Here’s what it’s really like for male childcare workers

Inspired by reports of a recent increase in the number of men working in childcare across Australia, Kidspot spoke with Toowoomba child care educator Dean Smith, 29, about his career choice, why he loves his job and his thoughts on the preconceived notions and potential dangers some parents harbour about him and other male childcare workers. 

Published October 16, 2018 at kidspot.com.au.

My name is Dean, I’m 29 and I grew up in Western Queensland in a town called Blackhall. I’ve been working with children now for 11 years but I came into childcare in a roundabout way. I was studying secondary teaching at a university in Rockhampton when a friend offered me some casual afternoon shifts at an after-school hours care centre. I really enjoyed that experience and ended up staying for six-and-a-half years, working my way up from an educator to assistant director.

After two years at university, I realised being a school teacher just wasn’t right for me. I really loved the practical side of teaching – being active in the classroom and engaging with the students – but I felt there was too much expectation on teachers, with all the extra paperwork and after hours work they’re required to do. I enjoyed working in early childhood so much that I decided instead to do my Certificate 3 for early childhood education and care and transition into the long day care sector.

Picture: Supplied. 

Great for the kids

Earlier this year I moved from Rockhampton to Toowoomba to be with my girlfriend and I now work at Kate’s Place at City Centre, Toowoomba. I’m still a trainee and going through my certificates but I operate the outside school hours care program here and I’m also in-room with the kindergarten (pre-schooler) kids during the day.

I’m one of two male childcare workers at the centre but the only one who works full time with the kids. I like my co-workers and I think we all get along well. They generally treat me like one of the girls so I am privy to a few conversations in the staff room that I probably shouldn’t be and when that happens I try to make a tactful exit! But I think that’s an indication that my colleagues feel comfortable and safe around me.

The children absolutely love having a male presence around. I’m a loud, boisterous sort of person and I enter a room with lots of energy and the kids seem to positively respond to that. Mine is more of a fatherly presence; the kids get that interaction with a male figure in a care environment and it starts to feel normal for them.

And it is normal; whether you’re male or female, as an early childcare educator you’re there to work and engage with the kids and be a part of the centre and the team. No one has an ‘us and them’ mentality. I’ve never experienced any gender discrimination in the workplace although in the past some parents (at another centre) have incorrectly assumed I’m gay because I work in this female-dominated industry.

Picture: supplied. 

The differences for men

However, there are a few differences between me and my female colleagues. For example, when it comes to toileting time, I try not to be alone in the room with the children, just to make sure that I don’t leave myself open to any allegations. Also, at Kate’s Place, it’s policy that men don’t do nappy changes and this is in place to protect male carers and the centre from accusations of foul play or untoward acts towards the children.

In childcare, an accusation is always taken far more seriously when it’s made against a male. It’s always that fear in the back of your mind that a misunderstanding can happen so I follow certain processes to ensure I don’t ever put myself in compromising situations.

The danger and reality of accusations are that when it happens, your life spirals downwards and people who know and trust you may start to second guess you. I think that’s why you don’t see a lot of male staff come through childcare, as that danger is so real and that worry is so present. Many people don’t want to put themselves in that position because they want to protect their integrity.

That said, men are starting to really come to the forefront now and people are realising that males are valuable in childcare environments and that we can make a positive difference in the lives of the children we educate and care for

I’m happy to come to work each day. We all have our hard days but, overall, I get a really strong sense of satisfaction from what I do. I know it sounds like a bit of a cliché, but just knowing I’m making a difference in the children’s lives, and supporting them on their journey, is a big reason why I love what I do.”