Ethical Dilemma in Early Childhood Education: Balancing Child's Right to Sleep and Parent's Concerns

EEP417
[Author Name(s), First M. Last, Omit Titles and Degrees]
[Institutional Affiliation(s)]

An ethical dilemma is basically a situation that normally arises and makes an individual ask how
she or he should respond towards a particular case and how informed decision can be made
based on what is considered right or wrong.It is the act of demonstrating the moral behavior in
the community when an individual is faced with a condition that is complex (Waniganayake,
Cheeseman, Fenech, Hadley & Shepherd 2012). The commonly known characteristics of ethical
dilemma include being unpredictable, unforeseen and more often can be very much multifaceted.
This is for sure a dilemma. From one viewpoint we completely have obligations to Mayah to
address her entitlement to sleep as stipulated by article 31 of the United Nations Conventions of
the Childs rights (UNCRC, 1989). Also, article 5 dictates on how we should relate with the
parents and possible guidance in their jobs(Bodrova & Leong 2017).
There are three major key players in this particular case that define the dimensions of the
dilemma. The first player, in this case, is the child whose developmental viability is under
question. Considering that the sleeping has been identified as one of the basic needs of the child,
the pattern of this practice in the budget with the available time must be relooked into. The
instructors have got the primary duty of ensuring that the child is properly instructed in
accordance with the stipulated standards (Moss, Dahlberg, & Pence 2013).
The main complainant is the parent who has endured long nights with the sleepless child. The
mother attributes these effects to the sleeping sessions offered in school while the instructor
argues it is a requirement that is already stipulated. The stage is set and none of the parties is
ready to blink. The decision has to be made and whichever way it must be undesirable to at least
one or two parties. In order to seek a common ground, a meeting is called in which the educators
are expected to tender their apologies to the parents. This is because the decision to have the
child sleep at a specific time was arrived at without seeking the views of the parents. On the

other hand, the parents will be expected to compromise their hard stand so that at least a
consensus can be arrived at (Shonkoff et al 2012).
The essay seeks to address the following areas;
 The legal aspect that makes the situation be more complicated along-side those that
compels fractions to comply easily.
 How the professional consideration shaped any part of the resolution.
 What ethical principles were adopted in the resolution?
 What theories were considered relevant to the dilemma?
A legal aspect played a major role in the definition of the boundaries of this dilemma
case(Dahlberg, Moss & Pence 2014). The part of the case that is considered lawful made the case
more complicated. According to the ECA moral codes, it is the duty of an educator dealing with
the child to ensure there is the provision of the time for sleep. The child cannot be ignored or
assumed at the time when she/he is feeling lethargic and sleepy as when such an assumption is
done, the educator will be accused of negligence of duty. An educator is fully relied upon to
assume all the responsibilities regarding the welfare of the child (Moss 2014).
In the absence of the parent an educator is assumed to be one such person who has acquired all
the required skills in dealing with the child. This basically means that he can finally settle on the
right choice for the kid. In this particular case, he settles to have the child sleep.Be that as it may,
the element of rearing the child comes in (Essa 2012). The parent's views are to be put into
consideration lawfully and their choices must be respected as well (ECA 2016). It is therefore
compulsory to consider the request of the parent. As a parent, I have to see the considerations as
a legitimate decision. This leaves the entire case on the shoulder of the child. What should the

parent do? What should the educator do? Also what will be the consequences of every choice
considering that any of the decision made will affect the child and me?
According to article 19 of the UNHCR, there is a comprehensive discussion regarding the
protection of the child. This particular section should never be disregarded. I am thinking about
whether denying your child of sleep when they need it is one of such disregards? Article 3 of the
same document of UNCRC provides the best practices that should be adopted in regard to this
matter. The article states out clearly that we should follow the rules that are stipulated in the
Early Years Learning Framework of the year 2009. Similar guidance is provided in the National
Quality Standards that are part of the National Quality Framework. The application of these rules
should be considered general (Edwards & Gandini 2018).
On page 12 of the document of the Early Years Learning Framework, we are reminded of the
importance of having very strong relationships with the child. This same statement reverberates
in NQS 5, component 5.1.1 of the NQF.In order to achieve the end objective; we must establish
very solid associations with the children. This will enable them to develop their ability to rely on
us for help. When such attention is given, their requirements for sleep that is also stated in the
NQS 2 subsection 2.1.1 will be met. How can we establish solid relationships with the children
in the event that we are not receptive to their needs?( Ramey, Pungello,Sparling & Miller
2012).Mayah should therefore be allowed to regulate herself and sleep at the time that is
designated.
Findings that are illustrated in the EYLF as result 1 stresses on the importance of perceiving and
reacting to the child’s desire for help. Such perceptions help to strengthen the relationship