Some of the issues shared with my friend in Puerto Rico are very similar to
what Dr. Vasquez shared in the course media about common misunderstanding of
the profession. Ms. Esquilin expressed how sometimes people see child care
workers as babysitters. In Puerto Rico, many women are dedicated to babysit
children at home, charging a low weekly fee. The majority of these women do not
have the education in early childhood field, making it harder for professionals
in the ECE to be seen as teachers or educators. I have the opportunity to meet
a mother who is struggling in keeping her daughter in a child care center
because is costly. I asked this mother what she likes the most about the child
care and she said the opportunity for her child to share with other children.
The daughter is now cared by a babysitter, who charges less money for more
time. The mom was happy because is less money, but my question to this mom (not
in a judgmental way) was that if she thinks that her daughter will have the
same quality care as she had prior in the child care. No answer. I am pretty
sure she knew it could be better, but the reality is that she is giving up
quality because she cannot afford it. This is the reality for many families in
Puerto Rico and here in Central Florida. Ms. Esquilin works for a head start
program, just like me; and we both know how hard for families are to assure quality
education for their children are for low income. Esquilin goal is for all
children have the opportunity to participate from high quality programs
regardless of their economic situations or where they are coming from, or what
they belief. Our goal for children is to grow up in a safe and healthy
environment full of love and developmentally appropriate learning. Sunday, February 24, 2013
Getting to Know Your International Contacts
Some of the issues shared with my friend in Puerto Rico are very similar to
what Dr. Vasquez shared in the course media about common misunderstanding of
the profession. Ms. Esquilin expressed how sometimes people see child care
workers as babysitters. In Puerto Rico, many women are dedicated to babysit
children at home, charging a low weekly fee. The majority of these women do not
have the education in early childhood field, making it harder for professionals
in the ECE to be seen as teachers or educators. I have the opportunity to meet
a mother who is struggling in keeping her daughter in a child care center
because is costly. I asked this mother what she likes the most about the child
care and she said the opportunity for her child to share with other children.
The daughter is now cared by a babysitter, who charges less money for more
time. The mom was happy because is less money, but my question to this mom (not
in a judgmental way) was that if she thinks that her daughter will have the
same quality care as she had prior in the child care. No answer. I am pretty
sure she knew it could be better, but the reality is that she is giving up
quality because she cannot afford it. This is the reality for many families in
Puerto Rico and here in Central Florida. Ms. Esquilin works for a head start
program, just like me; and we both know how hard for families are to assure quality
education for their children are for low income. Esquilin goal is for all
children have the opportunity to participate from high quality programs
regardless of their economic situations or where they are coming from, or what
they belief. Our goal for children is to grow up in a safe and healthy
environment full of love and developmentally appropriate learning. 
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It is sad to know that so many families are having to settle for childcare that's more affordable, even if it means that their children will lack the quality of care and education. We have learned that developing social skills is important as children develop and grow. Children learn from one another as well. While it is known that daycare centers is a great program for young children to develop and learn, the reality is that some cannot afford the cost. Some parents lack the knowledge of the benefits of daycare centers and accept the option of less in cost without considering the advantages their child may gain in a daycare program. This issue must be addressed. every child should receive quality education. It saddens me to know that our children are the one's who are truly affected.
ReplyDeleteRhonna, Many of the child care practioners I work with don't see themselves as professionals. One of the things I think would help our profession is that these early care and education professionals need to change their own views of the profession. I think this can be done through professional development and mentoring.
ReplyDeleteRhonna,
ReplyDeleteIn Medellin, there to is not enough schools. There are private schools that are expensive and public schools, but not many for young children. from what I have learned, I wish there were more moms to stay with their children versus the children running the streets even at a young age.