Jasmine's Case Study

Jasmine, a teacher for toddlers, is scheduled to start her day in the classroom at 6:30 a.m. On Monday, Jasmine arrived at 6:45, and on Tuesday, she showed up at 7:05. Today, Jasmine appeared at 6:50. Jasmine's team-teacher is frazzled, and parents are tired of waiting to talk with Jasmine. The director needs to finish a grant application, but is distracted by having to fill in for Jasmine to cover teacher-student ratios. As Jasmine breezes through the classroom door, she says, "Just change my starting time to 7:00 a.m because I can get here by 7:00, no problem!"

The director responds, "Jasmine, arrive in time to be in the classroom with the children at 6:30 a.m. If I bend the rules for you, I have to bend them for everyone." Jasmine is upset and begins complaining about all the burdens of her personal life: battery trouble with her 1991 Chevy, a sick daughter, boyfriend problems, and worrying about her mother with Alzheimer's. Jasmine reminds the director how punctual she was before her husband divorced her and she started feeling depressed.

What would you do as Jasmine's director?

Referencing the specific decision-making strategies outlined in the assigned reading, present a response to Jasmine's situation of adhering to the "letter of the law" and a response to Jasmine's situation adhering to the "spirit of the law." Next, explain which you would use from the perspective of the center director/Jasmine's supervisor. Include an evaluation of Jasmine's situation from your assigned interpretation of policy as well as an action plan for its resolution.