Overview Module One

Welcome to Module 1: An Ethics of Care

The word care is a familiar and widely used term in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field in British Columbia. However, the idea of care and its implications for an early childhood educator, leader or manager’s practice is interpreted and activated in various contextual ways.

As a result, there is tension and, at times, conflicting views about the role of care within the field. This course will examine the idea of care through a Feminist Ethics of Care.

It is vital to consider taken-for-granted terms (words we think everyone understands the same way) alongside a framework, theory, philosophy, etc., to give early-year’s professionals the ability to articulate and discuss practices, ideas, and expansive standpoints. Coming alongside a framework is not meant to define or limit practice but rather give educators, managers, and other professionals within the field of ECE something to stand on and return to working within their diverse and particular contexts.  

Consider the following statement from the BC Early Learning Framework (2019) as you move through this section:

“Inclusive learning and care: The principle that children of all abilities, including children with diverse abilities and needs, have equitable access to quality learning and child care and are supported in play and learning along with other children in a regular program. Inclusive learning and care supports the individual strengths and needs of each child, allowing them to meaningfully engage, learn, and contribute to the community and culture of their program. All educators, providers, and parents/caregivers collaborate as a team to meet the needs of children in their programs. The presence and engagement of a diverse group of children provides significant opportunities to learn about, value and celebrate diversity in communities” (British Columbia Ministry of Education, 2019, p. 19)

The estimated time to complete Module One based on content, activities, and assessments is ten hours (10 hours or 600 minutes)

References

British Columbia Ministry of Education. (2019). British Columbia Early Learning Framework. Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Children and Family Development, & Early Advisory Group. 

West, S. (2022, July 18). Philosophize this! Episode #168 Introduction to an ethics of care [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/sxfbWdShtSo?si=EY3CrgJU6-LmV8DN