Module Discussion: Ethical and Legal Responsibilities

Throughout this course, you have examined the legal aspects of operating a child development center, including in facilities management, hiring, and health, safety, and food. In this module, you have explored the ethical issues that center directors must be aware of and prepared to address in the management of their centers. In this Discussion, you will consider if and how these legal and ethical responsibilities overlap and/or conflict. Reflect on the following:

• After reviewing the Learning Resources for this module, how would you characterize the differences, or lack thereof, between ethical and legal responsibilities of a child development center director? Is what is legal always ethical, and do ethical choices always coincide with the law?

• As a director, how would you make decisions in legally and/or ethically ambiguous situations, such as the one described on pp. 69-70 of your course text? With whom, or what, would you consult before making these decisions? Is there a process you would follow? Explain.

With these thoughts in mind, follow the instructions below to post your response to this Discussion topic.