I am a male childcare worker and i was wondering if there are any suggestions on how males can be more accepted in a childcare situation could anyone help me? thoughts and doubts all welcome
Hmmm,That's a tough question!
I am an early childhood teacher and have been for 11yrs and I really couldn't tell you to be honest! I know from my own veiw, I love working with a man in a centre it changes the dynamics of a place alot. I would like to think that having a male teacher would be no different than having a female in terms of acceptance, but I am not that niave. Unfortunately there are people out there who are suspicious and dubious of men in early childhood centres. It really is sad as children gain so much more from having both a male and female teacher.
Though I must say that I have worked with two men in childcare (at different times) and although they had experienced a little bit of negativity they were both very much loved part of the centre. The children loved them as did the parents, though it took a little time for parents to get used to them. I know that both of them also chose not to work with 0-2's nor change nappies without another staff member right next to them unless absolutely necessary. Which I also find a sad repercussion (sp?) of the doubts that others hold.
Sorry, none of that answered your question, did it??
The only thing I could possibly suggest (and I'm not a child care worker) is to be open, genuine, and honest to the parents and kids (which I'm sure you are anyway). Give parents time to get to know you and gain their trust. I understand how difficult it must be for you; it is similar in nursing - male nurses (especially in peads) often get that "look" and doubt thrust upon them. Not fair. To be honest, I would LOVE my DD's childcare centre to have a male worker so that she can have a balance of influences and not just those from the (very lovely) female workers.
It is such a shame that you come across negativity.
As a mum with 3 littlies in childcare (2 days a week), I would LOVE it if our centre had a male teacher.
When we still lived in Darwin, Olivia (my eldest) did a 10 day stretch in FT childcare (I was on jury duty) and in that centre there was a male. The director took time to introduce me to him and he made a real effort to make me feel at ease with the fact that he was a male in a traditionally female work environment. He explained to me that he chose to work in the kindy area only (3.5 years - 5, and the children had to be toilet trained to move up to the kindy class, so no nappy changes).
He was really upfront and honest and explained to me that working with children was all he had ever wanted to do, and that he was working in the centre whilst studying to complete his teaching quals...so he could move onto primary teaching.
His upfront nature, plus the way the children responded to him, won me over absolutely.
Thanx for the replies, i have been accepted by most parents. but a dilema arrises when this parent told my boss that he does not want her daughter to be cuddled by me. i have been warned not go near this girl if i want to keep my job. the thing is that this girl is in my class and she sees me as her favourite teacher as she has told me this numerous times. i find it very difficult not to be able to go near her. i was told that if she did have an accident, i had to give her a pat on the back and direct her to another staff member. what do you all think about this?
Tiger, I think it is a real shame that you have come across this situation. I am thrilled that the latest carer at the boys' day care is male and that as of next week Jack will be in the same room as the male. I think male role models are vital for developing children of both genders. And the male carers that I have come across when they were relieving at Jack's old day care were all fantastic - really enthusiatic and the kids loved them. Please don't take offence to this, but I think sometimes the saying that boys never grow up, they just get bigger, can be true to a point, and this is great for being able to play with kids and relate to them.
Unfortuntely I think you are going to have to "do as your told" on this one and stay away from the girl in question as much as possible. It is wrong, and at the end of the day I think the little girl will be the one most harmed, but I don't think you have a choice. Hopefully once the parents see you interact with the other kids more they will loosen up. But in the meantime please don't risk your job - as a male carer you are too valuable.
I know of male teachers who have changed careers as they were too scared of false allegations. I think it is a hard path you have chosen to be a male carer, but I really commend you for it. And I hope it all works out soon for you.
thanx for you advice, i do think that it is important to have male influence in childcare centres. i only have about 6 months left with this class as they are all going into school next year. i sure hope that within this 6 months it would be lifted . wouldnt the child feel left out in this situation? we have accreditation starting very soon and i am sure they would spot this situation and what would they think? this situation makes me feel bad, like it feels like negelect.
I've been working in child care since '94 - and as a teacher since '96. Generally being a man working in this profession has been an advantage to me. Children often seem to like the qualities that men bring to the job -this is not to disrespect my female colleagues - but being men we're different, and there aren't many men working in child care centres.
It would be a sad day if we were to feel awkward about cuddling an upset child, or reading to a child on the sofa, or changing a dirty nappy! These are all perfectly reasonable and necessary things to do.
The limits of what we shouldn't do are obvious -no unnecessary or inappropriate contact (sometimes children may touch you inappropriately; don't panic, but tell them firmly that is not OK)
Beware of being in situations where you're alone with children (especially as they often want to follow you into storerooms etc. -but don't let them!) Follow the rules and policy of your centre and the Early Childhood Code of Practice -obviously!
Other than that, don't be nervous about parents seeing you interact with their child. So long as its a normal, positive and beneficial interaction any parents who may have a problem with you being a bloke will be reassured if they can see you're up to the job and the kid seems happy....
It's a privilege and an honour that parents are prepared to trust us with their children - each child is irreplaceable. Only a total scumbag would abuse that trust.
My DS2 goes go daycare twice a week and the have one male there, he is sometimes in my sons class, but the tiems ive spent round him he has noo personality he comes across bored. but maybe thats just him he is very nice otherwise. and my sons likes which matters most.
Well said Martin! And welcome to Belly Belly!!! We need more men around here!
I have come across some FANTASTIC male child care workers (pre-school and Out of School Hour Care), as well as teachers.
In fact, I think it's a real shame that more men aren't attracted to the field. Personally, I think our children suffer as a result. Especially those children with few, if any, positive male role models in their lives.
Sounds like you are doing a great job
Last edited by nothing2lose; August 17th, 2011 at 09:48 AM.
That's an awful situation it sounds like the centre isnt dealing with it properly. We have two males at our centre, they do all the regular stuff and they comfort and hug my girls if they need to. One of them is close to my eldest he helped calm her down last year when I was in hospital with Ds.
Your centre should be explaining that you are trained, have police checks etc and are no different to the female carers.
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