One example of micro aggression that happened to me back in August was actually from a former parent of mines. Her child (a little boy) was a 3 year old in my Head Start class during last school term. He was a very sweet child but he was never really present at school, of course through no fault of his own! Over the summer I saw the child, his sister, and mother at our local grocery store. I a asked the mom if he was returning for a second year as well as asking her if her little girl would be attending. The mother proceeded to tell me that she had registered her daughter and that her son would be returning as well. She then went on to say that she was contemplating on putting her new four year old son in another program because she "heard" they learn more there than at Head Start😒😳!!! Really!!!! I really felt 'some type of way'! That's an insult to my face and she didn't even realize it?! In that moment I felt disrespected as her child's former teacher, I felt disrespect for the Head Start program as well! I don't think any malice was intended but I certainly felt not so good about her statement! Did she forget that her child rarely came to school??? How would he learn anything considering the fact he was never present! I work hard to ensure that my kids environment is one where learning is ongoing! I work hard on my education to ensure that my children are given the best chance at a successful future! So this was a blow to my efforts! But of course, I will never let that deter my determination in educating young children!! This has definitely taught me to watch what I say to others because words can definitely STING!!! By the way......her little girl is in my class this year😲😱!!! Lol! But I love, support, and teach this child just as I would any other child!!😻😻
This experience made me become more aware of the prejudices that exists when it comes to early childhood programs.....especially Head Start! We are viewed as babysitters instead of professionals who aide in the growth and development of young children! Remaining advocates for our field and kids,will hopefully help us overcome this "stigma" that we currently face!
Shawanza,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to how you feel. I have an in-home preschool and I had a parent tell me one time that she thought her child would learn more in a public school environment vs my in-home environment. I preached to that mother about how I had worked in a public school as a preschool teacher and that everything I did then I do now plus so much more. It's hard to hear those things when we put our hearts and souls into everything we do for them!
Shawanza
ReplyDeleteYou know what you are worth as an educator, though her words stung! Please do not let this parents comments keep you from being the best educator, mentor, and nurturer that you were entrusted to be...provide your families with insights that you are learning in this course to help them understand that we are not babysitters, but significant partners in teaching our future...
Shelita