We hear a lot about the bad things and downsides. But what are good experiences,outcomes,etc? Share Green flags that you have seen

today was my first time calling the mandated reporter hotline. i was distressed by the initial home visit, it was dirty and cluttered, and we did not feel safe returning for another visit. there was a crazy dog that would pee on the floor, roll in its urine, then tackle the kids. I asked my supervisor if i should report it. she said to start documenting. it's been a couple months now, and there's been a lot of little signs of something wrong at home, like a black eye, parent groping the kids butt, kids talking about strange things like their pets dying or getting injured

when the kids came to school today with fresh scratches (they always have small scratches), I finally had enough and decided to call the hotline. I figured it's better to call and be unsure then not call and risk a kid getting hurt. I was very nervous and the hotline person was not friendly. they seemed to be rushing to complete the report. afterwards, they said they would come to visit the school immediately. my supervisor said she was going home so I would have to handle it, but to update her after. they brought the police and some of our parents and all the kids saw the police car park in front of our main window. i asked the police if they would park in the back. the DFS person interviewed the kids and accepted my documentation. she asked good questions but still was not very friendly, and I was a nervous wreck. she said she was going straight to the parents house

I texted my supervisor that I thought it went okay. she replied that I should know the parents will know we reported them and to be prepared for backlash. my other coworker came over to tell me I absolutely should not have reported them. she said she reported a worse situation once, and DFS only said nothing could be done, but the parents were upset at the school. she said that they will probably misinterpret my documentation and see the situation as worse than it is. I did have one coworker who had my back and was willing to also be interviewed. she was just as mad on the kids behalf as I am. it's been a very emotional day and I don't know how to process everything that happened

Sooo every time you get a job, employer ask you to get a health screening done with you primary care physician right?

What if you do not have primary care!! (No judgement here. Everyone has different life)

EMPLOYER HAVE TO PAY FOR THAT under CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE SECTION 222.5

And I notice A LOT of employers don’t know about it!! (I noticed it because I had to go through few jobs this year.) or they pretend they don’t know? 🤷‍♀️

Ask your employer to pay for that if you don’t have insurance or primary care yet. You are protected by law.

Also, if you already started a job and they asked to go get it, they have to pay for the time you are gone for the screening, if it happens on the work hours.

I wanna raise more awareness about this through childcare employers. Thank you!

I’ve always been a child magnet but since I started at my center a few months ago, lots of the toddlers (18-24) have gotten attached to me quickly. Some always fight over my lap if they see me sitting on the carpet ( I get up so it’s fair to all) , some only want me to put them to bed and cry for me, some cry for me in other classes. As a fellow teacher I can see how this can be frustrating and disruptive because I even struggle sometimes with my lessons when some are being too emotional/needy for me and I try to be firm but honestly I am not going to be mean and yell at 18month olds; I believe there’s a big line between firm and mean. I have noticed some other teachers do make comments about the kids being attached to me and be sure to advise me to not pick them up when they ask (understandably so to set boundaries) but allll of them pick them up and cuddle them etc. I also have heard a teacher saying no more “ms.my name” when they did something wrong. I just am starting to overthink a bit, is it a reflection in a negative way of me when this sort of thing happens?
My family calls me ms.Rachel because I am naturally sweet and kind and love kids and love interacting with them which I can see why toddlers draw to me but now I’m starting to feel like I have to take a step back because of the attachment. Any advice tips or discussions would be sooo appreciative

Hello, I was at a shift at a center and I work for tandem. Tandem is a childcare app where you can accept shifts at different childcare centers. I was at one and this teacher was telling me about how someone came from tandem, and they were on they're phone pretty much the whole time. I am baffled because with tandem we are not supposed to be on our phone. However the teacher kept saying they were on the phone all the time.

I just wonder why people accept shifts and then don't follow the rules and do the job right. Like what is the point of accepting a shift for you to not watch and interact with the children. Another story the teacher also said on another separate day a tandem worker left mid shift and never returned. The person didn't let them know anything and left mid-shift without returning. Some people just baffles me because this is just so unprofessional and not right. It also makes people on tandem look bad when others act this way. Anyways just my opinion because this is just so unfortunate.

