Q for Childcare workers

[Ursula]

Hi I used to work in childcare - as a room teacher for 0-2 years and then as 0-3 years old. Currently in final semester for Bachelor in Early Childhood.

Personally I would say for the unders 3's it is not necessarily the wisest thing to have rotating teachers cos little children need familairity and routine. I suppose other things the director might be taking into consideration is that the teachers are from within the same centre and it gives all the children the opportunity to become familiar with all teachers and then when RDO's happen in the younger room she can replace staff with someone within the centre and put the casual in the bigger room where they are more able to adjust with new faces.

I probably wouldn't like to be rotated so frequently either - perhaps monthly is better - has the Director offered an explanation to the parents has to why she is doing this - perhaps she is trying to put 'her stamp' on the centre or she has seen it work in other centres. Have you heard any feedback from the teachers themselves, they may not like the change either? Oops just reread that the teachers are not happy, so perhaps voicing your concerns abt consistency in the room routine, planning and familiar interactions with the children could be raised with the Director. Unhappy teachers is not condusive to a pleasant environment for anyone concerned and as a parent you are a valid stakeholder in what happens at the centre and how your child will be affected

In regards to your DS I think it can be unsettling especially if he only attends a couple of days a week which means that it will take him longer to adjust to teacher changes. I believe that children need to develop a sense of security and a bond with their teachers so that their time at the centre is spent playing, making friendships and taking risks in what they choose to play with, exploring and investigating and I think this is hindered when they do not feel comfortable and secure within their environment.

In my studying so far (8 years) I haven't really come across anything to validate the Director's choice although the moving the teachers up along with the children annually is widely recognised and advantageous. In Emilio Reggio schools (Italy) children remain with the same teacher for 5-8 years as they progress through their schooling cos it is believed to benefit the family style of learning and investigation that develops as the children are encouraged to follow their interests and have these expanded upon by teachers who understand the children at a high level.

Sorry I rambled - very passionate abt little children and their education - hope you get some help from this!