EAD302 - Ethics, Policy and Legislation

Subject Title
Ethics, Policy and Legislation

Subject Description

The provision of early childhood development services is influenced by economic, political and social justice policies. As professionals working in a collaborative delivery of early childhood development services, it is crucial not only to be aware of the nature of these influences and how they impact professional practice including the management of early development settings. This subject provides students with opportunities to develop an understanding of ethics, policy and legislation that is relevant to young children, families and early childhood settings. After a thorough examination of relevant codes of ethics students will be able to make decisions that are in the best interests of the child.

Credit Status
EAD 302 is a required subject in the Bachelor of Child Development.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:


Specific Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject, the student will be able to:

1. Analyze conditions of children, families, and professionals; current trends; legal issues; and legislation and other public policies affecting children, families, and programs for young children and the early childhood profession.
2. Discuss the early childhood profession, its multiple historical, philosophical, and social foundations, and how these foundations influence current thought and practice.
3. Employ the profession's code of ethical conduct in decisions that affect the well being of children.
4. Interpret legislation as it relates to children, families and service models.
5. Design and implement advocacy strategies for children, families or professionals.
6. Describe knowledge related to relevant codes of ethics to determine strengths and motivations for serving as advocates.
7. Critique current public and educational policies and practices in light of an ecological analysis model and research findings on child development and early education.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.