Schools as babysitters - please take a moment to think about who you are bashing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It isn’t racist to point out that schools have no responsibility to provide childcare during an emergency. Schools routinely close for hurricanes, fires, and blizzards. The pandemic is an ongoing emergency. More low income families and families of color have opted out of in person learning when given the choice. It IS racist to assume that your priorities are the same as everyone else’s and that poor people are eager to warehouse their children in school buildings during the pandemic when they have explicitly said that they do not feel comfortable with that risk. You do realize that contracting the virus and the resulting loss of work (for possibly all income earning members of a household, not just one) and paying for the medical expenses (many people are uninsured or have catastrophic plans that cover very little) could be devestating for these families, right? They may also place more value on keeping their children and relatives safe, over the cold calculation many are making that their own are unlikely to become seriously ill. You don’t get to decide what’s best for another group of people and use that to push your own agenda.

Super weird that you're treating low income families and families of color as monolithic, and you seem to be advocating that they should not have the option to choose in person. Nobody has proposed forcing kids into in person against parental wishes.

Like are you really this dumb as to think that was a coherent argument?

You’re argument is “this is dumb” and you think that’s a coherent argument? You haven’t responded to any of my points, just dismissed the entire post. That’s not a hallmark of an intelligent person or a cogent response. I never treated anyone as “monolithic” but rather pointed out that this whole thread, which pretends to advocate for lower income people as a group, is not actually representative of the views they have expressed on this issue.

I called you stupid because your argument is completely lacking in any coherent thought. Tons of people have explained the problems with your argument. I am dismissing your entire post because the entire post is dumb as hell.

Your post is arguing that in-person shouldn't be an option given that some low income families or families of color would not want to use it.

No, they have not. You clearly can’t refute any of the points here. You’re also ignoring that the entire purpose of this thread was to shame people for not considering that poor people can’t afford childcare and need school for this reason. My post is a response to that, not a random one off. If you can’t be bothered to read the conversation, then don’t contribute.

Most people here are comfortable to very comfortable. Their lifestyle choices are why they cannot afford child care and they could afford it when kids were 0-5, so it makes no sense they cannot afford it now except overspending. You shouldn't get to complain about not affording child care when you live in a expensive house and take vacations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To all those complaining that parents only see schools as babysitters and who want schools open so that they don't have to pay for childcare - why aren't you thinking about the large number of families who cannot pay for childcare?? Most of the upper middle class can figure this out and pay for alternatives. Those that are more financially challenged can also figure this out, but can't afford this option or for other reasons it may not be as easily solved.

So when you start hating on all parents for wanting schools back in, for any reason, please note that you are hating on some very vulnerable people in our society. The ones that can't afford tutors, who can't be one of the 2 million women who have dropped out of the workforce, the ones that technology does not come as easy to, etc.

I see this on so many posts and I can't imagine the liberally focused majority on this board can't open their minds to this....

If they can’t afford kids, shouldn’t have had them. It’s a choice to be a parent. They were irresponsible. Teachers did not force them to reproduce even though it didn’t fit their lifestyle.

This is....the dumbest take.

+1

“If they can’t afford to be in a pod, they should be sterilized!”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consider this argument.

https://medium.com/@bsteele595/school-is-not-daycare-308ae73b2135

Counterpoint: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/opinion/coronavirus-schools-child-care-centers.html

Of course school, particularly elementary school, is a form of childcare. Teachers' feelings don't really matter on that front. It's not an emotional argument, it's a practical one. Whether they like it or not, teachers do provide care for children while educating them.

And teachers really, really need to move away from insulting childcare providers. It's not a good look, at best. I won't get into what it says, at worst.

If school is childcare, then I expect to be refunded for my degrees (both undergrad and the required masters degree), as childcare providers are not required to hold degrees. I also won’t waste any more of my off time doing work for the classroom, and you can settle for knowing that your children will come home alive at the end of the day. We can have snacks, play outside, read a story, do a craft. What a tremendous relief from the pressures of preparing students for tests or meeting standards! No more differentiation for students with special needs, fine motor delays, or ENL kids. I sure won’t be writing legal documents, attending meetings, doing paperwork, grading, or designing curriculum. Thank you for unburdening the nation’s teachers.

Actually some child care providers do hold degrees. In some counties, a masters is required.

Where is it required for childcare providers to have a masters?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consider this argument.

https://medium.com/@bsteele595/school-is-not-daycare-308ae73b2135

Counterpoint: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/opinion/coronavirus-schools-child-care-centers.html

Of course school, particularly elementary school, is a form of childcare. Teachers' feelings don't really matter on that front. It's not an emotional argument, it's a practical one. Whether they like it or not, teachers do provide care for children while educating them.

And teachers really, really need to move away from insulting childcare providers. It's not a good look, at best. I won't get into what it says, at worst.

