05/06/2022
Its National Childcare Providers Appreciation Day!
Theres a misconception about our job. As people see it, its easy, we sit and play all day. In reality nothing could be more further from the truth. Did you know that a great majority of daycare workers are burnt out? Stressed from meeting the needs of multiple families day in and day out. Sometimes going days, weeks or even months without hearing any encouraging words of appreciation. These same child care workers began with a passion, and the desire to change the lives of many children now look to switch fields of employment because they don't feel appreciated enough.
A child care worker can go from changing diapers one minute, to fixing meals the next. There is a constant flurry of movement that makes up a childcare workers day. Each child they look after is a treasure in their parents eyes. ( which is how it should be) And so the daycare worker keeps a mental note of each child's day so they can report to multiple parents at once at the end of the day.
A child care worker is many things. They are a teacher, a referee, a nurse, a chef, a waitress, an artist, a nuturer , and a peace keeper just to name a few. They also provide a lot of the equipment that multiple children use on a daily basis and continually safety check and maintain it all so that it can last for years.
At times the children see their childcare provider and daycare friends more than they see their own families. A lot of children are in childcare for up to ten hours a day. Some even 5 days a week.
A daycare provider provides care during the day. Its much more than just that. We are the first people outside family who teach them to share, to make friends, to take turns, learn letters, numbers, colors. We also show them how to problem solve on their own, how to be independent, how to dress themselves, go to the washroom. We have them getting ready for school even earlier now so we feel pressured to teach them everything they need to know to be successful and " ready" for big school.
The most important years of a child's life are the first five years. Usually parents go back to work when the baby turns one. They go to daycare now until they turn 4 years old. So we have a very important job to do.
We change lives.
Childcare workers stay in childcare because they love what they do. We enjoy working with children and families . We keep them safe and we give them the same love that they get at home. We help them to reach every single milestone that they can. We are with them for every step, every teachable moment and every time they try something new until they get it. We cheer them on every step of the way.
Many childcare workers know that today is National Childcare workers day. But, not every childcare worker knows just how invaluable they truly are.
Not all heros wear capes. Some work in childcare.
