It blows my mind on how the world of early childhood professions work in terms of survival. A lack of recognition, awareness, respect, funding, etc, etc, etc. But somehow, people like myself and former coworkers of mine, continue to stay in it anyway because we love what we do.
As much as I know my view can change over time, I plan on being in this profession till retirement. My end goal is to become a licensing officer or better yet if I ever win the lottery, either my own childcare facility or preschool. I've done the conversation already with our licensing officer in the 'what does it take to become one of you' in order to know how this plan will happen: experience, experience, experience.
Since the age of 18, I have been consistently working with children and primarily in a childcare setting. I've worked at a parent resource centre and now in my second year of Preschool. And since being in Preschool, very early I learned the lack of attention these pre-kindergarten institutions get from the Government. Surprise surprise..welcome to every other social service department of society's world. But the most concernting aspect about it, is how much the government has excluded Preschools' and their staff. The magic word here in Alberta of this exclusion is: accreditation.
In a nutshell, it provides extra funding in the recognition of childcare facilities going above and beyond the standard expectations. It's more geared towards multiculturalism, fun program planning, and my favourite, recognizing post-secondary education in E.C.Es'..through increased wages. The Government set specific rates according to the levels (1-3; three being the highest paid) as it sets your title in the field such as a childcare supervisor, and the pay rate is added onto what you receive from your employer. This can ultimately be a $10,000 difference. So the dissappointing factor? Daycares, dayhomes, and out-of-school care facilities qualify for this. Not preschools. Why? Because when accreditation first arrived, not very many preschooler staff knew what this meant and lost out on a quick, only-asking-once, invitation. And may I add, this was yeaaaarrrssss ago. First it began with daycare and the other two followed because there was the consistent "what about us?!?!".
When I started at the Preschool, I decided solely that if it ever became available again, I would fight for it. I kept checking websites, discussions, anything - anything that would would have 'accreditation' and 'Preschools' in the same sentence. Well folks, it's happened..but not in the opportunity I thought it would be in.
I'm currently part of the SAPTA - Southern Alberta Preschool Teachers Association and about once a month they send out a monthly newsletter. Thank goodness I didn't delete this one right away as my opportunity to get political for Preschool is here! The head director of the association is looking for people who are willing to advocate for accreditation and to attend meetings, events, etc. I know it's volunteering and I know I can get turned down because of my age and/or experience. But, why not send out an interest? And what an experience if I can help build something so great for our province!?
Wish me luck on this new journey - I'm excited for it! What have you been most excited about in your career these days?
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