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Boy do I need help

  • 1.  Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-05-2020 04:01 PM
    I am asking for advice and would appreciate input.
    I have a dress code for our staff but this year I have reached a stump. Does anyone have anything in their policy of dress about not wearing shirts that can apply to political views or sayings on shirts? What is considered appropriate and inappropriate? Is it right for me to ask for a teacher not to wear a shirt and or would it be would racist to tell her not to wear it and not to have freedom of speech. How can I word it without hurting anyone's feelings or making them to go in defensive mode. How is your dress code worded in the staff handbook? Do you have anything that states personal opinion shirts?

    ------------------------------
    Diane Lancaster
    Director
    Jump-Start Christian Academy
    Fulshear TX
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-05-2020 07:44 PM
    Hi Diane,
    I will be more than happy to send you my teacher handbook. Our school is a christian school and I have a very specific dress code. In our school we use uniforms. And just to give you an example of how strict I am with my staff. Last week I had a new staff member coming to work with a different shirt and not her unifom shirt. Her reason was that she was unable to do laundry. This happened on a Monday. I said to her. " You can not stay, when you wear your uniform you can come back " Her response was. It will take me a very long time, I said, "then come to work tomorrow" I gave her a written warning the next day. And i said that next time, her hours will be reduced. I tell my staff, they are representing our preschool. And no other shirts are allowed. If you do not have an uniform. You can use plain polo shirts. That is what we did at the beginning. Let me know if you would like me to send you my teacher handbook.

    ------------------------------
    [Sandra] R
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 12:43 AM
    Ask your staff to wear a plain shirt with no logos on it.

    ------------------------------
    Janaki Shetty
    Apex NC
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-07-2020 10:39 AM
    I agree with the comments about a plain shirt. Young children are super sensitive to color. design and logos so I ask staff in our dress code to keep clothing with any logos at home. These are a distraction to the very young.

    ------------------------------
    Susan Smith
    Director
    Heart and Hands Montessori
    Lafayette CO
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-07-2020 12:54 PM
    I agree with the comments about a plain shirt. Young children are super sensitive to color. design and logos so I ask staff in our dress code to keep clothing with any logos at home. These are a distraction to the very young.

    ------------------------------
    Susan Smith
    Director
    Heart and Hands Montessori
    Lafayette CO
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 06:36 AM
    Hi Diane,

    I'm not a lawyer so if you need legal advice, please consult one. My understanding is that there's no freedom of speech at work so you have every right to limit what you allow in your dress code. 

    There's a difference between what is legal and what is right. You didn't share what the shirt said so we have no way of knowing if it is something that is truly offensive or negative or if it is a difference of opinion. If it is  merely an unpopular opinion, you should consider letting it go. Do you really want to be an employer where people can't be themselves or where everyone has to publicly support something even though they don't believe in it?

    Far too often, people with opposing view points are considered bad people rather than good people with a different opinion. Shutting down different opinions pushes us farther apart and makes understanding difficult. Do we want to teach the children that it's unacceptable to have an opinion that is different than the majority? It is true that open minds sometimes ask difficult questions and a culture where people can be can be themselves may lead to conflict.  Opening up our teams to diversity of thought leads to a better place to work and educate.

    ------------------------------
    Scott Bohnert
    Indianapolis IN
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 11:54 AM
    Exactly Scott and this made me ill. Everyone has their own opinions and I respect that. That is why this was a difficult task for me to address. Just did not want it to be an issue   Thanks

    ------------------------------
    Diane Lancaster
    Director
    Jump-Start Christian Academy
    Fulshear TX
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 01:22 PM
    Believe me Diane,
    You do not want to have any flexibility whenit comes to that. I am talking from my own experience. The minute you allow their believe/ideas to be expressed on their clothing. That is the minute you are welcoming trouble. I do not think it has anything to do with what is right or wrong. This is a business.  In my experience, It got out of control. I realized that "If i do it for one, I need to do it for everyone" then you will have a lot of people expressing their beliefs. Good Luck!

    ------------------------------
    [Sandra] R
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-13-2020 12:48 PM
    Scott, being open to diversity of thought and adhering to a dress code are two very different things.  For many reasons - many have been noted in these posts - it is a good idea to have a dress code and, once you have one, stick to it.  No exceptions.  That said, it is important for your staff to understand the reasoning behind your policies.  They may not agree, but they will know that policies are not simply arbitrary rules.  

