Even when life challenges us, it's a gift beyond all measure.
-Parker Palmer, author
At the 2001 annual conference of the
Boston Association for the Education of Young Children Gwen Hooper, director of the Arlington Children's Center, shared "the top ten perks of being a director." Given the added stresses imposed by the economy, we think it might be a good time to look back at this tongue-in-cheek list...
10. Having beautiful, young children in your life Monday through Friday, but your evenings and weekends are free.
9. The first to know when the current flu epidemic hits.
8. Your abilities include junior plumbing skills... i.e., you've never met a toilet you couldn't unclog.
7. Having a ready repertoire that includes over 100 children's stories, songs, and fingerplays.
6. Experience in setting up and hosting staff wedding, baby, and good-bye parties in 12 minutes or less.
5. When insomnia strikes, you alone can recite pages of state licensing regulations until you nod off from sheer boredom.
4. If you live near your work, you'll know the future generations of school cheerleaders, newspaper deliverers, Girl Scout Cookie sellers, food cashiers, etc.
3. After retirement, at the nursing home, you will know over 300 craft projects to make from empty toilet tissue rolls.
2. Unlimited snacks and hugs.
1. Knowing you are helping to get the next generation off to a great start.
Exchange has packaged six of its practical management resources into a
Manager’s Tool Kit and is offering the entire set at a 33% discount — separately these resources would cost $175, but we are offering the entire Tool Kit for only $112. Resources in the kit include:
- The Art of Leadership: Managing Early Childhood Organizations
- Managing Money: A Center Director’s Guidebook
- Beginnings Workshops Book #8 — Professionalism
- 250 Management Success Stories from Child Care Directors
- Developing Capable, Creative Teachers CD Book
- Leading People in Early Childhood Settings CD Book
Comments (4)
Displaying All 4 CommentsCarousel Preschool
Ft. Madison, IA, United States
Thank you so much for such an uplifting message to those of us working with
little ones & their families.
It came at a time when I really needed to be reminded of just those things spoken of in this article.
Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Sharon Gerveler, Director/Lead Teacher
Carousel Preschool
Elite preschool
Phoenix, az, United States
I thought this is so true at this stage of my career, the best part though is the hugs and kisses by far..............
And can we plumbers wages if we join a union?
Just asking!
United States
First of all - recession phooey - child care directors have been living with tightened belts forever! Perhaps those businesses that need to learn to live with should hire some of us. They can hire us as consultants since we are always looking for a second job!
Secondly - one more perk- we gain enough negotiating skills to be chosen as an ambassador to any country!
Fredericksburg Christian Schools
Fredericksburg, VA, United States
Thoroughly enjoyed the list and the chuckles it brought. Would love to know where there is a director position open that has the evenings and weekends off! I have yet to find that!
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