One of my favorite parts about trainings is that I get to meet new people and learn about their programs. There are so many ways to go about caring for and educating children that all programs have their own "spin". I definitely feel that I learn a lot of positive things from the women and men that participate in our trainings. But today I'm pondering what to do or say when something offends my sensibilities.
Let me be clear. I am not talking about anything that puts a child in danger or something urgent like that. I'm talking about philosophical differences.
There are some things that people do that just don't sit well with me. In my day job as a licensing coordinator, I know that my role is not to judge a program in any way that does not relate to our licensing standards. I understand and respect the role that I have while working in that capacity, I am a representative of the Child Care Licensing Unit in that position.
But when I am facilitating a training, things are very different. If I don't say something, it's likely that people will think I agree. If I don't address the issue head on, it's possible that the word on the street becomes, "Oh. I was at this Teacher's Toolbox training and learned that it's a great idea to serve Hawaiian Punch because it's so much cheaper."
I'm struggling with how to handle this. Those of you who know me know that I stand for children above all else. I believe in the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (although I do think that some of them go a little too far). I believe that children should be protected, respected, and nurtured.
I worry that by letting this go I have not done my part to impact the life of the children enrolled in that program. I also worry about the reputation of my business; I work hard to cultivate the reputation we have in the state.
I guess I have my answer... I can't let things slide. So now the question is, how do I approach it in a caring and respectful manner? How do I tell someone that the benefit they were gushing about goes against everything I know about what is best for young children?
I'm always pondering something...
Let me be clear. I am not talking about anything that puts a child in danger or something urgent like that. I'm talking about philosophical differences.
There are some things that people do that just don't sit well with me. In my day job as a licensing coordinator, I know that my role is not to judge a program in any way that does not relate to our licensing standards. I understand and respect the role that I have while working in that capacity, I am a representative of the Child Care Licensing Unit in that position.
But when I am facilitating a training, things are very different. If I don't say something, it's likely that people will think I agree. If I don't address the issue head on, it's possible that the word on the street becomes, "Oh. I was at this Teacher's Toolbox training and learned that it's a great idea to serve Hawaiian Punch because it's so much cheaper."
I'm struggling with how to handle this. Those of you who know me know that I stand for children above all else. I believe in the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (although I do think that some of them go a little too far). I believe that children should be protected, respected, and nurtured.
I worry that by letting this go I have not done my part to impact the life of the children enrolled in that program. I also worry about the reputation of my business; I work hard to cultivate the reputation we have in the state.
I guess I have my answer... I can't let things slide. So now the question is, how do I approach it in a caring and respectful manner? How do I tell someone that the benefit they were gushing about goes against everything I know about what is best for young children?
I'm always pondering something...
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