Home Hot Topics Articles Directors' Choice Awards About Us / Contact Us Activities & Curriculum Activities for Outcome-Based Learning Arts & Crafts Music for Learning Recommended Reading Sharing Boards: What Do YOU Think? NEWSlink Current National News Conference Calendar Topics In Early Childhood Education Art and Creativity in Early Childhood Education Job Sharing Board State Licensing Requirements Stay Connected! Each month we'll send you an email filled with articles and ideas for your classroom. Subscribe Now Date: 5/10/2000 12:39:00 AM Author: Jamie (Male) (jamiecrum@yahoo.com) Subject: male Craig, I am a male and I work in California as a special ed. teacher for three to five-year-olds in the local school district. I am not gay. I HAVE MANY STORIES I COULD SHARE both favoring and discriminating against me in employment. Often I hear, "Oh its SO nice to have men in EC... all those single moms, you know.." as if that is all we have to offer. (Laugh) I must admit that doors have been opened easier for me than my female cohorts. It is never very long until someone new i work with asks me when I plan on going into administration. I am still completeing my masters in EC special ED and I am assumed as the specialist in tough district / parent relationships involving much better qualified and more experienced female teachers. I guess there are worse things to complain about!! The washroom situation is very complex. I have two female assistants with whom I work. We all make sure that all toileting and dressing is done with another staff present, just to be safe for everyone. It's just good policy. I also tell my parents during the first home visit - "We all take turns in helping the students with their adaptive needs, including toileting and dressing. (for students often have these on their IEP goals in my room.) If you are not comfortable with me or any of my staff in this area, please let me know, now, or as the concern arises. We will make accomidations." Usualy parents say, "No problem." where i reply, "Darn, (laugh)I thought I might get out of toileting some of the kids!" which helps to lighten the often uncomfortable conversation. I dont have my assistants perform any duties i wouldn't do my self. I have a teacher student ratio of 1:5 in this program. when other teachers are hired the district hires an assistant when the class reaches an enrollment of 6. When I was hired to start this program, they hired a female assistant immediately, which was previously unheard of. Again, a nice problem to have! Nice topic, jamie Name: Email: Subject

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