My tribute to childcare providers
Daycare providers who do their jobs well are among the most amazing creatures on the planet.
Their lives are nonstop multitasking. In any given moment, a child might need: a hug, a tissue, a snack or meal, a redirection, an affirmation, instructions, a piece of clothing on or off, a diaper change or help in the bathroom, and on and on. Multiply by the number of children!
While doing all of this, the provider must also provide structure for the day—to move the entire group along from meals, to playtime, to reading time, to naps, to crafts, to outdoor activities, to whatever else needs to be done. And those meals don't make themselves...craft supplies don't magically appear...and no clean-up fairy arrives to wash dishes or wipe tables.
Daycare providers who do their jobs well are among the most amazing creatures on the planet.
Their lives are nonstop multitasking. In any given moment, a child might need: a hug, a tissue, a snack or meal, a redirection, an affirmation, instructions, a piece of clothing on or off, a diaper change or help in the bathroom, and on and on. Multiply by the number of children!
While doing all of this, the provider must also provide structure for the day—to move the entire group along from meals, to playtime, to reading time, to naps, to crafts, to outdoor activities, to whatever else needs to be done. And those meals don't make themselves...craft supplies don't magically appear...and no clean-up fairy arrives to wash dishes or wipe tables.
I was amazed by the abilities of my providers. On top of their busy work lives, all three had their own families with unique demands. Weaker folks would snap, but not these strong women. They were smart. They were patient. They were kind. Their daycares were places where each child was valued, where differences in ability were readily accepted, where learning was celebrated.
I can’t state this strongly enough:
What childcare providers do is IMPORTANT WORK.
I can’t state this strongly enough:
What childcare providers do is IMPORTANT WORK.
In their early years, kids are developing their BRAINS. They are experiencing actual physical changes in their brains that will shape them for the rest of their lives. Do we want all of the children in our nation—and why not the world, while we’re at it—to be confident and kind, to be eager to learn? Of course we do. Early childhood education is some of the most vital work there is. The science backs it up.
Think of the difference we would see in the world if access to quality childcare for ALL kids was simply a given.
Think of the difference we would see in the world if access to quality childcare for ALL kids was simply a given.