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Posted by tyan (Singapore, Singapore) on 4 April 2009 in People & Portrait.
I brought the boys to the Library recently. I saw this childcare centre's kids there. I didnt once see the teacher smile. She took a book, hissed at the children to sit down, then started reading, quite grudgingly, in what i think in a monotonous tone. This boy wasn't paying attention and the teacher grabbed his arm and gave him a cold hard stare. In about 15 minutes, they were off.
I just thought to myself that being a childcare teacher can be one of the most tedious jobs around. Sometimes as a mom, facing two children can be hair-tearing and eyeball-gorging(pardon my language), not to mention a total stranger taking care of a class of 20 children?
If one doesn't really love children, teaching these preschoolers can really be a chore. In fact, not many childcare teachers stay in the job for long. Not much recognition. You dont seem to see any tangible rewards in the near future. To make things worse, childcare teachers aren't exactly the best paid people around,though i sincerely believe that they must never be ignorant of early childhood philosophies so they can really understand and care for the children properly.
If I were more gutsy,I'll buy that teacher a cup of coffee. Hang in there babe. And chill a bit,will ya?
Nancy from Singapore
Hey. Thanks!!! No worry about the late birthday greetings....can understand how busy you are with the 2 boys. :)
I totally agree with you that being a childcare teacher requires endless supply of patience and love towards young children. I think having understanding parents and principal will make the job more enjoyable. Robyn's centre just 'lost' 2 teachers - 1 had to quit to stay home to look after her baby, another wanted to try teaching at other centres (those with 3 hrs classes) instead of a childcare centre. The 2nd is also a young teacher, so it's good for her to try out and perhaps upgrade herself.
5 Apr 2009 12:51pm
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
I think your advice is wise and you should not hesitate to spread it when you can, after all you know both sides the teaching and the parenting, that makes you a very good guide ;)
5 Apr 2009 2:02pm
Judy from Brooksville, Florida, United States
Aren't you thankful that YOUR boys are not in her care! You are so wise!
5 Apr 2009 4:54pm
Sue from Sydney, Australia
Yes, loads of teachers like her around as I have seen. She does need to chill out, the poor lady. Can't be easy...one needs loads of PATIENCE! Haha! Hope you are well.
6 Apr 2009 1:23am
Rags from Plano, United States
You are really thoughtful. Hope she likes the cup of coffee.
6 Apr 2009 4:58pm
Stunner from Kingston, Jamaica
Sound more like child-uncare to me. It does take a love for children and a lot of patients to do such a job.
7 Apr 2009 2:29pm
Mandy Provan from Johannesburg, South Africa
Yeah, I think your idea of coffee would be a good one. Connor has THE MOST WONDERFUL pregrade teacher. She is such a wonderful loving teacher, she really cares about the boys and teehy all adore her. She was Ethan's teacher at the same age too and she is still one of our favourites! Some people are just born to be pregrade teachers and others should really find another profession as young little minds are so impressionable and easily injured! :)
7 Apr 2009 7:14pm
Rabbit from Richmond, United States
You are so RIGHT Tyan. Childcare is such an underpaid under appreciated job - just look at how stay-at-home moms are treated or looked down upon. I think this mentality starts at home with how the caregiver is looked at. We need to remember its not an easy job.
Stay strong all you Childcare givers....
8 Apr 2009 10:15pm
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