Journal 6

In this situation, the confidentiality was violated with the mother in numerous ways.  Her sons medical and educational records were discussed in a very unprofessional way.  There was personal information that was revealed that needed to be kept private. There was also his personal information posted on the play date board.  The child's confidentiality was violated by the teacher who had previously talked to other children and parents about his biting. He was also stripped of everything that was comfortable for him and left very vulnerable on his first day. I think that the two directors should have spoken to one another about basic things about Eric to help them know what comforts him and what information might be helpful to the teacher. I also think that the director should have told the teacher need to know info about Eric, but disclosing all information and letting the teacher tell other parents was inappropriate.

Eric's classmates could have benefited from knowing they had a "new friend" coming and that his name was Eric. Another helpful thing to have done would be to remind children that we accept all new friends with a warm welcome and reminding children how people are different, and that okay. (To help with any visual differences between Eric and other children, but in a broad non-specific manner.)  In order to make Eric's transition easier, a "get to know you game" could have been included in circle time to help introduce Eric to the other children and vice verse in a very fun laid back manner.  Also to have let Eric have his lovey at nap time and let him have his lunch and reminding the parent at pick up about any rules for the next day.

The teachers conversation at the restaurant was completely inappropriate. Gossiping is never an option when working in any job. Families personal information is private and should never be discussed to other co workers unless it is your supervisor and you are speaking about an issue or asking for guidance. If I was a director I would apologise for any negative actions or choices made for that day, but would also tell the parent that I have faith in my employees and I would assure the parent that this would never be an issue again. I would also talk to my teacher and let them know gossip is grounds for termination and to never let that happen again. I would make it a verbal warning.

I personally would not leave Eric at that school another minute. The staff were completely insensitive to any of Eric's needs, and they were unprofessional in the way that personal information was displayed and discussed. A program should adapt to the child. Not vice verse. I would immediately look for another facility to take Eric to.