    Naomi Black

    ------------------------------
    Naomi Black
    Music Teacher
    Chapelwood School for Young Children
    Houston TX
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 08:14 AM

    Hi Diane!
    I hear you! That is definitely a sensitive situation! I work at a center with a pretty strict dress code for this very reason; we have a whole section dedicated to it in our staff handbook. We are required to wear black pants and plain white shirts. In addition, we have to wear a center-provided apron. Our shirts are not allowed to have any pictures or words on them (this is clearly stated in the dress code section of our handbook). My employer is passionate about maintaining a professional environment and also wants parents and children to easily identify who is on staff at the center. They instituted this strict dress code shortly after opening their first center because things got unprofessional and out of control when it came to how teachers were dressing. Now that the dress code is in place, they are able to quickly and easily address anyone who breaks it with minimal drama and hurt feelings. 


    Good luck!



    ------------------------------
    Mary Walker
    Lead Toddler Teacher
    Wheaton, IL
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 08:17 AM
    Hello

    My dress code says something in it about inappropriate language, drug/alcohol related, etc. 
    What does your dress code specifically say? Have parents made comments, staff? 

    Can you say what the shirt is? More context might help with insight. 

    My staff and I just had a Pride shirt day and a BLM shirt day last week. Our program is extremely diverse and we want to show our families support in turbulent times.

    I hope I have helped a bit, I'm sure others here have some great insight to help you out.

    ------------------------------
    Kristin Nelson
    Child Development Center Director
    Jeremiah Program
    Fargo ND
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 08:58 AM
    I would say the easiest way to do that is to ban all words/images on shirts. Then you're not discriminating. 

    I am sure there is wording you can use to just ban certain things. Freedom of speech doesn't apply to dress code in a private business. I am sure someone has better wording than I for that.

    ------------------------------
    Heather Finnegan
    Preschool Teacher
    Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with School
    Delavan WI
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 09:23 AM
    I'm going to float a different idea--not exactly about the shirt. If it seems appropriate to you perhaps you could offer the staff person the opportunity to talk at a staff meeting about the specific issues expressed by her shirt in the context of how it connects to early childhood teaching and classroom practice. You may need to enforce your dress code but this would give the opportunity for the staff person to be heard and not feel silenced. To pick two examples from someone else's reply--if the shirt was a BLM shirt--there are so many resources that have been given on this site and in NAEYC that could be shared and discussed; if it was an LGBTQ Pride shirt, again there are many resources that relate to young children and the classroom.

    Not exactly about your question but might satisfy the staff person and open up some great discussions.

    ------------------------------
    Aren Stone
    she/her/hers
    Child Development Specialist
    The Early Years Project
    Cambridge, MA
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-07-2020 08:42 PM
    I really like your idea! This is a great example of respectful and thoughtful communication.

    ------------------------------
    H. Yang
    Director
    Montessori Plus International
    Missoula MT
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 09:59 AM
    Hi,
    We have a dress code policy in our handbook. We don not allows any shirts with slogans, but do allow team shirts during baseball season since we have some die hard Yankee fans on staff!!   Here is what we have

                It is expected that teachers of young children will get dirty.  Clothes should be clean, of a washable nature and allow for sitting on the floor. Teachers are expected to present a professional appearance.  Therefore, skimpy clothing or shirts with slogans or political type statements or pictures may not be worn.  Shorts may be worn when the temperature is over 80 degrees, but short shorts are not acceptable. Fingernails must not present a danger to children.

    I have asked a teacher to turn a shirt inside out one time when she wore an inappropriate shirt to work.



    ------------------------------
    Barabara Klein
    Director
    Huguenot Nursery School
    Pelham NY
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 10:51 AM

    This is from our EMPLOYEE POLICIES HANDBOOK

    PERSONAL APPEARANCE

                   Appropriate attire for all employees includes:

    1. Jeans – must not be frayed or torn
    2. Skirts/Dresses – below the knee while standing
    3. Capri Pants – below the knee while standing
    4. Shoes – comfortable tennis shoes, flats, heels or sandals

     

    Inappropriate attire for all employees includes:

    1. Hats – including baseball type
    2. Beach type flip flops
    3. Athletic sportswear – sweat pants or jogging pants or shirts
    4. Spaghetti style straps, tank tops, backless shirts and bare midriffs
    5. Shorts of any kind
    6. T-shirts with any kind of saying or writing on them, unless approved in advance by the AD or D.


