Ethical Dilemma

"Should I Keep Quiet?"

Alexa is a toddler teacher at the Bent Tree Early Learning Center, a for-profit company. The state guidelines recommend a toddler ratio of 5:1. Generally, Alexa's room has ten children and two caregivers. However, the administration of Bent Tree overenrolls. One Bent Tree administrator justifies overenrollment in this way: "We can compensate for illnesses and other absences and always be fully enrolled. Full enrollment is important for our bottom line." As a result, on many days, Alexa has more children in her room than the recommended ratio. When the Bent Tree administration believes state licensing inspectors will visit the center, they shift children around from room to room so they are in compliance with the adult–child ratio. In addition, administrators often staff classrooms to comply with adult–child ratio guidelines.