If school is childcare, then I expect to be refunded for my degrees (both undergrad and the required masters degree), as childcare providers are not required to hold degrees. I also won’t waste any more of my off time doing work for the classroom, and you can settle for knowing that your children will come home alive at the end of the day. We can have snacks, play outside, read a story, do a craft. What a tremendous relief from the pressures of preparing students for tests or meeting standards! No more differentiation for students with special needs, fine motor delays, or ENL kids. I sure won’t be writing legal documents, attending meetings, doing paperwork, grading, or designing curriculum. Thank you for unburdening the nation’s teachers.

Actually some child care providers do hold degrees. In some counties, a masters is required.

Where is it required for childcare providers to have a masters?

MCPS. We were at a prek-2nd grade and our school preferred it but all were college educated. You sound really consenting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consider this argument.

https://medium.com/@bsteele595/school-is-not-daycare-308ae73b2135

Counterpoint: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/opinion/coronavirus-schools-child-care-centers.html

Of course school, particularly elementary school, is a form of childcare. Teachers' feelings don't really matter on that front. It's not an emotional argument, it's a practical one. Whether they like it or not, teachers do provide care for children while educating them.

And teachers really, really need to move away from insulting childcare providers. It's not a good look, at best. I won't get into what it says, at worst.

If school is childcare, then I expect to be refunded for my degrees (both undergrad and the required masters degree), as childcare providers are not required to hold degrees. I also won’t waste any more of my off time doing work for the classroom, and you can settle for knowing that your children will come home alive at the end of the day. We can have snacks, play outside, read a story, do a craft. What a tremendous relief from the pressures of preparing students for tests or meeting standards! No more differentiation for students with special needs, fine motor delays, or ENL kids. I sure won’t be writing legal documents, attending meetings, doing paperwork, grading, or designing curriculum. Thank you for unburdening the nation’s teachers.

Actually some child care providers do hold degrees. In some counties, a masters is required.

Where is it required for childcare providers to have a masters?

MCPS. We were at a prek-2nd grade and our school preferred it but all were college educated. You sound really consenting.

You’re talking about a preschool teacher and early elementary teachers, not daycare. And you also said it was “preferred” not required. I’m sorry, but EMTS are not paid as doctors because they don’t have the same level of training or education. Child psychologists are not the same as a friendly babysitter chatting with your child. Teachers are not childcare providers. Everything is not the same as everything else. Do CEOs do the same work, receive the same pay, and have the same influence as people in the mailroom? No. There is stratification based on level of education, qualifications, experience, and title. I’m not sure why the argument is that this one field is different. Unless you agree that this is true of every single career path, this argument is bunk.

[Anonymous]

PP all of that does not change the fact that the phrase "school isn't childcare" comes off really terribly. It is incredibly tone deaf, and has a strong racist and sexist undercurrent. You can ignore people pointing this out if you want, but you should understand how it sounds and comes across.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It isn’t racist to point out that schools have no responsibility to provide childcare during an emergency. Schools routinely close for hurricanes, fires, and blizzards. The pandemic is an ongoing emergency. More low income families and families of color have opted out of in person learning when given the choice. It IS racist to assume that your priorities are the same as everyone else’s and that poor people are eager to warehouse their children in school buildings during the pandemic when they have explicitly said that they do not feel comfortable with that risk. You do realize that contracting the virus and the resulting loss of work (for possibly all income earning members of a household, not just one) and paying for the medical expenses (many people are uninsured or have catastrophic plans that cover very little) could be devestating for these families, right? They may also place more value on keeping their children and relatives safe, over the cold calculation many are making that their own are unlikely to become seriously ill. You don’t get to decide what’s best for another group of people and use that to push your own agenda.

+1000

[Anonymous]

Fine then cut the cost of school bro exclude all services except distance learning and credit that money to parents so they can pay for the rest of those services on their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It isn’t racist to point out that schools have no responsibility to provide childcare during an emergency. Schools routinely close for hurricanes, fires, and blizzards. The pandemic is an ongoing emergency. More low income families and families of color have opted out of in person learning when given the choice. It IS racist to assume that your priorities are the same as everyone else’s and that poor people are eager to warehouse their children in school buildings during the pandemic when they have explicitly said that they do not feel comfortable with that risk. You do realize that contracting the virus and the resulting loss of work (for possibly all income earning members of a household, not just one) and paying for the medical expenses (many people are uninsured or have catastrophic plans that cover very little) could be devestating for these families, right? They may also place more value on keeping their children and relatives safe, over the cold calculation many are making that their own are unlikely to become seriously ill. You don’t get to decide what’s best for another group of people and use that to push your own agenda.

The pandemic was an emergency in March. Now we know much more about the disease, and in fact schools in many places have been open for a long time. School is essential, beyond just providing education.

