Aussie Childcare Network Forum

anyone help me
The educators at service want to bring their own children to work with them when the children are sick or on school holidays.the nominated supervisor says this is not possible
Q. what are the legal and ethical concerns in this situation ?
Q2. What are the rights and responsibilitues of educators in this case
Q3. What are the rights and responsibilities of employers in this case.

its my assessment question.

thanku so much lorina

Hi,

I too am also stuck on this question. Could anyone help me out please? I have out my answer followed by my teachers comment, then my reply answer.

The educators at Happy Education and Care Service want to bring their own children to work with them when the children are sick or on school hildays. The Nominated Supervisor says that this is not possible?

1. What are the legal and ethical concerns in this situation?

It is a legal requirement that children not attend a care service if they are unwell. Preventing the spread of germs is a key part in avoiding the spread of illness. The educators should review the ‘Exclusion of Sick Children Policy’. We should legally be acting in the best interests of the children at all times and this is not being met by allowing sick children tot attend the service.

Teacher reply - On track however there are more reasons to consider think of the staffs ability to care for the child. Is there enough staff? How about other children? Or parents who are following policies?

In regards to staff not being able to bring their children to work with them on school holidays, this may be because ratios would not be met. This relates to the Educator-to-child ratio in Quality area 4 in the ACECQA. I would think that this would be fine if other families were away on holidays, which would make openings for staff member’s children to attend holiday care, provided that all staff are present and ratios were still being met accordingly.
In regards to sickness this is not fair to other families who’s children attend the centre that follow the Exclusion of Sick Children Policy nor is it safe for the wellbeing of any of the children in attendance of the centre.

2. What are the rights and responsibilities of educators in this case?

It is the educators/parents responsibility to follow the Exclusion of Sick Children Policy to prevent the spread of germs within the centre. If they suspect that their children may be sick then they should keep them away from public places until better. These educators should be modelling quality practices and be making responsible decisions around this topic.

Teacher reply - Good but what is the educators right in this situation? What could she do that is within her rights?



3. What are the rights and responsibilities of employers in this case?

The employers involved with these children have the right to ask for the children to be collected from the centre and taken home until they are fit and well again. The parent must then provide a doctors certificate or the exclusion period needs to be followed before the children are able to return. (As per our Exclusion of Sick Children Policy).
Yes because she is fulfilling her duties and protecting the parents, children and staff of the service.

Teacher reply - What is the employer’s responsibility in this case?

It is the employer’s responsibility to make decisions based on the best interests of the children and to abide by and follow correct policy and procedure. Families trust that their children are being cared for responsibly and assume the procedure is being met in relation the health and safety of their children within their time being cared for.