Ok, so I know this isn't exactly "daycare" related, but I wasn't sure where else I could share my frustrations.
Twice a month, I volunteer in my church's nursery- as I have been for over two years. There are a few policies I knew about, and one that just came to my attention today.
I knew that there's a rule that, regardless of the number of children in the nursery, there needs to be at least two workers. There is also a rule in place stating that at least one worker needs to be over the age of 18 (we do have a few teenagers who volunteer).
Apparently, there is a also a rule stating that there needs to be at least one "experienced mom" in the nursery.
So, this means that if I were sick, I can't switch with L, a mom, because that would mean that I would be in the nursery with N, who is 24, but doesn't have children, and A, who is 15.
Now, nobody told me about this rule, so I've been willing to switch with people in the past. I worked with my younger sister once. We were both over the age of 18, but neither of us have kids of our own.
A policy like this REALLY bothers me. I could understand a rule that at least one person needs to be over the age of 18. I could even understand a rule that they want someone who has been in the nursery for a certain period of time.
A rule stating that there needs to be at least one MOM in the room makes me feel like I am not really trusted to care for the kids. I have been babysitting since 2001. I have daycare experience many of the moms in the nursery do NOT have. While I don't have a degree, I have taken Early Childhood Education courses, and up until a few weeks ago, I was CPR and First Aid certified (and I will be recertified as soon as I can afford it). I think my experience and qualifications more than make up for the fact that I haven't given birth or raised a child of my own- especially for a volunteer position for two hours or so on a Sunday morning.
They say that it's to make newcomers more comfortable. They want them to know that there's another mom in the room caring for their kid(s). True, I am not a mom, however,
1. I have worked with children in some capacity for over 15 years (longer than many of the other moms have been moms)
2. I have worked in a few different daycare centers, so I have been CARI checked and fingerprinted. Whenever I get a new job, I have to submit documentation that I am in good health (including the Mantoux test).
3. While I don't have a degree due to some financial issues, I have taken several Early Childhood Education courses both in school and as part of CEU requirements for working in a licensed childcare facility.
4. Until very recently, I had a current CPR and First Aid certification. (My certification expired the same day I lost my job, and I haven't been able to afford to renew it).
I would think that these might make up for the fact that I haven't reached the point in my life where I am able to have children. (And for all I know, there could be complications when I'm READY to have kids. What if I suffer from infertility issues?)
Nobody else seems to think it is a big deal, and it probably isn't, but is it at least semi-understandable that I feel hurt that this policy is in place?
Twice a month, I volunteer in my church's nursery- as I have been for over two years. There are a few policies I knew about, and one that just came to my attention today.
I knew that there's a rule that, regardless of the number of children in the nursery, there needs to be at least two workers. There is also a rule in place stating that at least one worker needs to be over the age of 18 (we do have a few teenagers who volunteer).
Apparently, there is a also a rule stating that there needs to be at least one "experienced mom" in the nursery.
So, this means that if I were sick, I can't switch with L, a mom, because that would mean that I would be in the nursery with N, who is 24, but doesn't have children, and A, who is 15.
Now, nobody told me about this rule, so I've been willing to switch with people in the past. I worked with my younger sister once. We were both over the age of 18, but neither of us have kids of our own.
A policy like this REALLY bothers me. I could understand a rule that at least one person needs to be over the age of 18. I could even understand a rule that they want someone who has been in the nursery for a certain period of time.
A rule stating that there needs to be at least one MOM in the room makes me feel like I am not really trusted to care for the kids. I have been babysitting since 2001. I have daycare experience many of the moms in the nursery do NOT have. While I don't have a degree, I have taken Early Childhood Education courses, and up until a few weeks ago, I was CPR and First Aid certified (and I will be recertified as soon as I can afford it). I think my experience and qualifications more than make up for the fact that I haven't given birth or raised a child of my own- especially for a volunteer position for two hours or so on a Sunday morning.
They say that it's to make newcomers more comfortable. They want them to know that there's another mom in the room caring for their kid(s). True, I am not a mom, however,
1. I have worked with children in some capacity for over 15 years (longer than many of the other moms have been moms)
2. I have worked in a few different daycare centers, so I have been CARI checked and fingerprinted. Whenever I get a new job, I have to submit documentation that I am in good health (including the Mantoux test).
3. While I don't have a degree due to some financial issues, I have taken several Early Childhood Education courses both in school and as part of CEU requirements for working in a licensed childcare facility.
4. Until very recently, I had a current CPR and First Aid certification. (My certification expired the same day I lost my job, and I haven't been able to afford to renew it).
I would think that these might make up for the fact that I haven't reached the point in my life where I am able to have children. (And for all I know, there could be complications when I'm READY to have kids. What if I suffer from infertility issues?)
Nobody else seems to think it is a big deal, and it probably isn't, but is it at least semi-understandable that I feel hurt that this policy is in place?
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