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The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is the foundation of our service philosophy, particularly (UNCRC,1989) Article 19 that ensures children have an inalienable right to be safe and protected from physical and mental harm. Our Policies and procedures ensure that we take all reasonable steps to protect children at all times. As argued by (Theobald, 2019) family plays an important role in the early development of children. We recognise and acknowledge that parents are the child’s first teacher. We work collaboratively with families to ensure care that is in the best interest of the child’s wellbeing; however, this does not negate our role as Mandatory Reporters should the parents be imposing abusive behaviour or practices towards their child.
One particular example from my experience in Early Childhood Education and Care was an incident where a mother at drop off instructed me that “if he misbehaves, smack him on the hand” dismissing the child and giving me the right to harm the child. Article 19 also raises a complex issue for early childhood educators as it is hard to distinguish between what is reportable and what is not. In this situation the parent genuinely believed that by smacking her child she was discerning discipline. I was able to connect with the child’s family and educate them of the fact that their child has rights and neither I nor they have the power to physically harm the child.
As a person that grew up in the 1970’s, (UNCRC, 1989) Article 19 is important to me on a professional as well as personal level. The UNCRC did not exist to protect children from arbitrary practice of teachers abusing their power to smack children. I remember being hit by my teacher as a young child for showing feelings of separation from my mother. I still today distinctly remember feeling a sense of anxiety and fear
of going to school. As stated by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, (DEEWR, 2009 p.23) Learning Outcome 1, when children are able to feel secure in their environment by trusting their caregiver it enables them to develop belongingness. It is important for children to feel safe and nurtured at all times. Education and care services should be safe spaces for children to learn and grow.
References
Australian Government Department of Employment Education and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). (2009). Belonging, being and becoming: The early years learning framework for Australia. Author. https://www.education.gov.au/early-years-learning-framework
Theobald, Maryanne. (2019). UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: "Where are we at recognising children's rights in early childhood, three decades on...?" International Journal of Early Childhood Education, 51, 251-257.
UNCRC. (1989). https://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CRC.aspx
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