Hi everyone! I would really appreciate some guidance from ECE professionals who have experience with toddlers.

My 2-year-old son attends daycare. Since the weather is getting colder, his educators put his jacket and hat on for outdoor play. However, once he comes indoors, he refuses to take them off and keeps them on until pickup, even during nap time.

He wears a cotton T-shirt and fleece sweater underneath his jacket, so he already has three layers on. I've tried encouraging him to remove his jacket at daycare, but he refuses and only removes his jacket when he reaches at home.

Since the other children and staff wear half sleeves and lighter clothing indoors, I'm worried he might get too warm, especially while sleeping.

My questions are:

1. Is it safe for him to wear his jacket and hat indoors for several hours, including nap time?

2. How can I help him get comfortable removing them without forcing him?

3. Do you experienced something similar to toddlers, and what worked for you?

I would really appreciate your advice and suggestions. Thank you! ❤️

The teacher in our preschool class (3-4yo) and the teacher for our PreK class (4-5yo) have a way of dealing with their kids when they are in wiggle mode that I'm not sure is DAP (developmentally appropriate pratice) and wanted to get other teachers input.

When they (teachers) are trying to do circle or get ready for an activity, if the kids are wiggly and have little focus, they make them either sit for a minute and do nothing (sometimes starting over if to many kids are wigglying/talking) or change to a "quiet activity" they do independently like reading a book, sitting and using fidgets, coloring and some times puzzles.

From all my training (currently going to college for ECE as well as 5+ years in the business), if kids are wiggly, you should do something to help them get their wiggles out, right? Or are my college professors/books wrong? Most of my personal experience is with infants/toddlers and have switched to floating so my knowledge of 3-5yo DAP is from my college classes/books.

My fellow ECE’s, what are we wearing to work in daycares these days? I’m big on comfort so my go to is leggings and a hoodie

I worked for a chain in the states. It was the BEST job I’ve ever had. Phenomenal pay, paid planning every day, endless supplies, amazing leaders. Perfect. I moved to the UK and work at the same chain. It’s horrendous pay, no lesson planning, nothing I valued about the company in the states is happening here, there’s just no quality. I’ve been to three different branches. I literally dread going to work every day and am up all night with anxiety about going in.

I know they’re not perfect in the states but we don’t even implement the basics. I guess I’m venting and mourning. Also, I know not every nursery in the UK is bad but I’ve been to 5 and I’ve been so disappointed.

I’m reaching the point of suicidal ideation currently. I don’t know how much longer I can carry this plate of mine without something breaking.

I love early childhood. I love teaching. I love making a positive impact in the lives of children because I believe what we teach them now has the potential to set them up for success, or genuinely break them in their futures. I want to be one of the reasons children grow up to be emotionally intelligent adults. Plus, every child deserves a good childhood.

But I can’t plate it anymore. I have been working at this particular center for 6 months. I show up, I work hard, I’m assisting my lead teacher in every way that I can. My boss asked me to do the CDA program. I was more than willing to get my CDA. I am currently 2 months into my program.

But I am spent. I am completely burnt out. I deal with challenging behaviors daily, I close the center twice a week (on the days I don’t have class), which equates to 10 hour shifts. And I’m just the assistant.

I carry the backbone tasks on my shoulders, so my lead teacher looks good and is supported (my employers words). But I’m barely supported and I’m drowning, trying to hold myself together.

Today was absolutely defeating and I just want to quit and say fuck it to the CDA because I can’t do this anymore. I’m so tired of working so hard, just for my boss to make it come across like I’m not doing enough, I’m fucking up in every area, I’m only good at changing diapers. I need positive feedback for once. And not some superficial, sugarcoated nonsense that is just a coat standing for all the other ways my ethics as an educator are being torn down.

I’m exhausted. My exhaustion is leaking into every other area of my life. My partner & I are on a break for a few reasons. But my workload being so stressful being one of them. I can’t plate any extended compassion for friends or him because I’m so depleted, trying to keep myself afloat. I barely have time to breathe, or attend social events that would seriously help my mental health and refill my cup. My partner is amazing and does so much to help me. But he deserves a me at my fullest capacity.

