Professionalism is a term that is used in different fields of work. Professionalism can vary slightly from field to field but is a key term used in all fields of work. So we often ask… what is professionalism? And why does it matter? What does it mean for Early-Childhood?

Why Does Professionalism Matter in Early Childhood?

Have you ever been asked what you do for a living? Then when you explain that you work in Early Childhood, the person responds “Oh, you watch kids… Like a babysitter”? How does that make you feel? Do you agree? Are you just a babysitter?

No, you are an Early Childhood Professional! So why are you not treated as such? Why do you not get treated differently then you would if you responded to the person that you’re a Kindergarten teacher. What stands us apart from other education professionals?

The time has come for you and other Early Childhood Professionals to envision an alternative future for the field. It is time to ask for recognition. It is time to express who we are as educators and why we are important. As Early Childhood Professionals, we need to stand together to express to families, communities, and policy makers that we are more than just “babysitters”.

What Should We Expect? What Should We Give?

Saying that we want to create a change is easy. Creating this is the complicated part. Remember that policy makers want to understand what we would like changed and why. There will also be accountability needed on our part to create this change. Does Early Childhood professionals having better wages and benefits sound important to you? Then you have come to the right place. It is time to stand up for recognition. It is time to work for wage increases and benefits. Wait, WORK??? Yes, that is right. Work.

Do you want to be treated the same as other educators? Do you feel Early Childhood professionals should be recognized? Well, there is always accountability to make that happen. What creates a professional? What sets us apart from other educators? Could it be the way we represent ourselves? Could it be the differences in education or professional development? Ask yourself: What do other educators have that I do not? Well the answer could be nothing. Maybe you have a Associates degree… maybe you have a Bachelors… Maybe you have your Masters… Does education matter? On the other hand, maybe you do have less education. So ask yourself, does gaining an education seem worth it to be compensated the way other educators are?

Are You Ready to Put in the Work?

The ability to create the change is possible. It has been proven that children have more brain development in the first five years then any other time in life. Policy makers are listening. They know the facts… So, how can we create the change? Here is a daring proposal:

• Take charge of the change you want
• Show and prove that your a professional. Be willing to put in the work
• Become the voice for yourself
• Share the Early Childhood facts
• Propose a change and be willing to do the work (if needed)
• Be a voice for the field

Knowing that you want better wages and benefits for Early Childhood professionals is the easy part. The hard part is fighting to ensure that happens. Some say that it takes a village to raise a child. Well the same can be said for the field. It takes a village to be heard. Be part of the village. Be part of the change.

What Does an Early Childhood Professional Have to Say?

If this is how you feel, then step up and speak out! Early Childhood professionals are not babysitters. Their educators like every other educator and deserve to be treated as such!