Teachers and Childcare Providers

[Country Kids]

Thanks BC!

I guess I have just personally seen way to many things in classrooms these days that makes me wonder how checked out a teacher may be that they aren't noticing these things. It isn't always technology thats distracting them but I believe the majority of the time it is or could be.

[Blackcat31]

Ok...a couple questions for you...

I guess I have just personally seen way to many things in classrooms these days that makes me wonder how checked out a teacher may be that they aren't noticing these things.

Aren't noticing what things?

It isn't always technology thats distracting them but I believe the majority of the time it is or could be.

(similar to above question) distracting them from what?

In your opinion, what exactly is it that the teacher is suppose to be doing when they are supposedly using personal technology ?

Again...not being snarky...just wanting to continue the conversation now that we've started..

And lastly, do you think then that as a business owner (as some stated we are), that we shouldn't get to run our businesses for us?

As a whole should we only use this site or any technology when we don't have kiddos?

[AuntTami]

I'm sorry but I am still not seeing the comparison between daycare providers and teachers.

Where in the public schools rules/regulations does it say that teachers have to be teaching the kids at all times?

It DOES say in certain state's child care regulations that providers must be supervising the children at ALL times. That is where my argument came in.

We can't compare apples to oranges when teachers are teaching kids and providers are caring for kids. It's like trying to say that you have to follow the same rules when riding a bicycle as you do when you are flying a plane.

TWO very different environments with two totally different purposes.

If a teacher isn't teaching, the child isn't at risk of injury or death.
If a provider isn't supervising, the child is in danger of injury and/or death.

I understand what your saying. Maybe I'm not using my words correctly. I guess my point is, that while you're correct, if a teacher isn't teaching, no ones at risk of injury or death, but isn't it then POINTLESS to send our children to school if the teacher isn't TEACHING?:confused:

You're correct, we MUST supervise at all times, where a teacher doesn't have to teach at all times, but that brings my question of, what's the point in having a teacher then, if they aren't going to TEACH? WE are REQUIRED to supervise our children AT ALL TIMES, why then is it okay for a teacher to not TEACH at all times, or at least do something remotely education related? Yoga is not educational unless it's a yoga class....

Edited to add: I would follow the same rules on a bicycle as I would in a plane....Same rules as in a car too.... First and Most Important Rule: "Whatever you do, DON'T HIT anything!" Haha

[Blackcat31]

Edited to add: I would follow the same rules on a bicycle as I would in a plane....Same rules as in a car too.... First and Most Important Rule: "Whatever you do, DON'T HIT anything!" Haha

. Definitely agree!!!

[NightOwl]

BC-Do you think then that as a business owner (as some stated we are), that we shouldn't get to run our businesses for us?

From what I'm reading I'm taking from it that you believe we shouldn't be allowed to be on technology while supervising children. Yet the majority of us are on here during the day at some point (alot of us when we have kiddos). As a whole should we only use this sight or any technology when we don't have kiddo's?

I'm seriously wondering on this because I know this has been discussed in our area and they are trying to clarify it on our STARS program and such. They are saying we can be on technology if its for our business but not facebook, gaming, etc. So could we say we are on here for business or would it look more like we are just all talking back and forth. We could ask questions after the kids leave and give answers. Also, trying to clarify business puposes and personal is sometimes a fine line.

My thoughts exactly. I have noticed when some people will have 10 or 15 posts throughout the day, at all times of the day, but claim to be providing adequate supervision. I don't see how that is possible. How do providers or teachers have the time to put forth so much effort into their online lives, posting a dozen times or more, and while still providing a safe place for the children in their care?? This amazes me.

[Annalee]

My thoughts exactly. I have noticed when some people will have 10 or 15 posts throughout the day, at all times of the day, but claim to be providing adequate supervision. I don't see how that is possible. How do providers or teachers have the time to put forth so much effort into their online lives, posting a dozen times or more, and while still providing a safe place for the children in their care?? This amazes me.

I can't speak for anyone else but I am so observant I notice if a new car goes by on the road. Plus with all the visits I get from state partners, I am constantly on the lookout..I feel I can adequately answer this forum, emails, texts or phone calls when necessary using good judgement depending on what is happening at the time...I don't think what works for one provider or one teacher is necessarily what will work for another....each will have to do what works for them.....I know teachers from both sides of the scale! BC is right when she says SUPERVISION is vital in child care! I do think teachers get much more leeway....not sure I agree because I get frustrated when I find out a teacher put a movie on to end the day because she is simply tired, BUT I also don't won't this teacher telling me how to do my job either.....I think respect and tolerance for each profession has its place. That being said this will probably be a NON-SOLVED issue.::

[NightOwl]

Agreed! Your post reminded me of this:

My 15yo son told me, a couple of weeks ago, that his last teacher of the day had a headache that day. So she turned the lights down in the room, told the kids to quietly entertain themselves, laid her head down on her desk and WENT TO SLEEP. For the whole class period. I was just floored.

The school system makes a huge deal out of absences and tardiness, but it's ok for teachers to sleep for an hour and 40 minutes of the day?? I know that's totally different from posting online many times per day, but it's still in the same ballpark and far worse imho.

[Country Kids]

Ok...a couple questions for you...

Aren't noticing what things?

(similar to above question) distracting them from what?

In your opinion, what exactly is it that the teacher is suppose to be doing when they are supposedly using personal technology ?