It’s sending my mental health down the drain. I don’t know how much more I can take this.

Name and age:

Country:

1. Where do you teach?

2. How many years have you been teaching Early Childhood Education?

3. What inspired you to become an ECE teacher?

4. What are the common challenges you face as an ECE teacher?

5. How do you overcome or address these challenges?

1. What are your main responsibilities as an ECE teacher?

7. What teaching strategies or activities do you use to help young children grow?

1. What advices can u give to future ece teachers?

I (32f) am a lead educator in 2-3’s. This week has been really tough in the room. Also in my room is a 33 year old male and an 18 year old female. The 18 yr old has newly been added to the room due to growing numbers in ratio.
Recently in our room is a boy who is a foster child and has severe ASD. He is a lot (biting, hitting, escaping, verbal) and needs constant supervision. He has caused a rift in the team dynamic.

To preface, the male educator has been feeling stressed and has previously taken 3 weeks of personal leave. This has left myself and the other female to start tackling the challenges that the child brings. Male educator has come back and has taken the wrong approach to this child. I won’t go into details but other people have noticed that he doesn’t show respect to him. As lead educator I was tasked to have a conversation about his behaviour towards the child. I’m not good with my words and I did admit but he took it in a very defensive way.

I’ve sent a message explaining myself and what I had originally intended. I was off sick as well for two days (Wed/Thurs) but was back on Friday and he gave me the cold shoulder all day. It was very awkward. That night he sent me a long message explaining his feelings. But in doing so has also come for me and my personal life.

For context I’m a new mum with a 2 year old who also attends my work. It’s been hard but I’m managing. With this I have been sick a lot more than usual and also having to take time off when my son is sick too (we don’t have much help with our families). I also have chronic pain in my feet which can lead to other factors with my body.
Male educator understandably is concerned about how much time I am taking off, but he’s come off in a way where it feels like an attack. “If you’re sick you should be at home resting why are you picking up your child?” “I know there are things out of your control but I’m the type to go to work even if I break every bone in my body” He also mentioned that every month this year I have taken every second Friday off. Is he keeping tabs on when I’m sick? I honestly don’t have control when I get sick or when my son gets sick. I didn’t even realise it was on Fridays but I don’t think it’s only been on Fridays.

He has also mentioned that my absences are causing other children in the room to play up.

The final thing he has mentioned was wanting to have a break from the room. Fine. He also talked about working in a different room next year and doing lunch cover in that room. Is this him asking to switch rooms in November?

Now I can understand feeling frustrated, wanting a break from the room. But coming after me and how I deal with medical and family issues seems a bit wrong to me. Also blaming me for other children’s behaviours during my absence. I chose to work with him and was one of the only people to give him a chance. I’ve said to him if he needs help or needs to talk about anything I am able to listen. I’m checking in on him whenever I notice him being distant. But if he’s said these things to me, I feel hurt and like I’ve lost trust and respect for him.

He sent this Friday night. I’ve left him on read and am planning to discuss this with my director when I’m back Tuesday. But I’m at a loss of what to do.

Hi everyone,

I am a 2nd year Interior Design student gathering research for a project to use in my design process to explore how Interior Design can shape the future of education. This project is specifically focused on children aged 3-5 in early years education and how humanities based subjects are taught in schools and at home.

The questionnaire is informal and will be anonymous, I am hoping to find any gaps in education that I can use as a basis for my project so your participation and insight would be greatly appreciated!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5TdqigNcZmH_NM9HXy1TayFNBWfQrJf3Oo6Ht6vc_3h8nnA/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Hoping to get some insight into whether this is common and I'll run into this regardless of what center I send my baby to for care, or if I should be advocating a bit more for my child.