And the pandemic continues to be an emergency in November. Education is essential. Education is being provided.

You just don't like it. Too bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consider this argument.

https://medium.com/@bsteele595/school-is-not-daycare-308ae73b2135

Counterpoint: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/opinion/coronavirus-schools-child-care-centers.html

Of course school, particularly elementary school, is a form of childcare. Teachers' feelings don't really matter on that front. It's not an emotional argument, it's a practical one. Whether they like it or not, teachers do provide care for children while educating them.

And teachers really, really need to move away from insulting childcare providers. It's not a good look, at best. I won't get into what it says, at worst.

If school is childcare, then I expect to be refunded for my degrees (both undergrad and the required masters degree), as childcare providers are not required to hold degrees. I also won’t waste any more of my off time doing work for the classroom, and you can settle for knowing that your children will come home alive at the end of the day. We can have snacks, play outside, read a story, do a craft. What a tremendous relief from the pressures of preparing students for tests or meeting standards! No more differentiation for students with special needs, fine motor delays, or ENL kids. I sure won’t be writing legal documents, attending meetings, doing paperwork, grading, or designing curriculum. Thank you for unburdening the nation’s teachers.

Get over yourself. I said that school is a form of childcare. Part of what you do is providing care. We know that schools are not identical to daycare centers but that doesn't mean they don't provide care. If you think it's beneath you to provide care for children, you shouldn't be a teacher. Of ALL the things that teachers do, smart parents know that caring for our children is the most important.

Also, I missed where someone forced you to obtain bachelor's and master's degrees. That was your choice. If you don't like the options afforded you by holding these degrees, then either find another job or go back to school to get a degree that gives you multiple career options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find the overall argument ridiculous. Teachers aren't just in charge of lecturing. Schools are there to engage and teach students skills beyond just reading and writing, but how to be a student, focus on tasks, take responsibility, etc. They're clearly not able to do that virtually.

+1 billion.
My kids are in HS and well past the 'childcare' stage but I can see how DL is inadequate. Oh, before you ask, we can afford 'childcare'.

Agree

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Btw, there is no perfect childcare. Not sitters who look at their phone half the day, not barely literate foreign nannies, not crowded daycares w underpaid labor, not old grandma, not boy crazy Au pair, and sometimes not even lonely bio mom.

Humans need people!

You need to stay away in a pandemic.

Lock her up!

Open the schools! Childcare options around the DMV suk, I agree!

[Anonymous]

It is shocking to me how many teachers were posting these “I’m not a babysitter” positions online. It’s totally ridiculous and classist. I have always been a staunch public school supporter and I will never blindly support teachers again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consider this argument.

https://medium.com/@bsteele595/school-is-not-daycare-308ae73b2135

Counterpoint: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/opinion/coronavirus-schools-child-care-centers.html

Of course school, particularly elementary school, is a form of childcare. Teachers' feelings don't really matter on that front. It's not an emotional argument, it's a practical one. Whether they like it or not, teachers do provide care for children while educating them.

And teachers really, really need to move away from insulting childcare providers. It's not a good look, at best. I won't get into what it says, at worst.

If school is childcare, then I expect to be refunded for my degrees (both undergrad and the required masters degree), as childcare providers are not required to hold degrees. I also won’t waste any more of my off time doing work for the classroom, and you can settle for knowing that your children will come home alive at the end of the day. We can have snacks, play outside, read a story, do a craft. What a tremendous relief from the pressures of preparing students for tests or meeting standards! No more differentiation for students with special needs, fine motor delays, or ENL kids. I sure won’t be writing legal documents, attending meetings, doing paperwork, grading, or designing curriculum. Thank you for unburdening the nation’s teachers.

Actually some child care providers do hold degrees. In some counties, a masters is required.

Where is it required for childcare providers to have a masters?

MCPS. We were at a prek-2nd grade and our school preferred it but all were college educated. You sound really consenting.

You’re talking about a preschool teacher and early elementary teachers, not daycare. And you also said it was “preferred” not required. I’m sorry, but EMTS are not paid as doctors because they don’t have the same level of training or education. Child psychologists are not the same as a friendly babysitter chatting with your child. Teachers are not childcare providers. Everything is not the same as everything else. Do CEOs do the same work, receive the same pay, and have the same influence as people in the mailroom? No. There is stratification based on level of education, qualifications, experience, and title. I’m not sure why the argument is that this one field is different. Unless you agree that this is true of every single career path, this argument is bunk.

MCPS requires teachers after a certain amount of years to get a masters degree. Our prek-2nd private had all college educated teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is shocking to me how many teachers were posting these “I’m not a babysitter” positions online. It’s totally ridiculous and classist. I have always been a staunch public school supporter and I will never blindly support teachers again.

Many of us are parents not teachers.