Encounters with competent Kita-professionals
„The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is a reaction, both are transformed.“ (Carl Jung)
A positive exchange of energy and experiences. These were the encounters with truly competent professionals in facilities of early childhood care & education in Germany… Noble individuals (unfortunately a minority in this sector) who were raised, educated and socialized both in and outside of Germany.
Common values and mission
We didn’t know each other. We were different. And yet we shared similar values, attitudes and self-expectations; a shared mission regarding family-supplementing and family-supporting early childhood care and education work.
Enriching collaboration
We experienced our collaboration as positive, enriching, affirming, understanding, appreciative, cultivated, development-oriented, very refreshing and inspiring!
The minority of competent early childhood professionals in German Kitas
And there is a minority of personally and pedagogically competent professionals who – despite adverse circumstances and conditions – strive
- to provide attentive care and nurturing for young children, as well as attentive stimulation and support of children’s developmental processes in the childcare facility; warm, empathetic, compassionate, and respectful.
- to implement a customer-oriented and appreciative attitude towards parents; warm, empathetic, compassionate and respectful.
The value and contibution of real early childhood professionals
In my opinion, these are the true professionals in Kitas. They contribute significantly to the enhancement and refinement of the profession of the nanny (Kinderpflegerin), educator (Erzieherin), kindergarden teacher (Kindergärtnerin), early childhood educator (Vorschulpädagogin) etc. in this country. (PS: Women are predominantly represented in the professional field of early childhood care and education, therefore I use the female form). Such ladies have an enhancing and refining effect where they work in the Kita field.
The German Kita landscape urgently needs more of these truly early years educators!
The attitude of competent early childhood professionals
These genuine professionals view every single situation during the Kita daily life as an educational opportunity and as a chance to help the vulnerable young children who rely on them as their out-of-family caregivers. Genuine educators serve the kids entrusted to them joyfully, accompany them in a situation- and age-appropriate manner.
These competent professionals continually strive – despite adverse circumstances and conditions – to provide targeted educational opportunities and learning activities for the young children entrusted to the out-of-family childcare. In doing so, they respectfully address the diversity of children’s personalities and learning styles. They encourage each child to “shine” with their unique personality and confidently master each new milestone on the developmental path.
More recognition and appreciation needed
The Kita field in Germany needs more of these genuine educators; more appreciation and recognition for their skills and their “silent” contributions. What a blessing these preschool professionals are for children (and their parents) in Kitas !?
The challenge and commitment of teachers/educators
„ … So teachers become great actors and great actresses, and we come to work when we don’t feel like it, and we’re listening to policy that doesn’t make sense, and we teach anyway…
… Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be…
Is this job tough? You betcha. Oh God, you betcha. But it is not impossible. We can do this. We’re educators. We’re born to make a difference.“ (Rita Pierson)
