Activity 2.1 | ECE Leadership: Role & Characteristics

Case Study

Reflective Scenario

In this final reflection of this activity, you will examine a case study in which an ECE manager is faced with an ethical dilemma. 

Read the case study and reflect on the provided questions. 

Redirected resources: Shonelle's story

Shonelle is an ECE manager of a well-established daycare known for its commitment to providing high-quality education and care. The centre is renowned for its inclusive practices, fostering a diverse and nurturing environment for children of varying abilities. As an ECE manager, Shonelle has built a good reputation as a dedicated and effective leader. 

The dilemma:

Shonelle discovers a discrepancy in the allocation of resources at the centre. A set budget is designated to support children with financial needs and unexpected hardship. She discovered during her latest audit that, in some instances, these allocated funds have inadvertently been utilized for other program expenses. 

Shonelle recognizes that the redirected funds have gone to areas of need in the program; she knows diverting these resources potentially compromises some of the tailored support for the children for whom the fund is earmarked. She has always been accountable for her mistakes but is unsure how the misallocation occurred and how to correct it as the money was spent on other needs, and she has no way to repopulate the funds. 

Consider:

• What actions should Shonelle take? Why? 
• What can Shonelle do to uphold accountability and maintain trust?
• How might Shonelle prevent similar occurrences in the future?