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Childcare Chatboard

EC/Primary Meeting TONITE!

by meeeha/ece/hi

Feb 15, 2011

Aloha!

Join us in the MEETING ROOM this evening for the Early Childhood/Preschool Teachers' Meeting! 9 pm EST -- 8 pm CST -- 6 pm on the west coast -- 4 pm here in Hawaii! We'll talk about possible topics for future meetings, formats -- do we want publishers, authors, illustrators joining us from time to time -- do we want "moderated" chat...See More

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Why Isn't My Education GOOD Enough?

by Elizabeth

Feb 16, 2011

In Illinois the education requirement to work in daycares, childcares, and preschools is 60 hours (Associate's degree) from an accredited college or university with 6 hours in courses directly related to child care and/or child development (birth to 8 years), 30 hours from an accredited college or university with 6 hours in courses directly related...See More

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montmo thanks, Elizabeth. I was hoping that my education I already had counted since I am nearing the end of my career. I didn't get into ece until my 30's and I can retire within the next 8-10 years. I don't need to get extra education to do what I am doing and I will not be applying to work at any other program at this point in my career. Even then if I...See Morethanks, Elizabeth. I was hoping that my education I already had counted since I am nearing the end of my career. I didn't get into ece until my 30's and I can retire within the next 8-10 years. I don't need to get extra education to do what I am doing and I will not be applying to work at any other program at this point in my career. Even then if I wanted to work at a preschool that is my specialty, I would have no problem whatsoever getting the job or being paid for my work as a college graduate with over 25 years in the field. I am in high demand. All I want to do is end my career in a place that is ideal for my current situation and allows me to do what I am trained for and have plenty of experience in.

Actually I did get contacted today about a possibility of having my certification being translated into what the state wants. She said it might take awhile but that is the first time anyone during this entire journey of my asking for assistance that is actually making an effort to do the right thing. I still have another year before my 3 years are up. I can get a CDA for free here in our resource center or I can get the associate's or master's or another BA here locally if I don't go the on line route. To me it is the principle of the matter that I am concerned with.

I have never been one to just do whatever just because the rule says so. I guess I like to "buck the system", or in my mind challenge rules and regulations when those rules and regulations do not seem to consider that there can be reasonable exceptions.

I have followed you story as well. I wonder if you are running into age discrimnation? Being in an older generation with a husband who had to go back into interviewing in recent years, I know that age discrimination is alive and well. It is hard to prove it but we saw really obvious cases where that was present not only inmy dh's interviews for jobs not offered, but also in the actual job. I have no idea what age you are, but I know that can be a factor - age. Some places don't want young single gals because "they get married and move away", some don't want young mothers, "their kids are sick all the time" , some don't want the older women "they don't have the patience or energy to work these long hours or with this age of child". Presentation during the interview is very important and to be able to redirect questions without sounding evasive also needs to be done. When small centers are doing the interviews, it is not unusual at all that they ask illegal questions about one's personal life. I don't think they do it on purpose but they sometimes forget that asking such questions are against the law. So, I hope I am giving you some food for thought too.

I am just not one who likes red tape and mismanagement of our government agencies. We are also foster parents and dealing with agencies for Medicaid, social security, fssa, etc. has opened our eyes considerably to the overlap of many things. If the agencies are working under the same roof and share the same state agency, why would someone like me have to be fingerprinted three times within two months when the paperwork is in the file cabinet in the room next door? It's that kind of stuff that irritates me to no end as a taxpayer and I wish for anything others would fight the system when appropriate and stop this wasteful ways of government agencies. So much for my soapbox. Anyway, keep posting and I hope you get a fabulous job that meets your needs real soon! montmo

Feb 17, 2011

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Elizabeth On 2/17/11, montmo wrote: > thanks, Elizabeth. I was hoping that my education I already had > counted since I am nearing the end of my career. I didn't get into > ece until my 30's and I can retire within the next 8-10 years. I > don't need to get extra education to do what I am doing and I will > not be applying to work at any other...See MoreOn 2/17/11, montmo wrote: > thanks, Elizabeth. I was hoping that my education I already had > counted since I am nearing the end of my career. I didn't get into > ece until my 30's and I can retire within the next 8-10 years. I > don't need to get extra education to do what I am doing and I will > not be applying to work at any other program at this point in my > career. Even then if I wanted to work at a preschool that is my > specialty, I would have no problem whatsoever getting the job or > being paid for my work as a college graduate with over 25 years in > the field. I am in high demand. All I want to do is end my career > in a place that is ideal for my current situation and allows me to > do what I am trained for and have plenty of experience in.