    ------------------------------
    Linda Harvey
    Director
    Meadows Christian Learning Center
    Plano TX
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 11:02 AM
    Hi, 

    I overstand!    I wrote this up for you.  Feel free to use as a guideline/template

    Also, I think it is important to reference NAEYC Code of Ethics and Conduct and that will also take the pressure off of you as far as " feeling mean."

    Genuinely, Chantal

    Staff Dress and Appearance Code 


    As professionals and caregivers in our school, we realize and value the public's perception of our roles as mentors and models for students, families and the community. It is paramount that we provide a safe, neutral space for being and learning for all. Therefore, the following dress code will apply to all teachers, aides, secretaries, administrators, staff, and volunteers and parent volunteers at our center. This dress code is to be applied for all work days, professional development days, school related events, and during parent-teacher conferences. 

    We want to model a uniform and professional appearance for the students and families we serve. All clothing must be clean, and in good repair. 


    The following are NOT allowed:

    NO:      

    • Clothing that is sheer or see thru in anyway, no clothing with rips, holes, or tears
    • Shorts or slits in skirts/dresses that are shorter than four (4) inches above the knee
    • Clothing, shirts, and accessories and useable items with graphics or text (i.e. pens, bags, purses, etc.) animal prints are permitted
    • Spaghetti straps, sleeveless tops, or straps that are less than two (2) inches wide, unless covered by a jacket or a top which is kept on at all times
    • Hats with graphics or text (must be plain)
    • No cleavage showing – standard neckline appropriate (v neck, round neck) 
    • No earrings that hang or jewelry that lays more than doesn't lay flush on the skin 
    • No showing of skin between shirts and pants/skirts ( mid-section)
    • No flip flops or open toed shoes

    Employees and volunteers who do not, in the judgment of the administrator/supervisor, do not conform to this dress code will be asked to change clothing or remove items that are not permissible in addition to verbal or written notice from the administrator/supervisor. Repeated violations or refusal to comply with the directions of the school administration by an employee could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. 


    We thank you for your support in protecting a safe, wholesome, and age-appropriate educational setting for our children.


    You could also provide photos or images of appropriate or inappropriate clothing or dress. 

    https://www.naeyc.org/resources/position-statements/ethical-conduct

    https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2016/ethical-responsibilities-dilemmas

    Adopted: 7.6.2020



    ------------------------------
    Chantal Lamourelle, M.S.
    Associate Professor
    Santa Ana College
    Early Childhood Education Consultant
    Professional Development Workshop Presenter/ Speaker
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 11:16 AM
    Thank you so much everyone. I was not aware that this would be such an issue. I just needed to add something in my handbook about sayings. She does not look as inappropriate because she is honoring someone but she has a #BLM and the date on it. Of course me personally like the shirt and support it but it's just not appropriate for a preschool. The kiddos can't read it but the parents can. 
    I will use this info in my handbook. It helps a lot. Thanks 

    Diane





  • 19.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 11:51 AM
    Thank you Chantel for the info. Your awesome!  The answers were also there on the ethics. Perfect

    ------------------------------
    Diane Lancaster
    Director
    Jump-Start Christian Academy
    Fulshear TX
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 01:44 PM
    Thank you for sharing this Chantal. I am actually adjusting my teacher handbook for the following school year and this comes in handy.

    ------------------------------
    [Sandra] R
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 06:05 PM
    My pleasure!  Chantal Lamourelle

    ------------------------------
    Chantal Lamourelle
    Associate Professor
    Santa Ana College
    Tustin CA
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 11:18 AM
    And I did not word it right about being mean, I guess I was trying to say being supportive or not caring   Y'all know what I mean. 

