The NPR posted an interview they had done on the Morning Edition titled 'The omicron variant is wreaking havoc at day care centers'. Working in Early Childhood Education it piqued my interest. Reading it brought on so many emotions as a parent, a director and just as a human. I encourage you to read it and then continue on to see my thoughts below.
I feel this to my absolute core. I feel it from both sides. First and foremost, I am a mother. I have two babies to worry about. Being pregnant, giving birth and having a preschooler throughout this pandemic has been such a challenge. I feel very fortunate that we stayed as healthy as we have throughout it. However in the last few months I have felt the repercussions, first when my grandfather was diagnosed with COVID, and the medical care he received afterwards for a heart attack. Secondly, when my baby boy needed to be seen at the emergency room to get fluids. Something that could have saved him from being admitted to the hospital, yet it didn’t happen as the ED was overrun with COVID. Third, when my babe had surgery (minor ear tube surgery and adenoid removal). There was only one parent allowed in the surgery center for his surgery. I can’t imagine being a first time mom that hasn’t worked with children for 10+ years and having to go to surgery for my 8 month old son. Lastly when Linc tested positive for COVID just a few days ago. I know it will be ok, and he is ok, I am ok, but it does feel like such defeat. My poor guy.
So many times, even aside from this pandemic, my babies aren’t always able to be put before the 100+ babies I care for at my center every day. (To no one’s fault, just the nature of the beast of a working mom at times.) As the director of an early childhood center, again, I feel this to my core.
I have had to close several classrooms just this week. It gets to a point that you just cringe at dialing phone numbers. You see people every single day bringing the most important part of their life to my center. They hand their child over to the fabulous teachers that are part of our team and go about there day. Then it happens. We call them and tell them their child has been exposed. All of a sudden we are the enemy. They are frustrated, and with their frustration sometimes can come rudeness, harsh tones and unkind words. These aren’t the only type of responses, most are kind and understanding but you can just deal and hear the defeat in their response. I get it, they have to miss work, their child’s schedule is going to be all out of wack. I get it because I’m a mom too. I get both sides.
It’s exhausting, not only for me but for my teachers, who have just been utter rockstars throughout this entire pandemic. Between quarantines, constant rule changes, higher expectations, differing opinions and having the possibility of being exposed to COVID every single day, they have persevered, they have smiled, they have given love, care and respect to the children of our community. Astounding.
All this I guess to just say, while we are still going through this pandemic try your hardest to lead with respect. Tempers are hot, opinions are strong but we have to all just respect each other. Respect boundaries, experiences, opinions, etc. Respect.
If you have a kiddo in child care, know that the teachers are trying their hardest to have your child wear a mask, they are trying their hardest to keep everyone safe and healthy and that snippet you see in five minutes at pick up is not what it looks like all day long. Also the people that call you to tell you your child has to quarantine are cringing just as bad as you on the other line.
Lastly, full disclosure, there is no clear guidance on what child care centers are supposed to do, as this interview mentions, the cdc, state and local health guidance do not align. We are fighting for guidance but more importantly we are fighting for fair guidance to keep your children safe and you at work.
All I can say is, respect one another.
What have your experiences been in regards to child care during the pandemic? As parents and/or teachers?
Sierra Zaban
- Center Director of The Learning Experience Gurnee
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