Must Love Children.....Really?

Sometimes, advertisements for early childhood teachers include the statement, must love children.While I suppose that is admirable, why don't the ads ever say, must appreciate children?

For example, you must appreciate that infants learn through all of their senses. This includes through taste. As in, every single thing that comes within their reach goes into their mouth!  A note: And you must appreciate they may even use that mouth to investigate another child's arm or even your shoulder!

You must appreciate that even the youngest infant in your care needs to be talked with, sung to, held, rocked, and snuggled. Most importantly, their cries need to be answered. It's the way they communicate with you.

You must also appreciate that even very young infants need to be free to move. Keeping children in swings, cribs, or an exer-saucer/walker contraption doesn't allow them to stretch, reach, roll over, scoot, crawl, pull up and "cruise" the furniture when they want and need to. 

Let's move on to toddlers. Now this is a group of little guys that really need to be appreciated.

You must appreciate that they are "spreading their wings" and trying to make sense of this world. They also enjoy "spreading their toys" all over the room. Even though it may go against every grain in your body, you must appreciate that this is a normal developmental stage.
A note: Working beside them and guiding them as you and they tidy up the play area works much better than standing back and issuing orders. In addition, telling them before they start playing not to empty the shelves doesn't work, so save your breath.

You must appreciate that toddlers have feelings (sometimes very strong feelings) and  acknowledge those feelings, for example, "you are sad right now" or "you seem very upset." Allowing them to have that time to express those feelings helps them learn that it's okay to have and express those feelings and you are there for them to help them through.

With preschoolers you must appreciate that taking turns is a new, beginning skill with young three year olds. They are just beginning to be able to wait a short time for something they want. Be patient!

You must appreciate that preschool age children need to have access to a variety of materials and activities that promote physical development, cognitive development, and emotional/social growth.

You must appreciate that children do not need to be "spoon-fed" information by the teacher. Children learn best through experimenting with real objects, by playing with other children, and by being allowed the time to become totally engaged in their play. They need a teacher who facilitates their learning by providing the time and materials needed, and talking with them about their play. 

You might also want to appreciate that four year olds are extremely silly, active (as in need a lot of chances to move) and love to engage in "bathroom" language. Really, haven't you always wanted to be able to call someone a "poo-poo" head and then giggle for several minutes?

So, bottom line, if there are any childcare administrators or school principals reading this post and you are in need of another teacher for your facility, this is what you might want to say in your ad.

Wanted: Early childhood teacher. Must appreciate children.

That's it for now.
Check back later!