What DO You Prefer To Be Called?

[Blackcat31]

Personally, I don't care what I'm called, as long as whatever word they use is used respectfully.

We've had this discussion before....here is my reply from one of those threads. (anyone interested in reading more about this topic can do so among these threads: https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.p...er+vs+provider)

People think daycare is babysitting because honesty that is why they are paying you....to watch their child while they are at work. The teaching part is just a perk for them.

Most daycare is just babysitting. Yes, we own a business and we are professional in our field but that doesn't change the fact that we are watching kids in our homes because parents are out working.

Most of us aren't watching kids in our homes just so we could teach them....if we were, there wouldn't be so many posts/vents on here about how we are frustrated because a parent is bringing their child to us when they weren't at work.

I've never heard a teacher complain that Timmy was brought to school today but his parents aren't at work.....

Babysitters might be teenagers working for mall money but daycare providers are the same thing just adults who work for bill money.

Before everyone gets all hot under the collar and starts ranting about how we are all teachers etc etc. My opinions are mine and many might disagree with me (as is your right) but unless there is a degree on your wall and possibly a student loan in your budget/finances, we are care providers. Professional adults who provide child care (i.e babysitting services) for parents while they go to work.

We may teach the kids a boat load of things while in our care (and that is awesome) but the parents didn't seek out our services to teach their child anything......they might have been swayed by the "perks" of what you teach when choosing you over the next provider, but when the day comes to a end, we are being paid to watch their kids.

Call me what you want, I don't really care. Just respect my policies and pay me on time.
FWIW~ I have the degree and the student loan, but am licensed as a family child care provider NOT as a preschool center. Yes, I choose to teach the kids but that isn't why my dck's are here everyday.

[Annalee]

having the state telling me what to teach and how to speak to kids bothers me way more than being called a babysitter!...in my opinion it should be up to the parents what I do with their infants, not the state! The state should limit itself to safety regulations

I agree with you bout the state issues being bothersome, however, it is a strong REALITY here and my job, to a large extent, depends on me rolling with the change....NOT THAT I LIKE IT, but IT IS HAPPENING!

[Annalee]

I agree with you bout the state issues being bothersome, however, it is a strong REALITY here and my job, to a large extent, depends on me rolling with the change....NOT THAT I LIKE IT, but IT IS HAPPENING!

One more thing, there are ways around meeting the state standards but still being beneficial for the kids....I don't share that with the state or QRIS, but I have become a little crafty. ::

[Sunchimes]

Babysitter used to bother me but not now. Babysitter is an old-fashioned term, and at least around here, there is no disrespect meant. It's what their mom used and what they grew up hearing. However, when it comes from someone other than a dcp, is said with a sneer, and has the word "just" in the sentence, I (and hubby) go into teaching mode.

[cheerfuldom]

I have a friend who is also a daycare provider, who calls herself a "day mommy". I don't! I am a child care provider. I provide home care - not a preschool. We are a small, personal group and love each other like a family, but I am not their mom. I just supplement what mom and dad do.

I really do not like the phrase day mommy. I can't imagine that daycare parents would appreciate that phrase.

[sharlan]

I don't really care what they call me as long as they respect me and pay me on time.

[Leanna]

For me, it's all in the who and the how....who said it and how did they say it.
If it is one of my beloved families referring to me as their baby-sitter I don't mind at all because I know they appreciate everything I do and know how much I care for and about their child.

If it is an outsider or "society" I get miffed at being called "merely a baby-sitter." In these instances they mean it to be derogatory and that is how I take it.

When people ask me what I do I say "I own and operate a home-based child care program." Do I expect people to say, "This is my friend Leanna.She owns and operates a home-based child care program." No, ...they usually say I "do daycare" or "watch kids." If they are a friend they mean it respectfully but put it in terms everyone knows.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in ECE and while there is learning happening in my home everyday it is through play, a carefully laid out environment with thought-out toys, materials, and activities, and my interactions with the kids throughout the day...not because I am a teacher imparting knowledge to them.

