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Why are you a Director?
December 18, 2006
Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded.
-Jess Lair
-Jess Lair
What is interesting, meaningful, and relevant to you as a director? Over the past few years I have been exploring this idea. What is it about directors of early care and education programs that excite them? Why do they do what they do?
Here are two directors’ perspectives! Why do you do what you do?
“I have been doing this for many, many years and some days, when it gets to be too much, I wonder why. But the many challenges are exciting �" I never do the same thing every day. I work for a great company with wonderful people...but in the long run, it's the kids who excite me the most. This morning, I stepped into the Infant/Toddler play yard, and one of the babies spotted me, and came running over for a hug!! Wow! That's what makes it so worthwhile. I get a "baby fix" every day!! A few years ago, I decided to venture out into the real world. I wanted to explore other things, and experience what perhaps the "parents do all day." I worked in a billing office and sat in front of a computer all day. BORING! PREDICTABLE! I Came back..hopefully to stay!” Ann O'Reilly, Center Director, Bright Horizons, Rhode Island and Women and Infants' Hospitals
“This is actually my second career. Immediately after school, I went to work for New England Telephone. After that, I became the token female in a man’s world �" I was named the Director of East Coast Operations for Corporate Security. In August of 1990, I became the Director of the first Child Care Connection. My daughter came to work with me �" who could ask for a better deal? Since that time, I have held various positions within the company. I have been in my current job for almost 3 years. There is never a day when I wake up and say that I don’t want to go to work. My job is challenging and requires a lot of research �" I am very detail oriented �" some say anal. And when things start to get to me, I walk into one of our centers and make a puzzle or Play-Doh animals. Little smiling faces are the best medicine. By doing all that I can to keep the staff informed on the latest changes in our field, the centers up to code in every aspect, and lending a hand when needed, I am comfortable in the knowledge that we are providing a necessary service and making a difference. I guess that my passion for children has rubbed off because my daughter has switched her major to ECE/social work with hopes of becoming an advocate.” Kathie Sandberg, Director of Compliance, Child Care Connection/The Children's Workshop
Contributed by William H. Strader, Director, Institute for Early Childhood Leadership & Professional Development, Johnson & Wales University
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Comments (12)
Displaying All 12 CommentsLoren Children's Learning Center
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Why I chose to become a Diector? Four Words "I admire young children". I personally love being a part of every aspect of a child's life through there growing stages.. I grew up amongst postive adult images in every aspect of my childhood and want no more than to relive those days and I know that the only way I could do that in reality is to walk in the shoes and see through the eyes of the many children I serve which is the one and only reason why I chose this position. Now the rewards I have gained are that I get to share that with both my center's parents and my staff is a new way of reliving a childhood dream.
United States
I often think that being a center director is an imperitive. I think for many of us, there is a point very early on, when we look at the faces of our young charges and say if not me, then who? From there one grows in the position with a fierce desire to create the best, most nurturing, life affirming environment one possibly can.
CUMNS KIDS
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, United States
I have been fortunate to help start and maintain a church related program that has grown and changed over the years. We have children attending who were in my classes during our early years. Every day is different, but it is the "kid-fix" that keeps me here- the hugs, smiles and the spontaneous actions. The kind of people who are drawn to this field are all loving, kind, generous people. This is my 37th year and it has been a great "gig"! I just hope that regualtions, documentation and paper work does not destroy it.
Imaginations...ACP
Moultonboro, NH, United States
Being a director/administrator gives me the pleasure of connecting the families to my center and staff. Even though some days are easier than others, I love the repore I have with my families, children and staff. Being a small center I can really get involved in all the workings of running a center.
Our Children Connection Council Inc.
Brooklyn, NY, United States
Being a Director gives me the opportunity to give that individuality to all the children in the school. How? When you give that hug or hi -5 that's just between you and the child and they love it although it a few seconds. That's the reason why the infant runs to you. When I walk in my DC don't care what the children are doing they leave and come to get their sugar- hugs and Hi-5s. You are the only one who has that opportunity.
Rainbow Hill
Shickshinny, PA, United States
What a wonderful question with which to begin your day!Those of us "seasoned" directors often become mired in the day to day and lose sight of the whys. Bottom line is in the faces of all the lives we touch daily, taking the time to really listen, reflect and establish meaningful relationships within the context of our "work". It's not easy, but push away from the DESK and and invest your mind, body and soul in the "stopping" and just being present with each child, family member and staff....that's why I'm a director.
Ikh Juulchin
Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, United States
Thank you for this and previous best articles. I get more information and knowledge from these articles, you sent. Sometimes I meet some difficult problems and getting nervous, but this article encouraged me what to do.
Nova Southeastern University
Plant City, FL, United States
There are only a few jobs you can go to 'play'. That's what's great about being a director.
Oklahoma, United States
Thank you for lifting my spirits after a trying day. I do love my job and the importance of educating the future leaders of our world inspires me to look forward to the next day of work. Some days are not as easy as others but all are worthwhile. It is what I was meant to do.
United States
I think great directors are born, not made. We have to be flexible,bold, resilient and love people-both adults and kids. It helps to be an extrovert too. What do we get in return? A chance to be with children daily, a chance to interact with adults, a chance to be a decision maker and a chance to see success every day. 30 years and I still love it!
Tehama County Department of Education
Red Bluff, California, United States
I wholeheartedly agree with and can atest to the same feelings at my current place of employment. I am the State Preschool Director for Tehama County Department of Education. I come to work everyday because I love what I do, who I do it for and have the support of my co-workers and supervisors. The best part is the children and families we serve and the difference we make for them. Preschool is moving everyone forward and is building future school success. I am proud to say I am an Early Childrhood Educator.
Buffalo Grove, Illinois, United States
Thank you for this very meaningful and pertinent article. I am fairly new to being a director. I am moving on to another position as a Director but in a much larger school. I am a bit nervous but this article helped me to confirm that what I am contiuing to do in the field is the best choice for me.
Many thanks.
Sue Stockman
Director of a new preschool program
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