Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/we-grow-brains!/5018122/
While providing training for child care and preschool teachers and directors, we have noticed that many child care providers do not appear to be proud of their profession. Some preschool or child care teachers actually appear to be ashamed that they only work with young children. This is evident when we ask, “What do you do for a living?” Many respond, with head lowered and in a quiet voice, “I’m only a preschool teacher” or “I just work in a day care center.” Unfortunately, it seems they understand that society does not really appreciate what they do and have been negatively affected by that perception.We, as early childhood educators, find this attitude to be very distressing. Furthermore, we think these answers are not appropriate to the question being asked and should be changed to more appropriately describe what all of us who work with young children actually do. We suggest that early childhood practitioners begin to respond by saying, “We grow brains!” because that is actually what we are doing �" growing brains, every day and in every thing we do. Additionally, this correct answer, “We grow brains!” should be shouted out with pride because it is the most important ...