    Diane

    On Jul 6, 2020, at 10:15 AM, Diane Lancaster <dianelancaster63@yahoo.com> wrote:

    Thank you so much everyone. I was not aware that this would be such an issue. I just needed to add something in my handbook about sayings. She does not look as inappropriate because she is honoring someone but she has a #BLM and the date on it. Of course me personally like the shirt and support it but it's just not appropriate for a preschool. The kiddos can't read it but the parents can. 
    I will use this info in my handbook. It helps a lot. Thanks 

    Diane





  • 23.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 06:46 PM
    Hi Diane,

    I think you got your dress code ideas answered, but I wanted to address your question of "would it be racist?" The answer is yes - if this is the first time you've seen the need for a dress code, and it's because a teacher is wearing a Black Lives Matter t-shirt, then you need to examine your own motives. Maybe you feel unsure what you would say if a parent complained. Maybe you yourself are uncomfortable with the statement. I'd be happy to talk through either of these concerns. And still, either way, that is work you can do that doesn't require you to limit an employee's right to wear a shirt that stands up for Black people. 

    I'm glad you asked, and I'm curious if other folks have thoughts on the racism side of it beyond the logistics of dress codes!
    Thanks,
    Kate

    ------------------------------
    Kate Engle
    Early Childhood Anti-Racism Consultant
    Freelance
    Brooklyn NY
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 12:36 PM
    We are also a Christian school and our policy is "no graphic tee-shirts".  We are a service industry and our own personal or political views must be left at home so we can best serve our families.

    ------------------------------
    Colleen Bohlen
    Prek Teacher
    Trinity Lutheran Early Learning Center
    Forest Hill MD
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 02:21 PM
    I enjoyed reading all the input from everyone on this subject. It gave me additional ideas as well. 
    I have one employee who I had issues with in this area as well. She likes to push the limit and I too have given her verbal warning and sent her home to change. The way that I handled it was in a staff meeting and I printed my employee handbook with the dress code section and we sat as a group to review dress code. I had each employee sign just that page again and just used it as a refresher of what will be tolerated and what will not be tolerated. I usually do a refresher at the end of spring just as a reminder when the weather is getting warmer and some staff like to push the limits. If they have been reminded they are less likely to fall out of compliance. 

    Best Wishes

    ------------------------------
    Belinda Looney-Zeltvay
    Critter Campus Preschool
    Grants Pass OR
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 02:56 PM
    My request for the dress code issue is have all employees wear a uniform smock. As the director you pick out the style and color.

    ------------------------------
    Darlene Brannon
    Director
    D&S Brannon Enterprises, LLC
    Durham NC
    ------------------------------



  • 27.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 03:27 PM
    Hello Diane,
    After reading your comment about if asking about wearing a shirt to work with political symbols were appropriate to ask not to was considered racists - that rather struck me and confused me a bit. My first question do you have a dress code policy in your employee handbook that clearly states what is considered appropriate dress code in a professional educational setting? In every preschool I have taught at always had dress codes to make certain that their teachers were not wearing unprofessional clothing that was not seen as political, offensive, and or not too revealing during summer months. With that said, it clears the air as to having any negative remarks to anyone’s political and or religious views. Comfortable clothing such as jeans 👖 and a shirt 👕 with a collar comes into play with how you as an educator come in contact with parents serves us as Early Childhood Professionals.

    Sent from my iPhone


  • 28.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-06-2020 07:52 PM
    I want to offer a different kind of dress code. At my school the rule of thumb is, "if a child asks about your shirt, can you explain it in a developmentally appropriate way? If a parent asks about it, how would you talk about it with them?" This has sparked great conversations among staff as we negotiate together what anti-bias education looks like in practice. (The other rule of thumb is, "no plumber's butt.")  

    Here's our official policy from our handbook:
    "Because of our relations with parents and children, consideration of personal appearance is necessary at all times. Employees should dress appropriately in accordance with the requirements of their position, and with the anti-discrimination prevention policy detailed herein. If an employee fails to dress appropriately, the employee may be asked to leave for the day or to return home, change into suitable clothing, and report back to work. If you have any questions about the proper attire for your work area, ask your supervisor."

    The anti-discrimination and anti-harassment clauses cover hate speech and sexual content. The rest is up to an interpretation of the requirements of our positions, which means we have to ask ourselves--and each other--questions about how our personal beliefs intersect with our commitment to serving families in our community.