Again...not being snarky...just wanting to continue the conversation now that we've started..

And lastly, do you think then that as a business owner (as some stated we are), that we shouldn't get to run our businesses for us?

As a whole should we only use this site or any technology when we don't have kiddos?

Totally forgot to get back to you on this-sorry!

1. I have been in classrooms helping on party days, field trip days and the kiddos had to take a spelling test before they could begin the event. The teacher is giving the test but on her phone doing what ever at the same time. How are you giving a test, being on the phone and supervising kids making sure they aren't cheating? Put the phone down and give the test!

I think many other posters gave examples of teachers doing their own thing-whether on their phones/computors or something else and not supervising the kids.

2. The teachers always tell us in letters and in person at conferences if you have any concerns, questions, etc. please contact and we will get right back to you. They are not joking-it literally can be minutes from when you sent yours more often then not. This is during the day when they should be teaching or supervising the class.

3. Teachers are now (at least at our schools) getting students cell phone numbers to text them reminders about test, homework, projects, etc. without parent permission. It happened this year sometime within the first week of school. I think they need to be texting the parents, not the students-way to much libility. What happened to teachers having the kids write it down?

I do think as a business owner I should get to run MY business in my HOME without being put under a microscope. Its getting to the point that a provider can do nothing while children are present.

When questioning what the No Technology meant I was told even while the children are sleeping I need to be watching them and it was told to me in a very serious tone. I can do business only items during naptime but nothing personal-nothing. I bet if I asked we couldn't even read a book as that takes our attention away from the children.

My name is on the business, I pay the taxes, maintain it, take education pertaining to it, but in the long run its not really my business. If you really get to the nitty griddy of it, its not just about technology we cant do, its many other things-cleaning, prep work, a break, tending to our own children, doing our own thing during our lunch time and I'm sure others could add.

Most of the technology is about the QRIS projects but if we dont follow those guidelines we aren't in regulations with them. I also see it intertwining with our state regs. The QRIS area though is coming down to-if we don't participate in it, we will be paid a lower rate for state paid children. If you do participate you will be paid a higher rate. As I see it another interference with MY business.

If we participate in the QRIS program, we have to state many things in our handbook. One thing is the use of technology for ourselves during business hours and exactly how we will use it. Remember it can be for business only-so during naptime I can't email/text unless its to parents, watch tv, play a game, skype (if I knew how) or anything that might be just for me or catch up on family stuff. This is where I have the problem as its my break-last thing I want to do for two hours is business stuff.

Yes, I do participate in my QRIS program in my state but hoping my voice will be heard to change the areas that need to be changed. One area that I was marked down for was my potty training-the five or six steps I do wasn't correct? Still can't figure out how to word it any differently-it all boils down the child becoming potty trained. I have noticed with the program is the cart is many times before the horse and that needs to change.

So every time we are on here during business hours, we are breaking a regulation somewhere in the states eyes. So I guess in order to stay in the regs we need to stay off of all technology till after hours.

[Cradle2crayons]

I would like to also add in... At least here... All classes under fifth grade have two teachers. The actual teacher and he assistant. Not sure if that changes opinions or not. Also, they have way more students than most of us do. My kids classes have 21 each.

Also, I agree I perceive it different because they do get breaks and lunch etc.

I sort of believe on both sides but I think also the fact they are employed by the state may make it different in some respects.

[Country Kids]

I would like to also add in... At least here... All classes under fifth grade have two teachers. The actual teacher and he assistant. Not sure if that changes opinions or not. Also, they have way more students than most of us do. My kids classes have 21 each.

Also, I agree I perceive it different because they do get breaks and lunch etc.

I sort of believe on both sides but I think also the fact they are employed by the state may make it different in some respects.

Meant to bring that up also-our teachers dont have assistants here and the elementary classes can run up to 35 and beyond those grades they can be 35 to 40 I believe one of my children had in a class-40!

[Lucy]

I would like to also add in... At least here... All classes under fifth grade have two teachers. The actual teacher and her assistant. Not sure if that changes opinions or not. Also, they have way more students than most of us do. My kids classes have 21 each.

Ha... we wish! Not in my state. IF the teacher is lucky to have a parent volunteer, then they get some help. Otherwise, no teachers' aides. And class sizes? More like 30ish, unfortunately.

[Country Kids]

Ha... we wish! Not in my state. IF the teacher is lucky to have a parent volunteer, then they get some help. Otherwise, no teachers' aides. And class sizes? More like 30ish, unfortunately.

We are in the same state and I think thats the way it is all over it. My oldest sons 5th grade had 35 in it and that was several years ago as he is a senior this year. My daughters 8th grade math class three years ago had 32 in it. Seems like one of them had 40 kids in a class last year.

Funny as alot of the teachers here don't want help and once they are in middle school/high school they have the students as aides but the can't do to much.

[Sunshine44]

I didn't read all replies

But even if the students get lunch doesn't mean teachers do. This is often their planning time, they have scheduled meetings and other stuff to do.

[Country Kids]

But even if the students get lunch doesn't mean teachers do. This is often their planning time, they have scheduled meetings and other stuff to do.

All the teachers I know get a lunch break plus a prep period-even down to elementary ages they usually get a prep time.

Our schools let out early once a week so teachers can do meetings, classes and such or they have to go in early/stay late if there are additional ones.