[racemom]

Here the new state regulations for centers are we have to a non-certified teacher in each room. Which basically is either a degree or enough experience and training hours to qualify. I think its a new way for the state to meet federal early childcare guidelines. Has being a non-certified teacher changed what I do or how much I am paid--No! Didn't mean to turn this into a rant, but new rules and regs drive me crazy!

[thetoddlerwhisper]

my parent s all introduce me as their childs teacher, i take it as it is. but as another thing what do your kids call you? they just referr to me as "angel" but ive heard some people request their kids call them ms._____

[originalkat]

I do preschool and childcare in my home and have created a niche for myself in my community-- People who are looking for preschool in a more intimate home setting. So, I prefer to be called a preschool teacher (I have my AA in Early Childhood Ed and will be finishing up my BA in Child Development next year) or a childcare provider.
I do not see myself as a babysitter because I do not take care of kids under 2, I offer a full curriculum, and a preschool classroom. I do not just "take care of kids".
** I am not trying to diminish the need or importance of quality daycare only homes. I just have chosen to specialize in home based preschool so I expect to be called something other than a babysitter. I prefer Child Care Provider for all home providers rather than babysitter because I look at a babysitter as a person who watches children occasionally. A childcare provider (IMO) cares for children professionally in her home, has policies, handbooks, contracts, specialized materials and equipment, licenses, insurance, home deductions etc... I have never met a babysitter that does that.

[Annalee]

I do preschool and childcare in my home and have created a niche for myself in my community-- People who are looking for preschool in a more intimate home setting. So, I prefer to be called a preschool teacher (I have my AA in Early Childhood Ed and will be finishing up my BA in Child Development next year) or a childcare provider.
I do not see myself as a babysitter because I do not take care of kids under 2, I offer a full curriculum, and a preschool classroom. I do not just "take care of kids".
** I am not trying to diminish the need or importance of quality daycare only homes. I just have chosen to specialize in home based preschool so I expect to be called something other than a babysitter. I prefer Child Care Provider for all home providers rather than babysitter because I look at a babysitter as a person who watches children occasionally. A childcare provider (IMO) cares for children professionally in her home, has policies, handbooks, contracts, specialized materials and equipment, licenses, insurance, home deductions etc... I have never met a babysitter that does that.

[originalkat]

my parent s all introduce me as their childs teacher, i take it as it is. but as another thing what do your kids call you? they just referr to me as "angel" but ive heard some people request their kids call them ms._____

They call me Ms. Katie

[Naptime yet?]

All my families call me their babysitter. I like to joke with them that babysitters get paid more than me. In my area a babysitter charges at least $15 an hour. I like to tell them that if I were a babysitter I would be charging a whole lot more!!!!
I refer to myself as a child care provider when asked what I do. Call me or think of me whatever you like. I don't take titles too seriously.

The only time I was offended by being called a babysitter was by a director of a pt program I was thinking of enrolling my dd in. I later attended a workshop with that same director....needless to say, I decided not to enroll.

[misslori50]

Miss Lori

[AcornMama]

I do preschool and childcare in my home and have created a niche for myself in my community-- People who are looking for preschool in a more intimate home setting. So, I prefer to be called a preschool teacher (I have my AA in Early Childhood Ed and will be finishing up my BA in Child Development next year) or a childcare provider.
I do not see myself as a babysitter because I do not take care of kids under 2, I offer a full curriculum, and a preschool classroom. I do not just "take care of kids".
** I am not trying to diminish the need or importance of quality daycare only homes. I just have chosen to specialize in home based preschool so I expect to be called something other than a babysitter. I prefer Child Care Provider for all home providers rather than babysitter because I look at a babysitter as a person who watches children occasionally. A childcare provider (IMO) cares for children professionally in her home, has policies, handbooks, contracts, specialized materials and equipment, licenses, insurance, home deductions etc... I have never met a babysitter that does that.

This is how I've chosen to set up my business as well. I named it a "preschool," I focus on 3 and up (though I will consider younger), I do preschool learning activities. So my client parents call me a teacher.

And do I have a degree hanging on my wall (literally) so I guess it's okay.

And after 18 years as a stay-at-home mom, I think my parents are really glad I'm putting that teaching degree they paid for to use. Nevermind the fact that I've been homeschooling all those years.