At a party one time a couple was overheard laughing about how they bring their son to daycare with a wet diaper on. They felt it was okay because, “what else do those glorified babysitters have to do?”
How sad. It was clear these parents were ignorant to the realities of their child’s early-life experiences in a daycare setting such as learning, socialization, behavioral development, and so much more.
They didn’t take the time to understand the amount of planning and organizing that goes into running a quality center. Not to mention the energy and patience, too! You don’t just throw a bunch of kids in a room and let ‘em go at it! Can you imagine if you did?
They must have plenty of structure, guidance and direction or it would be a free-for-all. Educated and experienced professionals have to know how to handle behavioral situations and the constant problems that arrive when dealing with a large group of young children and infants. There is more learning than meets the eye. The smallest infant is even learning such important things as how to relate to his/her environment.
And all of us know daycare providers typically don’t get the big salaries, so they are usually truly passionate and dedicated to their jobs.
So the next time you hear someone talking about daycare listen to see if they “get it.” Hopefully they’ve given it some thought and demonstrate respect for the gratifying, yet demanding job of keeping all those little ones safe and happy while maintaining a nurturing and educational environment.
- Jackie & Jo-Jo
I think you’re right in suggesting that parents take more time to understand what the heck they are doing with their kid.
Finally, great information for daycare parents as near as their computers! I’m passing this link on to my daughter, a daycare director.