Am I too expensive for my area?

[playfelt]

I actually see this kind of thinking a lot amongst caregiver who think because they have their ECE that parents should be willing to pay them more for the same work. Some parents can be lulled into believing that there is a benefit but the reality is there is so much info on the internet, support associations etc that can help a caregiver that the ECE piece of paper is not a requirement to do our job and in some cases a detriment - don't jump on me I have ECE courses too - because it locks us into how we were trained.

I learned more about childcare from being a mom of 4 kids and doing daycare for over 25 years then I ever learned of value from formal training. Yes I believe there is value in formal training but I don't believe there is enough that a caregiver should think they deserve more money because of it. The actual care that providers are expected to give is the same.

[dodge__driver11]

Hi playfelt I am AN ECE too but I just couldnt help but think, that the post gave off some hollier than thou attitude, that is all

[mom-in-alberta]

I hear it, too. And I didn't like it all that much.
We have had discussions before about qualifications for caregivers. And I maintain that a diploma or accreditation means nothing if the person has no hands on experience, or is the wrong personality match for this career.
I should note that I do NOT have my ECE or anything. I would like to take some courses in the near future, because I am sure that there is very valuable info to be found. But I certainly don't think that I am any less the caring and capable provider, and I DO NOT charge any less. It's about understanding children, period.
I don't know if that sounds defensive, but it's my view.
Oh, and as for the original question; if you are filling spots, I wouldn't worry about it. People will tell you if you are charging too much.

[Cocoon]

Ginger, actually you didn't had to read between the lines it's not a brainer as everything was there and open. I think you and Playfelt is missing something in my post. I said "...if you combine that with experiences..." I also believe you have this problem "reading between the lines" So may be if you could ignore my posts it would help you to get less stress on top of your daily stress.

What I'm getting from your comments on this is " traning should not make you think you deserve more and it doesn't make any difference really" am I correct? I wonder why I and many others "wasted" our time and efford and of course our money to be trained? Maybe I thought I can be more employable...? How dare I! And the funny thing is you said you are trained too. I wonder why you "wasted" your time since you could perfectly provide the care without it?
When I started doing this job I did not have the experience and the qualifications. Few families trusted in me and gave me the opportunity. But everytime I needed to find work I had to show families that I'm good at my job(had great referencess) and I'm committed. And this job wasn't something to fill the time untill I find a better! one. I was competing with other providers who had references and qualifications.

[dodge__driver11]

Look -- I am an ECE and I am fully trained to be doing this, and frankly for you to say that I am or anyone else is waiting for a better job to come along is just plain rude. I am done with this and I am not going to enter into an argument with u, All I was saying was you gave the impression that credentals were everything and they are not. I have them and training is never a waste...

But in the end as I said you can have all the paper you want, but if I dont care for you I wont choose you papers or none...

I am out.

[playfelt]

The ECE courses are geared to working in a daycare centre with a wealth of resources at your fingertips and best practices etc. with only a hint of mention of alternate employment possibilities. My initial degree is a teacher education degree from university and it is amazing how many parents have chosen me over the years because of it and yet by the time my training for K-6 kicks in their child would be long gone. There are many caregivers with no other training than being a mother and a few information workshops and the odd make and take that provide care better than some "trained" professionals. So much of our job is common sense. Sorry if you think you wasted your training but there will be times it will come in handy just think carefully about what you do and how much of it comes right out of your textbooks and how much of it you had to make up decisions for yourself or research for yourself such as chatting to other caregivers.

[dodge__driver11]

Less stress??? I dont think its stressfull I think its cocky.

[dodge__driver11]

@ playfelt I certainly dont think training is a waste in fact it has helped me to be a better mother and given me better tools for discipline I hope that you don't think that I thought that!

[Cocoon]

Playfelt, I don't think that I wasted my time at all. YOu get it wronf I think. Being trained helped me a lot! I asked how much I wanted to be paid and get it plus perks etc.

And please for the last time, I'm not saying training "only" will get you great jobs or clients in this field. BUT "...if you combine that with experiences..." . will.

Ginger, I thought you've done with this post but I can see you havent...

"@ playfelt I certainly dont think training is a waste in fact it has helped me to be a better mother and given me better tools for discipline"

So you do belive that training helps right? Thank god you admitted!!!

Oh I'm very tired of explaining this. So it is up to you to take however you want it.

Cocoon

[dodge__driver11]

I commented because you come across to me as someone who seems to think that being trained in ECE makes you better.... Which in a way it does, and I said that....then you tell me in a rude way that I dont need to comment if it "it stresses me out" then add "I am so glad you admit that training does better" I never ever said that it didn't -- I simply said that I felt a a presence of cockyness in what you wrote. A simple thats not what I meant would have sufficed and I would have said sorry.

Peace