Early childhood education has often flown under the radar by the general public, and has consistently been under appreciated, unrecognized, and under supported. Tumbleweed is an incredible example of how under pressure, and in the midst of trying circumstances, there can still be something beautiful. 2020 has been a great example of this resilience, compassion, understanding and empathy in our own community.
As adults, parents, caregivers, and humans, we have been presented with a rollercoaster of a year. We were not given any warning as to what was ahead- consistent dread of the uncertain and experiencing more hardships than likely before... all compacted into a mere 6 and a half months. It has been clear through social media, talking with friends, colleagues and neighbors about what this has done for our own well-being. Not to mention, the overarching expectation that we need to continue to hustle, rush and take care of ourselves and all those around us in whatever capacity that may be.
We are all trying our best to care for ourselves, our family members, our parents, our children, our neighbors, our pets, our community, our society and those who are continually oppressed. If we were to use Dr. Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological theory, even one who may be not familiar with this model, could potentially see the connections.
Without over-explaining, or diving into the micro-specifics, think to yourself the question: what layers am I functioning in right now?
Are you only focused on the microsystem around you? Maybe through the exosystem?
In the last week, have you spent more than say 30 minutes worrying about the Marco, or Chronosystem?
In reflection of my own work as a human during this time, as well as my time spent in the classroom with the children and my surrounding colleagues, the underlying topic that comes up in some form or another is how much we are trying to process while also completing all the other tasks and responsibilities at hand.
Our minds are not solely focused on our micro or mesosystem. We are functioning with the reminder in our pocket that the world around us is experiencing racism, hardships, oppression, inequality and so much more. We are, as some would say, in survival mode.
We all want what is best for our immediate family, whether that be your children, your spouse, your parents, your partner, your animals. But when our "systems" get overwhelmed, the boundaries, guidelines and energy is depleted. We are functioning in the best way we can, and perhaps we are simultaneously harder on ourselves for the difference in that quality of work or accomplishment than we would've been before.
We are overworked, overstressed, under compensated and misunderstood. This is not just in the Early Childhood Education field, it is a thread that is running through the work force during these times.
In our own mesosystem, that is the Tumbleweed Community, each person is a moving piece in the web of support we have created to sustain a meaningful, engaging and compassionate program. We wouldn't be Tumbleweed if it weren't for all our children and families. You are the purpose, the drive, and the passion. Providing quality childcare will be a continuous climb in our profession, and we feel honored to provide that for our families at Tumbleweed.
As teachers, we not just only care for the children, families, and the school, but also for each other. During these times, my fellow co-teachers have become my closest peers, confidants and professional motivators! I think I could speak for all of us when saying none of us saw our teaching careers evolving to what it is now. We have followed state policies, created our own, and worked with our community to make sure we could meet their needs at home and at school. All during a time where one headline could send your mood spiraling, depending on what you feel in your heart and for the world around us.
Enjoying the company of the children, families, teachers, admin and our surrounding community is what fills our cup. We chose this profession because of our passion. The feeling in our heart that wants to help the children discover the world around them with curiosity and develop a sense of self & agency. I do believe we are raising the generation that could change the world.
It starts with you & Early Childhood Education.
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