Preschool Teachers - The Unsung Heroes of COVID19

Small Humans. Hard work. 

Having been in education and childcare for nearly 20 years now, I've been around long enough to know that it's not always an easy job and one most certainly does not enter the profession for the money. Having worked predominately in primary schools, it is fair to say that the 4-11 age bracket comes with challenges. However, generally by 4 years old, most children can use the toilet, are some way to getting themselves dressed and can communicate their needs with you. (Note most children, definitely not all.)

In 2019 I gave birth to my first child, a little boy.  The phrase 'mind blown' doesn't begin to explain my thoughts and feelings about having child and all it entails; a subject well documented by parents around the globe, so I won't elaborate here. I was unable to return to work part time, (which is another post for another day) and so was on the hunt for a new job. By some miracle, a parent from the school I had been working at offered me the role of Head of Teaching and Learning at her chain of preschools. It meant I could take the main man with me, and work part time. It is by all means the dream role. There were some considerations to be made; I was technically 'over qualified' for the job on paper and working with 0-4 year olds is a very different vibe to working with primary aged children, and the pay isn't the same as teaching. However the pros definitely outweighed the cons, so I went for it.

NOTHING COULD HAVE PREPARED ME FOR THIS JOB. Not even my own tiny human.

Let me be frank. Nursery and preschool teachers are SUPER HEROES. Whilst many schools remained closed, preschools were allowed to remain open in the second wave of lockdown - a saviour to parents throughout the land. Teaching staff generally have still not been prioritised for vaccines despite being in close contact with potential carriers and hundreds of very snotty small people. Wearing masks for many people working in early years is a no no, as the children find it very unsettling. So in we go, washing our hands until they're almost skeletal. 

Undoubtedly, working from home with toddlers at your feet is pretty much impossible. Even if you're not working, having a toddler around is hard work - let alone 24/7 during a pandemic with no escape. Preschools remaining open have provided many parents with time to try and get on with maybe one less child around. For the preschool staff, their days have consisted of caring for a great number of children, going home, some to continue to care for their own little goblins, then come back again. For me, it was a welcome break from being stuck at home. Seeing other humans was a joy, however i've only been working since January. I know for others it has been exhausting. 

This is about more than the pandemic. This is about early years teachers in general. In a preschool, all the things that come with normal teaching still exist. Planning, safeguarding, first aid, staff deployment, risk assessments, parents evenings, reports, data analysis, pupil progress, SEN, dealign with parents... the list goes on. Now, I ask you to throw in, 7 children pooing themselves, potty training, feeding time at the zoo, getting 11 of them to sleep whilst little Bobby screams blue murder, separation anxiety, teething, nappy rash, any other terrifying rash at any time, 50% of them not being able to talk yet, barely anyone can dress themselves plus ALL of the emotions that toddlers feel.

Now I'd like you to just casually sprinkle a global pandemic on top of that delightful cocktail. Ever changing guidance, social distancing, extraordinary cleaning checklists, children who have never seen anyone but their parents suddenly being left in a room of strangers, 'Oh GOD Susan has a temperature - IS IT THE RONA?'. Are you starting to get the point? I would like to add, that the staff not only often work longer hours, with far less breaks, but do not get school holidays AND get paid far less that primary or secondary teachers. In my experience, the team of ladies I work not only do all of this, but they absolutely boss it.

Preschool teachers are responsible for our children's first ever experiences of education. Most likely, they are also responsible for children's first extended days away from their family. For facilitating friendships, cultivating learning environments, encouraging them to eat well. If you don't work in a childcare setting, I invite you to close your eyes and imagine changing the nappy of a child who isn't yours, it's a code brown, it's all their back, it's in their hair, it's green and smells like something that died in the bin 3 weeks ago. 

(If you know, you know.)

How much would you expect to get paid for that? 

I love my job. I am lucky in that the staff at the preschool are the hardest working, kindest and most loving people there are. The setting is beautiful, and the children are wonderful little bags of potential, saying it how it is. If anyone reading this is an early years worker, I salute you. People do not realise how hard this job is, so if no one else says thank you - I am saying it. As a mother, an ex teacher, and now as a preschool manager. Get a cape on and fly my friends, you've earned it.