January 27, 2017 l Adriana Mercuri
Early Childhood Educator Vs. Teacher
The ECE and teacher relationship in a kindergarten classroom is very important. Throughout the day, both individuals must work together in partnership to make the day run smoothly so that the children can feel comfortable and safe within their learning environment.
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I feel that it is very important for both the ECE and educator in the room to be on board with what is going on. Both individuals should plan activities together so that it is fair and both should be able to work with the children one-on-one, in large groups and even in small groups, so they can be treated the same by the children; both the ECE and Educator are important role models to the children.
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By working together, this creates a well grounded relationship without tension. The ECE will not feel as though she/he is being taken advantage of and the teacher will feel more relived knowing the ECE is dedicated to her/his job.
Teacher & ECE Relationship At My Placement
In my placement (Kindergarten Room) the ECE and Teacher have a very close bond and a positive relationship with one another. In fact, it was mentioned several times by the ECE that she is very happy to be placed with such a wonderful teacher. Both the ECE and teacher work together, communicate throughout the day and even after school, and seem to agree on many things. In fact, they even include me in their emails when they plan ahead for upcoming weeks. Both the ECE and teacher plan activities and implement them. In addition, if one of them is busy with a child, the other will take over; its a give and take relationship. This relationship is very inspiring and i hope I can form a bond with the person i'd work with in a kindergarten classroom.
At my friends placement, the relationship between the Educator and ECE is very different. In fact, my friend told me that the ECE is not recognized by the teacher in the room, as she doesn't even place her name on monthly newsletters or not even on their door. It seems as though the teacher wants to be the only one known. In addition, the ECE seems to do most of the work while the teacher is always on break or planning her lessons. This is not fair to the ECE, as she should have her name on the door and newsletters. She works just as hard as the teacher and knows the children as well as the teacher knows them. If the teacher continues this behavior towards the ECE, will the children respect her as they do the teacher? This is the problem.