My 3 month old exclusively breastfed baby started daycare a few weeks ago. We introduced a bottle early on so that they take one, but I had a hard time figuring out how much they would want to take from a bottle for long periods away from me before starting daycare. I send 4 bottles plus frozen every day and have been trying to figure out the best amount per bottle and asked that they feed every 2-3 hours. My baby prefers to eat smaller amounts more frequently (e.g every 2-2.5 hours) which I think is developmentally appropriate for a breastfed baby this age. I ask everyday if the bottle amounts are okay and have slowly gone up in amounts (started at 3.5 and recently went up to 5 oz per bottle) because they keep saying my baby gets fussy at the 2-2.5 hour mark. So I was suspecting they really want to get on a 3 hour schedule.

They tried giving my baby 5 oz at once and they won't finish that amount, but rather takes 3-4 oz and then they try to get my baby to finish the rest before the bottle times out and does not always finish the 5 oz. Normally only gets through 3/4 bottles.

I keep asking what they think is working and am trying to be collaborative in the process because at the end of the day I just want my child fed when they are hungry and I know the daycare environment is different than home. I asked if it would be better to break up the milk into more bottles and smaller amounts, but they said that would be hard to manage. I feel like my baby is just not ready to space out feedings to 3 hours and them trying to push for that is making me feel not great. I know it would be easier if all babies were on a predictable schedule.

Is this what I'll run into this no matter where I send my child? Should I just give it more time for the adjustment to daycare?

My baby is also not napping great at daycare right now, which I think is contributing to overall fussiness. I'm just going to send 5 oz per bottle for now and see how it plays out.

Hello!

I’m a first-time dad, and my wife and I have been having a tough time with our nine-month-old (seven months corrected) at daycare because we’re worried he isn't getting the right level of care. He started a month ago!

When I picked him up today, he was the last kid left with an assistant, and his face was covered in boogers and drool. Even though we’d specifically asked them to keep his face wiped and provided bibs to make it easier, it seemed like the teacher didn't care at all. Seeing that was super frustrating and made me feel like they aren't looking after him the way they promised.

He's had a runny nose since week two (I guess every baby gets that starting daycare), and between that and teething, he's drooling a ton. We've asked the lead teacher a few times to keep his face wiped for better hygiene.

He's had two blowouts now, which never happened before daycare. When we change him at home, we've noticed the diaper is usually put on wrong, and he's also developed a rash over the last two days.

My biggest concern is how he’s acting emotionally since starting daycare. He doesn't seem to like being around other babies, isn't sleeping much, and is really quiet on the drive home. Sometimes he’s so exhausted by the time we get back that he just wants to sleep before his last feed.

Basically, I’m wondering if I’m overreacting or if this is just standard daycare life. I'd love any advice from other parents or ECE pros, and I'm curious if I should bring these concerns up with the Director.

Context:
A new UC Berkeley study finds in animated films, nonhuman characters are still overwhelmingly male. While female human characters receive close to half of the total screen time in animated films, only about 25% of screen time among nonhumans — animals, monsters, robots, magical creatures and other similar beings — goes to female characters. Notably, Moana and its sequel give female nonhuman characters no screen time at all.

Research and Key Findings:
For the study, the researchers analyzed 224 animated films that ranked among the top 50 movies at the box office each year from 1937 to 2025, with a particular focus on films released in 1980 and after, when the number of animated films began to take off. To identify and measure nonhuman characters, they trained computational models to recognize characters on screen, such as Olaf in Frozen or Judy Hopps in Zootopia, and then measured how much screen time each received. The team manually checked the models’ work in 100 of those films to ensure they accurately recognized which characters were on screen.

There are signs of progress, says David Bamman, a Berkeley associate professor in the School of Information and lead author of the study. The study found that female human characters have gained screen time since the 1980s, and they are shown together more often than they were in earlier animated films. And recent movies like Raya and the Last Dragon and Inside Out 2 gave female nonhuman characters a large share of screen time — nearly 79% and 78%, respectively. Yet across the study, nonhuman characters remain predominantly male, and the authors caution that gains for human characters may be offset by the lack of parity among animals, monsters, robots and other nonhumans.

Why It Matters:
While the team didn’t measure the effects of this male skew on children — the primary audience for animated films — Bamman says decades of research show that media shapes how children see themselves and interact with others.

UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center highlights research suggesting that inclusive representation can foster empathy and belonging, while stereotyped portrayals can reinforce narrow gender norms.

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