Degrees...or not...Appreciating the Caregiver

Every morning Exchange Every Day (www.ccie.com/eed) has a quote and message waiting in mailboxes all over the world. Today, the information shared results of a recent study conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center. Their research, as commented on by Susan Landry "is to come up with a model that gets the job done until we reach the day when we have the right kinds of salaries and the right workforce".
This continues to add fuel to the "fire"-the debate about formal education as an imperative in creating a qualified workforce. While we agree coursework and degrees are an important piece of creating the best and most highly qualified teacher/caregiver with young children, we have seen evidence over the years that there are other components that must be included in this model!! We need to be creative about how we design the most effective approach to "grow" the most highly qualified teachers/caregivers.
In my mailbox this morning was also information from the Institute of Heart Math (http://www.heartmath.com/ ) that included the following quote:
"Appreciation is one of the most powerful core feelings of all. When applied sincerely, it rapidly brings about a quick attitude adjustment and perception shift.
What needs to be included in the model to create the person who is most highly qualified to guide, nurture, and facilitate the learning of our youngest children? What must we do to build a strong foundation in these individuals so that they will build a strong foundation in children? (The parallel process in play again)
1. The person must discover his/her strengths and how to use them most effectively. How can this best be done?
2. The person must understand that s/he is valued and affirmed in the role of teacher/facilitator.
Do we all remember to "Catch them doing something RIGHT" every day? If not, how can this be done?
3. The person must understand his/her value as a leader AND as a follower in the "Dance of Relationships". If s/he has the strength to lead a project, go for it! and if not, honor the other person's strength and be their follower. How can this be done?
4. The person must know and respect those with whom s/he works, valuing relationship building as a core to team building. How can this be nurtured?
5. The person must know and respect the children's families, including them on the caring, learning team. How can this be encouraged?
6. The person must engage in continuous learning through formal education or high quality community based training. (Do the trainers have the degrees we are asking the teachers to have?) How can this be supported both financially and with release time to do the work?
7. The person must look to others around her and engage in mentor/coach relationships as tools for learning and growing. How can this be done?
8. I know this is not in any way a complete list, and I would value your input and dialogue to make this list grow.
Respond here or write to us at catchthemright@aol.com
We care about our children...and we care about those who guide and nurture them. Let's dare to think outside of the box and really move forward in making changes!
"We might not have it all together, but together we have it all". Let's live those words!!