer’s wishes?

Be sure to cite information from your readings and other course materials, particularly the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, Developmentally Appropriate Practices and at least one additional resource found by using the ASU Library website or Google Scholar.

Rubric

Case Study	2 pts	1.5-1.0 pts	0.5-0 pts	Score
Completeness	Complete in all respects; reflects all requirements	Complete in most respects; reflects most requirements	Incomplete in most respects; does not reflect requirements
Understanding	Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topics/issues	Demonstrates an acceptable understanding of the topics/issues	Demonstrates an inadequate understanding of the topics/issues
Analysis	Presents an insightful and thorough analysis of all issues identified	Presents a thorough analysis of most issues identified	Presents a superficialor incomplete analysis of the issues
Evaluation	Makes appropriate and powerful connections between the issues identified and professional expectations / research	Makes appropriate connections between the issues identified and professional expectations / research	Makes somewhat vague connections between the issues identified and professional expectations / research
Recommen-dations	Presents detailed, realistic, & appropriate recommendations	Presents realistic or appropriate recommendations	Presents unrealistic or inappropriate recommendations