Teachers in preschools are suppose to guide, support and care for children so they can learn in a safe and nurturing environment. But in many preschools I see the opposite. I see teachers shouting at, pulling and pushing, constantly putting down and asking children to do things above their age level. Good teaching comes from understanding child development, which comes from university training. It also comes from good role models and a love of education and working with children. Teachers are able to become qualified by doing a one year certificate in the centre they work in, they never have to go to university, attend teaching workshops or be inspired to be a great teacher. Many work long hours, usually 11 hour shifts.
Centres are suppose to be accredited to ensure they are providing quality care but assessors are not qualified to make such decisions. They are every day people who do a four day course. In no way can they understand they National Frameworks, regulations and quality teaching in this short amount of time. They spend one day at a centre and then give them their accreditation. And the centre carries on as usual.
I am saddened at the way children are treated in centres and I worry about the damage it is causing their development emotionally. We all know how devastating bullying can be on children by other children so imagine what the effects can be when it is coming from their teachers when they are so small.