In her article, "A Director's Game Plan," which is included in the Exchange CEU package, Supervising Early Childhood Staff, Pam Schiller outlines 10 practices, borrowed from the world of sports, for "coaching a winning team." Included is "The Seventh Inning Stretch":
"Recognize the social needs of the team. Working in child care is one of the most stressful jobs a person can have. Breaks are essential for reducing stress and for allowing adults opportunities to communicate with other adults. Staff members need a quiet and comfortable place to relax and refuel. Providing for a few minutes away ensures staff members return to the classroom more patient and loving.
"Plan for staff socials in recognition of birthdays, holidays, graduations, engagements, and other special events. Bring-a-dish meals or bring-an-ingredient salad luncheons are excellent ways of encouraging social interactions. Everyone deserves a celebration and a stretch every once in a while."
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Displaying 1 CommentPennsylvania, United States
You really can't put a price tag on raising a child-whether it's a stay at home parent or a child care worker, there is so much that goes into caring for a child in those early years. It is difficult, at times very trying work. Why do we think it's okay for one educator to care for 4 babies? Or 2 to care for 8-10 two year olds? 20 three to five year olds? Who set these rules and regulations? Of course, it's a money thing--getting the best bang for the buck, but it's so sad. There seems to be no societal value attached to parents who stay at home, quite the contrary, I just saw an article about how much women 'lose' when they choose to leave the work force to raise their kids. Can you even put a monetary value on all that goes on in a day with a young child? Early childhood educators/child care providers do noble work, are expected to deliver amazing kindergarten ready children,deal with emotions, spills, bathroom mishaps, feeding times, nap times, lesson plans: everything; so yes, they do need breaks in the day to de-stress--monetarily no one can afford to pay for all that child care providers do, so at the very least, words of appreciation from directors and families go a long way.
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