    Here are a few examples of how personal expression through dress can aid a program's mission:
    • My supervisor often wore her "I Love My Blackness and Yours" shirt, and it helped set the tone for the kind of culture we want to foster in our community--a culture that celebrates and uplifts black and brown lives as well as encouraging self-love.
    • Another co-worker often wore shirts of his favorite color--magenta--sending children and adults alike the message that it's okay and great for men to wear pink. He was also an avid birder and often wore bird shirts, which would spark conversations with children about the birds in question and their sounds, particular habits, etc, extending children's curiosity and engagement with the natural world.
    • I regularly wear my CUAV shirt that reads "queer and trans POWER: from the sheets to the streets" / "PODER trans y de ambiente: de las sabanas a las calles," and has images of various types of footwear. The children love looking at the different kinds of shoes and discussing which ones they like and would want to wear. Adults--including parents as well as guest teachers-- have expressed that this shirt has helped them feel welcome and invited to our school community.

    None of these moments would be possible were we to adopt a strict uniform or no graphics/no text policy. Do we need to erase language and expression around social identities and beliefs in order to adhere to professionalism? Who sets the standards for what "professional" looks like? And I urge you to consider some of the questions that others on this post have posed about why it is that now--in response to a #BLM shirt--you are deciding that you need a stricter dress policy. I do hope this discussion will open up rather than silence conversations about racism, social identities, and personal beliefs at your center! 
    ​​

    ------------------------------
    Encian Pastel
    Teacher, Collective Member, Core member
    Children's Community Center, Gender Justice in Early Childhood, Bay Area Childcare Collective
    Richmond CA
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-07-2020 08:40 AM
    I love this idea, I was going to write something similar yesterday.  My BLM shirt was a great conversation starter for my young daughter. She asked what it meant, I explained it to her, then we had a great conversation about race. 

    Again, you got some great ideas regarding the dress code itself, but I do think you might want to ask yourself why you feel you need to with this particular shirt, and what opportunities for greater learning you might be missing out on. 

    Just because the conversation might be difficult, doesnt mean we shouldnt have it.

    Have a great day!

    ------------------------------
    Kristin Nelson
    Child Development Center Director
    Jeremiah Program
    Fargo ND
    ------------------------------



  • 30.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-07-2020 09:33 AM

    Hi Diane,

    I'm glad you came to this group for thinking. I appreciate your courage in asking this question.  It's not always easy to ask these uncomfortable questions.   I'd agree with others that to institute a dress code in response to a Black Lives Matter t-shirt will be hurtful to both Black staff and Black parents as well as to other staff and parents who feel strongly that we need to be clear that Black lives matter.   Not only that, but it's missing a wonderful opportunity to talk to your children about Black lives mattering and why it's important to say that clearly in the world we live in. 

    We know that children are noticing race from infancy and that starting at age 3 they are very vulnerable to stereotypes which they experience all around them.  We also know that by age 3 or 4 children (especially White children) have started to internalize the message that "we don't talk about race".  This, in combination with their tendency to pay more attention to what adults do than what we say, means that they begin to take their exploration of topics like race and gender out of earshot of adults.  Because of this, adults need to be very intentional in letting children know that we want to talk about race with them.  Otherwise, they end up exploring issues of race and racism without any caring adult by their side to support and guide them.   

    So how will you communicate to your children and families that Black lives matter to you and your center?  This is a great opportunity to think about that.  Your staff person wearing a t-shirt that will raise the topic with children and families is one way, but there are also many others. 

    As you can tell, I'm passionate about this topic and am happy to talk more- either here or via private message or email. 



    ------------------------------
    [Meg] [Thomas]
    [Early childhood consultant
    Co-facilitator for Diversity and Equity Interest Forum
    [St Paul ] [MN]
    ------------------------------



  • 31.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-07-2020 08:52 PM
    I LOVE this! Your focus is really on the purpose of education. The "rule of thumb" at your school makes perfect sense. Thank you for such a thoughtful, well-written reply. I've learned something valuable from you for my practice - Thank you!

    ------------------------------
    H. Yang
    Director
    Montessori Plus International
    Missoula MT
    ------------------------------



  • 32.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-07-2020 10:05 AM
    Hi Diane, 
    I know that these are very sensitive times for everyone but if you have a policy in place that should cover you. I have copied my center's policy, I hope that it helps you. 



