ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

If we, as early childhood educators, want to be seen as professionals, why would we trivialize our programs by giving them silly and disrespectful names? If we want to be seen as respectful to children and families, thoughtful and knowledgable professionals, then the names of our programs must reflect that! Otherwise, we are giving the public reasons to pay us less and treat us disrespectfully.

I agree with Lynn and Sally - even more than the names we use for the children and their classes, why are we still using the terms "day care, "child care” or "preschool". I am an Early Childhood Educator. Not a baby sitter because I do not sit on the babies, I do not work at a daycare because the day takes care of itself, not in childcare or a preschool because care should always be apart of working with children or any humans and as an educator this is not something that happens before school it is school.
It is wonderful to see so many states increase the educational requirements for teachers and we still have a long way to go. We need to educate the public and ourselves that we are educators. We need look at the names we use and think is this a job or is it a career. Please take a look at what names you use when talking about your profession.

This article made me wonder how the names were developed two decades ago. Sad to say, some of those cute names live in our early childhood world today. I don't think I could pick any as favorites.

I too am disappointed with today's article! :(
I often write down the quotes and pass the article to others. Not Today!
Are you encouraging other Early Childhood professionals to come up with "silly little" names for our "cute little" children?
At the Aboriginal centre that I am now working at we just had a contest for naming the 2 playrooms. There were silly little names suggested but we are going with some that are culturally appropriate and match with what the rooms can signify. Two of the names are to do with birds that are considered wise and two of the names are from the Carrier language for the strong elements of nature the ocean and the sun.
Coming up with creative names is one thing but respect for the children and where they will be playing is another!

I always felt that the word 'preschool' was demeaning to the profession of Early Childhood Education as ECE is not just 'pre' anything - it is part of the natural learning progression starting from birth. Names that are indicative of 'sweet things, silly things, or alliteritive for the same of cuteness' are also demeaning to our profession. Let's acknowledge early learning programs with more appropriate names.

Our After School Program is called: Kaleidoscope!

I agree that we must consider names carefully if we want to be taken as professionals. I also remember a good article that Exchange published on this topic-maybe that was where the names were listed. Maybe it's time to repeat that article!

Roger, I remember our discussing this in the 80's and specifically remember two in our area at that time were:
Jelly Beans and Jesus
Sweet and Puffy

Also at that time in another state was Check-a-child.

I was as disappointed as the rest of the respondants to your daily posting today!
No, wonder there is little value and respect for those of us in the field of early education when articles like this are promoted.

I was as disappointed as the rest of the respondants to your daily posting today!
No, wonder there is little value and respect for those of us in the field of early education when articles like this are promoted.

If we want our profession to be taken seriously, then we need to act professionally.

The names posted in today's article do nothing to promote a professional setting, rather silly and under-valued one.

I was upset and disappointed when I read the content of today's, What's in a name? Myinitial thoughts were that someone was addressing the issue of representing the work of childcare by CAREFULLY choosing the name. Stacie Goffin and Valora Washington are right. We are all over the place as a profession! I would define most of the names listed as horrific rather than creative. Would you check into a hospital named A Stitch in Time or Bed Pan Palace?

No wonder our profession is not valued. Names like those may be "cute" and "creative" but they do not demonstrate the value of the work we do nor the education we provide for the children, not the respect that is owed to families and teachers.

A.P.P.L.E. Seeds Preschool
(Abiding Presence Play and Learn Experience)

This title sums it all up...who we are and why we are here. The image of small apple seeds growing and blossoming into trees full of good healthy fruit just lends further to the whole idea.

Each day I look forward to receiving your newsletter, however today I was disappointed. The issue for today does nothing for our profession. As a professor of Early Childhood Education I give my students the assignment of bringing in names of child care centers. Just three weeks ago this occurred and the one that topped them all was "Soggy Bottoms". Now I ask, how do these "unique" names show respect for young children and families?

The title of this article is misleading. When I clicked on the link I expected a discusion revolving around the idea that names we select conjure up a snapshot in the public's mind. Instead we are asked to vote on the most creative name....

We have been attempting to change our image for many years ...
to articulate clearly the importance of early care and education in relationship to the overall education of children.
While play is the heart of our program, a playful name will only serve to confirm the stereotipe that anyone can do our work. A more professional name, I feel, is one way that to counteract this image.

The names may be creative, but what do they say about respect and worth of the child?

I think they all minimize the value of caring for children.

One of the local family child care businesses in this region is called "Monkey Business". Now that's original!