Ethical Dilemma

In her New York Times Magazine column, "The Ethicist," Ariel Kaminer responds to ethical dilemmas sent in by readers.  In a recent issue (January 29, 2012) a preschool parent sent in this question:

"My daughter loves her preschool.  So do my wife and I: It's affordable, its on our way to work, and it teaches Mandarin, her second language.  Recently the school's co-owner and director was indicted for stealing a ton of money meant to feed low-income children at her other business.  I wouldn't be shocked if the charges stick.  How do my ethical obligations not to support a (supposed) crook square with my daughter's love of the school and its teachers, especially given the lack of equivalent options?"

After discussing the pros and cons of going and staying, Kaminer concluded:  

"The problem is that you seem to think, however prejudicially, that the director did it.  One of the most basic functions a school can serve is to help kids learn to think — for themselves — about the ethical building blocks of right and wrong.  If you don't even trust this woman not to take food from a poor child's mouth, you shouldn't trust her to imbue the school,  and your child, with sound values.  Unless a new director is on the way, the very factor that makes it hard to leave the school —  namely the eagerness with which your daughter attends to its lessons — also makes it important to leave."

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site