    The purpose of this policy is to outline the requirements for Discovery Learning Center in regards to the dress code for teachers and support staff. 


    Overview:

    Teachers may dress casually but are still expected to be professional. Clothing must allow teachers to bend, sit, squat, and move in comfort and without exposure.

     

    Requirements:

    It is the responsibility of each teacher to ensure that the clothing and articles that they wear each day are in line with the following guidelines:

    • No shorts; teachers are allowed to wear capris.
    • No work out clothing.
    • No words on clothing unless it is center specific or child related (autism, special needs, etc.)
    • No clothing that shows undergarments.
    • No scrubs/scrub tops (Nurse excluded).
    • Shoes that are closed toe and with a heel less than 2 inches tall.

     

    Any teacher not properly attired when reporting for work may be sent home to change. Any time lost due to such action will be considered unpaid time. Repeat dress code violation will result in written disciplinary action.  



    ------------------------------
    Christina McIntosh
    Director
    Discovery Learning Center
    St Petersburg FL
    ------------------------------



  • 33.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-07-2020 10:51 AM
    Hello Diane,

    Thank you for initiating this discussion on dress codes.  As you think about your new dress code policy, I think as was mentioned in an earlier post that a discussion about why the staff person felt that he/she/they needed to wear the BLM shirt.  It is important to take into account what has happend in the larger community context outside of your center as it relates to the Black residents.  I noted that you are from Fulshear, TX.  I was born and raised in Houston.  During the summers of the late 1970's, I would visit Fulshear with my good friend who's mother and extended family are from Fulshear.  At that time, it was a small town comprised of a large number of Black people - approximately 30%.  Currently, the demographic is now over 60% White and less than 10% Black.  In 2008, the master-planned community of Cross Creek Ranch was established with average home price tags of $400,000.  The property taxes associated with Cross Creek Ranch raised the taxes of everyone's property which negatively impacted some Black residents.   Are Black voices being heard in your center and in the larger Fulshear community?  What impact has the local, national, and international protests had on the children, families, and staff of your center?

    Kevin


    ------------------------------
    KEVIN MCGOWAN
    Assistant Professor
    Bridgewater State University
    Boston MA
    ------------------------------



  • 34.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-07-2020 01:35 PM
    I do not think personally that dress code has anything to do everyone's beliefs. A private business has the liberty to create their own dress code accordingly. And they are created with the owner's beliefs. Of course with the help of legal advise to ensure you are not breaking any laws. But ultimately, it has to do with what the owner wants to accomplish for the business. Whether the employees like it or not. I do support the BLM movement. I have been reading more of the literature that has to do with black culture to help me educate more on this subject. I have also watched the different movies and documentaries. I think there is a time and i place for everything. Me personally? I do not allow room for any breaking of the policies already established. I do agree that if you decide to have a day "of whatever you decide" then, this will be the right date and time. The policies our teachers abide to, are given to them at the time of their orientation. And if they have trouble with them, then is a sign that you will have a problematic employee. That will be the moment you tell them, they are not hired. 
    Just my personal opinion as a director of the preschool I work

    ------------------------------
    [Sandra] R
    ------------------------------



  • 35.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-07-2020 05:42 PM
    Hi every one,
    At this historical moment, I think the most important thing is to maintain ethical and professional conduct where we can strengthen principles of health and well-being.With or without legos,colors, strips,blouses or tank tops. Anyways, my suggestion: A big mask as a lego, or as a skirt, strip....is the best option to wear now.

    ------------------------------
    Vilma Oliva
    Sarasota FL
    ------------------------------



  • 36.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-07-2020 10:27 PM
    This article is about facemasks and other attire and makes some important points.
    https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-black-lives-matter-masks-workplace-20200706-jn4fi66r25d2zf2mynrrg2mqpq-story.html


    ------------------------------
    Margery Heyl
    Chicago IL
    ------------------------------



  • 37.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-08-2020 11:47 AM

    I notice that my 3 month old grandson is fascinated by the patterns and designs on the tee shirts I often wear. He gazes at them for long periods, especially when it is one I haven't worn for a while. He doesn't understand exactly what I say about the designs-how I bought it while visiting his great-grandfather several years ago and it reminds me of that trip, or how another was made by wax-resist painting by an artist so each shirt is a unique work of art, and another is from a march for science representing that all children are scientists. But it is a way to connect who I am with his interest in the graphics, including words. 