I understand and I symathize with you at the same time montmo. IMHO, it all seems so bizarre that they'd even make the request to begin with.

> Actually I did get contacted today about a possibility of having my > certification being translated into what the state wants. She said > it might take awhile but that is the first time anyone during this > entire journey of my asking for assistance that is actually making > an effort to do the right thing. I still have another year before > my 3 years are up.

I hope the translation works out for you.

> I have followed you story as well. I wonder if you are running into > age discrimnation? Being in an older generation with a husband who > had to go back into interviewing in recent years, I know that age > discrimination is alive and well. It is hard to prove it but we saw > really obvious cases where that was present not only inmy dh's > interviews for jobs not offered, but also in the actual job. I have > no idea what age you are, but I know that can be a factor - age. > Some places don't want young single gals because "they get married > and move away", some don't want young mothers, "their kids are sick > all the time" , some don't want the older women "they don't have > the patience or energy to work these long hours or with this age of > child".

I'm 33 going on 34. I'll be 34 on May 10th. My mom has brought the age thing up too, but, quite honestly, at 33, I'm still young in my opinion. I don't see how or why age would really be an issue for me.

I'm starting to wonder if it's my work experience or lack thereof. Other than the volunteer teaching I did for religiouys education for 2 years, the subbing for 3 years, and the tutoring for 2 years, I really don't have any solid work experience, especially in the sector I'd like to make my career. I won't lie. Some directors have called me on that and have been quick to point out a lack of experience as far as the daycare, childcare, preschool sector is concerned. Granted, I don't have much experience (2 months @ Celebration w/2s and 1 month @ White Oak w/2s), but I've also had a lot of problems breaking into it at a really hard time economic wise. So one can't really blame me. Not to mention, I can't help it took me so long to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Like you, I'm breaking into this field in my 30s.

> When small centers are doing the interviews, it is not > unusual at all that they ask illegal questions about one's personal > life. I don't think they do it on purpose but they sometimes forget > that asking such questions are against the law. So, I hope I am > giving you some food for thought too.

Don't have to tell me that. I've already been asked a few illegal questions.

In fact, one center director last spring went as far as to question why I was even there interviewing w/her in light of the fact my grandfather had just passed away a few days earlier and I had to be in and out for the interview so that I could attend the wake shortly thereafter. I remember coming home from my interview feeling offended because the lady chose to "make it personal" by bringing my recently deceased grandfather into it like she did. I was there because I desperately needed a job. Yes, my gradfather just died but life goes on and I needed work, income to pay my bills. Talk about THE MOST insensitive directors I've ever interviewed with.

Feb 17, 2011

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school-age child care

by newbie

Feb 20, 2011

Looking for feedback from those who work with school age kids before and after school. If it's too cold to play outside, what kinds of things do you do inside after school, or on a day that schools are closed all day or close early? Thanks in advance.

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Marie We have a budget from which we can buy supplies. So we like to do an occassional "cooking class" where we make a simple snack, such as instant pudding (you'll have to double check on rules about food prep, and food alergies).

Our older kids also enjoy freeze dance (where you stop the music and everyone has to freeze).

We sometime...See More

Mar 7, 2011

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Cheryl/NH With this range of ages, I'd suggest planning a few week long projects..something they will look forward to each day.

With this age group, we did a Take Apart for a week--you have plenty of time to ask for donations now! Ask for donations from parents, staff, etc. of old, broken down radios, VCRs and that type of thing (NOTHING with a scre...See More

Mar 8, 2011

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EC Chat Tonight 9pmEST-Topic Authentic Assessments

by Cheryl/NH

Feb 22, 2011

Hi everyone!

Tonight is our weekly chat at 9PM EST. Our topic is:

Authentic Assessment

Assessment is a tool to help us, as early educators, determine student mastery of concepts, skills and development.

