Posted: September 16, 2021
2: You are essential. One thing Better Kid Care has learned over 10 years of On Demand professional development work is that every ECE/OST professional is essential. You are essential to the children in your care, to their families, and to the communities where you work.
You are essential to businesses. You are essential to our globe's future. Walter Gilliam, professor at the Yale Child Study Center emphasized, ECE/OST professionals are "the workforce that makes other workforces possible" (Locklear, 2021, para. 5).
At the beginning of a new school year, with a pandemic that has not yet subsided, that is a lot to shoulder. In the past few weeks, some of you may have had overwhelming "first day jitters." Being in a supportive workspace can make all the difference in the world.
Every employee can contribute to a positive work environment by committing to asking one another sincere questions and then pausing to hear the response. The next time you're with a colleague, especially a newly employed colleague, try asking one of the following questions:
- "How did it go?"
- "Want to walk for 15 minutes on break and share how you're doing?"
- "What are you wondering?"
- "What took you by surprise?"
These small moments of care can help keep all of you essential workers working. For additional ideas about taking care of yourself and your essential team, check out this BKC tip sheet.
Reference
Locklear, M. (2021). Child care providers vaccinated at higher rates than general U.S. population. YaleNews.