    Each professional is a person with social histories and identities, and beliefs that we might express by wearing jewelry with a religious symbol, or a tee shirt celebrating science education, a statement of self-love, or a stance against racism and white supremacy.

    The questions Encian's school uses as a way to determine if a shirt image is appropriate for staff to wear are very helpful and can help us all think about how to share our graphic messages with others. I agree with Kristin that we use moments of being uncomfortable to think about our own understandings. Meg says it well: "adults need to be very intentional in letting children know that we want to talk about race with them.  Otherwise, they end up exploring issues of race and racism without any caring adult by their side to support and guide them….talk to your children about Black lives mattering and why it's important to say that clearly in the world we live in." Those messages are certainly child-related as Christina suggests should be the criteria for words on clothing. 

    I can understand a program wanting to put the program's name and logo in front of the adults who are considering enrolling or currently have children enrolled in the program. The idea that Sandra suggests of having a day each week for personal choice is one way to avoid erasing the person inside the professional while still keeping the program identity visible.  As the article Margery shared by Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz discusses, any dress code should be consistently and equitably enforced.

    Honoring who we educators are-our histories, beliefs, and styles-honors what makes us the professionals who will honor and individually support the needs of each child.

    Best wishes,

    Peggy



    ------------------------------
    Peggy Ashbrook
    Early childhood science teacher
    Alexandria, VA
    NSTA The Early Years columnist, Science and Children
    Early Years blogger, www.nsta.org/earlyyears
    Author: Science Learning in the Early Years, and
    Science Is Simple
    ------------------------------



  • 38.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-11-2020 11:13 AM
    Hi Diane, 

    If a shirt's saying is inappropriate or offensive to any parents, you, or any other teachers in the workplace, you have every right to tell your employee to remove it. You are a private school ,(not public), and can make your own decisions on what is deemed appropriate for the staff to wear. Your staff should have the common sense to know work-appropriate attire. Political and cultural slogans should be left to after work hours. The workplace should be neutral. 

    I have had teachers do this in my school and I am very taken aback by it. I don't feel that you should be using the workplace as a sounding board for your ideas and opinions. If need be, change your teacher handbook to include the following: Employees may not wear t-shirts or other clothing with slogans or graphics that others may find politically, socially, or culturally offensive. Please speak to the director if you would like to wear a particular shirt with the aforementioned content before wearing it on premises. We feel that our school should be a neutral, all-welcoming space that allows children, teachers, and families to come together without biases. Otherwise, you may receive a written warning or be asked to leave in order to change clothing. 


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    Jennifer Illinois
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  • 39.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-13-2020 04:23 AM
    Hello, 
    My handbook states that the only t-shirt they are allowed to where is there preschool shirt. I have a struck dress code of casual dress and absolutely no t-shirt unless it is their preschool shirt.

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    Stacy Corll
    Owner/Administrator
    Little Loves Learning Center
    Salem OH
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  • 40.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 07-13-2020 10:57 AM
    Hi Stacy,

    Thank you for doing this. I wish other schools would do the same. I have seen some t-shirts worn that have been inappropriate for preschool. I am glad that you are sticking to your handbook and not bending the rules for employees. The preschool environment needs to be kept professional.

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    Jennifer Illinois
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  • 41.  RE: Boy do I need help

    Posted 02-20-2021 01:28 PM
    Finding a common understanding of what clothing is appropriate for each early childhood education setting may be easier when resources such as this thread and others on dress codes on Hello are read together, or trainings that "explore the boundaries of culturally inclusive dress code policies with the lens of DAP" are taken by the entire staff and discussed. 
    Modeling the kind of communication and respect we hope children will develop.
    Best wishes,
    Peggy


    ------------------------------
    Peggy Ashbrook
    Early childhood science teacher
    Alexandria, VA
    NSTA The Early Years columnist, Science and Children
    Early Years blogger, https://www.nsta.org/blog/all?keywords=Early+Childhood
    Author: Science Learning in the Early Years, and
    Science Is Simple
    ------------------------------