CHCPRT001 - Scenario: Jon - Spending Alone Time With Kids

[Simone2]

Hi, Can I please ask for some advice on my Case study 4, I would like to know if I'm on the right track with my answer so far.........................




Case study 4
Jon has been working at the education and care service where you work for the past 2 years. He is a very popular educator amongst the children and families and is often described as “a big kid”.
You recently notice that he has been spending regular time alone with a few of the older children in a separate quiet area. You often overhear giggling from the area and when they resurface they do not say anything other than “shhhhh”.
Jon tends to be a little secretive and seems to enjoy his time alone with the small group of children. He moves the children into the quiet area without fuss, and tends to sit with the children where they are not clearly visible to others.

1. What should you do?
Use the ‘Code of Ethics’ to guide my everyday practice, to reflect on ethical issues with colleagues and to guide their own ethical decision-making process. I will work within a relevant legal and ethical frame work and be guided by my centre’s policy and procedure’s.
2. Do you need to act now or should you continue to monitor the situation?
I do need to act now by having the date, time, people/children involved to report to my supervisor.
3. Should you talk with Jon about this, to explain that it doesn’t look professional?
My concerns related to the unethical behaviour can be directly discussed with Jon in a respectful and ethical manner. I will bring the issue to Jon’s attention–he may not have a clear understanding of his professional boundaries that our centre have in place. I will advise Jon that one of our professional boundaries as an educator is to communicate appropriately so that it is clear and cannot be misinterpreted. This means using age- appropriate language and checking understanding. It also means ensuring that you’re not alone with the child or that you can always be at least overheard by a colleague. I will let Jon know that the principle is to ensure that what we say and do is always accountable and will not have a negative consequences.
4. Who, in your service, would you discuss your concerns with?
If my friendly, respectful discussion with Jon is not successful, I will raise the matter/concern of unethical conduct of Jon not working within his professional boundaries, with the Nominated Supervisor. Submitting my concern in writing in order to make the terms or basis of any concern as clear as possible.
When reporting unethical conduct, be clear on:
• Who was involved
• When the incident(s) occurred and who else was present
• The grounds on which you believe the conduct to be unethical
• What other actions you have taken to address the concern.
5. What ethical and nurturing practices do you think Jon should be implementing to establish and maintain professional boundaries with the children at the service? Briefly outline 3 practices.

1) Avoid being with a child/children or young person in a one-to-one, out of sight situation,
2) Not spending regular time with the same group of children.

[Lorina]

I think your responses are good. If I happened to notice the same situation I would probably do the same as you had mentioned within your answers.

,
Lorina

[Simone2]

Ty so much for replying to me Lorina I always put 100 percent into my answers and then doubt myself. I want nothing more in the world then to work in childcare

[Lorina]

No problem! It sounds like you're really passionate! I'm sure you will enjoy work placement to get some hands on expereince!

,
Lorina