Tahsiyn:
I'm completely with you. The pandemic has thrown a light on many inequities, including the structure of early childhood education in this country. Unfortunately, until there is a structural change, I don't have faith that this will change. Many in this forum have noted some of the problems inherent in the system. When all, or most, of the income of private nonprofit centers, or even for profit centers, comes from parent tuition, it sets up a system that automatically only works for those who can afford it. Most teachers can't afford tuition for their own children without assistance.
I feel lucky to work in a city that puts money into early childhood education in many ways, including a scholarship program for low income families, coaching for early childhood teachers and directors and my program, which provides early childhood mental health support services for centers. Even with that, teacher salaries remain very low, especially at centers with no outside funding help, such as a university or company. We have a robust mixed delivery system--nonprofit centers, for profit centers, family childcare, and classrooms run by the city. I think this is the best model and wish that the government would provide more funding for all of these services as they do in many other countries. I truly believe that the root of the problem is that early childhood education services are mostly provided by women, allow women to have jobs outside of home, and this country has yet to really value that work.
Thank you to all who are doing the work.
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Aren Stone
she/her/hers
Child Development Specialist
The Early Years Project
Cambridge, MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2020 03:11 PM
From: Tahsiyn Ismaaeel
Subject: ChildCare is Essential Yet We Are Not Being Valued
Thanks for your response. However, as much as I show my appreciation publicly, let's face it, its not going to pay the bills of a single mother who is trying to raise her kids on a childcare income; and that's under normal circumstances.
My point is regarding childcare teachers putting their lives on the line to serve our communities while others are being financially compensated in a country that is perfectly capable to say "thank you" and recognize them in a way that will take some of the stress off of them because they can pay their bills without food stamps and other government handouts. We should be able to truly recognize their service...financially and not with mind games.
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Tahsiyn Ismaaeel
Owner
Darul-Amaanah Acdemy
Wilmington DE
Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2020 02:30 PM
From: Melanie Smith
Subject: ChildCare is Essential Yet We Are Not Being Valued
Hello Tahsiyn
My research in salary parity with preschool teachers found that teachers are willing to stay in the school if they receive Teacher Recognition.
Developing strategies for teacher recognition is important. Being recognized for the hard work.
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Melanie Smith
The Preschool Doctor
thepreschooldoctor.com
Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2020 08:49 AM
From: Tahsiyn Ismaaeel
Subject: ChildCare is Essential Yet We Are Not Being Valued
Hello All
We reopened to serve our essential parents and now we are needed even more with schools delaying reopening completely. With remote learning parents who don't have the ability to help their children with Zoom lessons etc, need our services even more. Teachers have a right to remain home where feel safer. The issue I'm beginning to see is that those childcare teachers who are willing to put their lives on the line are not being financially compensated. I am very proud of my staff who come to work everyday to teach our little ones and I wish I could pay them more to show my appreciation for being there. How do we get more money for our staff? Because if people can stay home and get paid, what's the incentive to keep putting their lives in jeopardy?!
Tahsiyn A. Ismaaeel
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Tahsiyn Ismaaeel
Owner
Darul-Amaanah Acdemy
Wilmington DE
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