It’s obvious that women are more likely to be working in the childcare industry then men.
Recent reports from the Australian Bureau of Statistics suggest that more than 95% of people working in the childcare industry are women.
At Oz Education we withstand this trend, having two male educators at our Putney centre. Mr James and Mr Daniel. The male staff bring an original set of skills to our centre, which also complement those skills of female educators. Based on feedback we have received, the children and their families love having male role models around.
“In an industry which is dominated by females, being a male is an advantage.” Says Mr James. It allows children to build relationships with both genders in a teaching environment. This helps the children when they go to primary school as male teachers become more abundant. Teaching this view to the children is also very important as more men are becoming nurses, teachers and other jobs considered only for women.
For those children who don’t have positive male role models in their life, having contact with Mr James or Mr Daniel is important for their growth and learning. It allows children to realise better reflection on the real gender mix in society and allows the children to build relationships with both genders in a teaching environment.
Mr James quoted, “Being a male in a job that is mostly seen as ‘women’s work’ gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment, that I can break these gender moulds and change the stereotype of men not being nurturing or caring towards children. Oz Education has been nothing but accepting to having male carers in their workforce, and is proud to show the community that men are part of our team.”
Working in child care whether you’re a man or woman is hard work. Caring for children can be physically and emotionally stressful, but is over shadowed by the sense of responsibility and importance in a child’s life.
If you would like to meet the staff at any Oz Education Centre, call the centre to book a tour. Contact details can be found on individual centre pages. If you have any questions please email info@ozeducation.com.au
