Activity 1.1 | Exploring the System and Systems Thinking

Case Study

Read the following case study designed to help you consider planning for similar future scenarios and to help you begin thinking using a scenario planning approach. 

As you read the case study, consider the following:

• How likely is this scenario to occur in your setting? Why? 
• What assumptions might you make as a manager? Why? 
• What external or internal factors impact this scenario?  
• If this scenario happened today, how would it impact your ability to manage and lead? Why? 

Case Study: Disharmony amongst complexity

Imagine you are managing and leading in an ECE setting where a diverse group of children with varying abilities and socio-economic backgrounds are enrolled. The curriculum emphasizes a personalized learning approach and supports creative expression. 

One day, a new child joins the program, and shortly after, observation by staff reveals behavioural challenges arising in a group of children, impacting the overall environment. The child's parent shares with you that they have recently experienced a significant life event with the passing of the child's other parent figure. Since this event, the child has had occasional outbursts at home, but the parent cannot identify particular triggers. 

At the same time, there is a shift in the overall curriculum framework due to updated Provincial standards. This change demands you attend to adjusting lesson plans, teaching methods, and assessment strategies to ensure alignment with the new guidelines while meeting the needs of each unique child. The parent is clearly still in grief and is not ready to discuss preventative strategies or individualized accommodations. You are empathetic to the situation but need collaboration to move towards solutions.  

To add further complexity, you are facing budget constraints, limiting the availability of additional support staff or specialized resources. 

What actions might you take to navigate these circumstances while ensuring the well-being and development of all the children in your care?