Educators Are Essential
When we think of essential workers, we often think about delivery drivers, medical professionals, and police officers. Essential workers are people in different professions who play a key role in helping society function at its best. Early childhood educators should also come to mind. Without early childhood educators, society as we know it would come to a standstill. Families across America rely on early childhood educators to assist in creating a strong foundation for their children.
As a single parent raising three boys with limited help, early childhood educators have played a vital role in my life. I became a single parent many years ago, and raising my children has been a journey full of ups and downs. Many of my close family members are deceased, so it has been challenging to get the extra support I need. Being a full-time parent, student, and employee is not for the faint at heart.
While trying to conquer the world, I needed help raising my children. I needed people who would have the same love and compassion for them as I have. People who are invested in seeing my children thrive and create a world of endless possibilities through learning—teaching them that they are special in every single way. Navigating the educational system over the past 15 years has been a steep learning curve. Along the way, having support from early childhood educators has helped me become a better mom, empowering me with the knowledge to support their unique needs.
From the very beginning, early childhood educators have been essential to my family. For example, when my oldest son was in preschool, I reached out to an educational advocacy group specializing in developmental testing for children. His teacher had expressed concerns about his behavior and progress, and I was determined to get him the support he needed to succeed. The educational advocate who interviewed us and conducted the testing was kind and reassuring at a time when I needed it most. I observed my son laughing and playing with her. The sound of his laughter made me smile and calmed my fears. The test results showed that my son was on target for his age. She told me that he’s a wonderful, lovable child.
She did notice that he may have slight cognitive and emotional delays, but she assured
me that with the services they provided, my son would thrive beyond anyone’s expectations.
A Teacher’s Keen Eye
Another impactful experience was when his kindergarten teacher noticed that while he wasn’t reading yet, he always asked to pass out the students’ books because he could recognize their names when he looked at them. She pointed this out to me and explained that he’s a visual learner. Her insights would prove helpful in getting to his eventual ADHD diagnosis.
Feeling Supported
In both of these experiences, collaborative communication with compassionate educators helped me, a parent who felt lost in the educational system, feel supported, which made me better equipped to empower my children.
My son, who is now a junior in high school, is an honor roll student with a 3.4 GPA. He plans to become a Collision Repair Technician after graduation. The entire experience of facing learning curves and overcoming challenges has created a strong foundation for my family. Early childhood educators are a lifeline to people like me. The love and support that they provide is unmatched. Having compassion and understanding can help guide parents who feel lost regarding the educational system. The resources and support provided to my son and me have helped tremendously. I applaud anyone who chooses to become an early childhood educator. It takes a gentle soul filled with love and compassion to embark on this profession.
Future Early Childhood Educators
I have heavily relied on early childhood educators to assist me in creating a better life for my boys, and I am forever grateful to the ones who went out of their way to uplift us. If you’re thinking about exploring the field, be prepared to invest in every child that crosses your path. Any role you choose within the realm of early education puts you in a position to make a difference, and you will be essential to the children and families you interact with. If you want to shape children’s futures and teach them how to love themselves and each other, early childhood education may be the path for you.