There are many ways to assess the children in our care and in our classrooms: Observations, development of por...See More

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schari This sounds like a great chat Cheryl!

I don't think I can make it, but I would if I could.

I like having subjects to chat about.

Thanks for your work to make it happen.

On 2/22/11, Cheryl/NH wrote: > Hi everyone! > > Tonight is our weekly chat at 9PM EST. Our topic is: > > Authentic Assessment >...See More

Feb 22, 2011

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Cheryl/NH We'll miss you scari...maybe another week.

jeanne (meeeha/hi) has been quite the great organizer of all this! I'm just following her lead!

On 2/22/11, schari wrote: > This sounds like a great chat Cheryl! > > I don't think I can make it, but I would if I could. > > I like having subjects to chat about. > > Th...See More

Feb 22, 2011

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Last Night's Chat!

by Cheryl/NH

Feb 23, 2011

Hi all,

Kathleen was kind enough to archive last night's chat for us (thanks Kathleen!). We may not always be able to get these though!

We will continue our Authentic Assessment discussion next week.

Things to think about...in childcare, what types of assessments/progress reporting to you do? Daily, weekly, monthly?
<...See More

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Books for preschoolers: death, divorce and deployment

by Cheryl/NH

Feb 23, 2011

Hi all,

I'm looking for names of age appropriate books for preschoolers dealing with death: death of a parent and death of a pet.

We have families dealing with the issues of death of a parent, death of a pet as well as divorce and military deployment.

There are many older books out on some subjects but do you have any sug...See More

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Leah Cheryl/NH,

These are not books, but you may find the following articles helpful:

"Helping Children Cope with Loss" and "Helping Children Cope with War."

Just click below and on the title of your choice.

Feb 24, 2011

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Schari Don't have any divorce or military deployment, but these are some books we've read that deal with death of animals or family members.

Cohen, Miriam - Jim's Dog Muffins DePaola, Tommie - Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs Fowler, Susi - Beautiful Joose, Barbara - Better With Two Zolotow, Charlotte - The Old Dog

On 2/23/11, Cheryl/NH...See More

Feb 27, 2011

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Bye-Bye ECE - ECE Devoid of Jobs - Time For A Career Change

by Elizabeth

Feb 24, 2011

Alright, I've had it. I'm through. There are, quite obviously, no teaching jobs out there and the few early childhood teaching jobs I have found in the daycare, childcare, preschool sector are very competative with as many as 5 or more people applying for the same position. Sadly, employers can cheery pick anyone they want for the position and it s...See More

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Schari Sorry it didn't work out for you.

I assume you were not interested in starting your own home childcare/preschool. (?)

I'm glad you have something else to go into and that you will be able to pay off your debt. That will be a good thing!

On 2/24/11, Elizabeth wrote: > Alright, I've had it. I'm through. There are, quite ...See More

Feb 27, 2011

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What hours do you work?

by Marie

Feb 25, 2011

I was wondering what normal work hours were for other childcare teachers.

I work 9-6 M/F 8:30-6 T/Th 9-11:30 W And then planning/staying late for clean-up and late parents isn't counted in, so usually I really leave around 6:20ish.

I'm exhausted!

Are these fairly typical hours?

Oh, and I do get a lunch break.

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msmichelle On 2/25/11, Marie wrote: > I was wondering what normal work hours were for other > childcare teachers. > > I work 9-6 M/F > 8:30-6 T/Th > 9-11:30 W > And then planning/staying late for clean-up and late > parents isn't counted in, so usually I really leave around > 6:20ish. > > I'm exhausted! > > Are these fai...See More

Feb 26, 2011

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Schari Home child care - so 7:00 - 5:00, M-F.

My lunch break is during quiet time so really still on duty, but time to sit for a bit and eat.

That of course doesn't include the curriculum planning, parent communication, and janitorial work. That is all before or after the children come.

On 2/25/11, Marie wrote: > I was wonder...See More

Feb 27, 2011

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Dr Seuss' Birthday tomorrow! Some activities to share

by Cheryl/NH

Feb 28, 2011

Hi everyone, I wanted to let you know that I have a Dr. Seuss page with the activities I've collected. Feel free to use them tomorrow (or anytime!) Cheryl

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