Manage Stress Practical –
Discussion
Each Early Childhood Institution (ECI) should employ a trained psychologist/counsellor to handle all matters relating to stress at the workplace. Staff stress management should not be the responsibility of the teacher and caregivers.
Task
Examine the statement above
and state whether you agree or disagree with this position. You must provide a
detailed reasoning for your answer. You are to read posts made by your
colleagues and write a response to at least two (2) of them.
You will be graded based on each criterion in the rubric below. Use the Comment section to state your views and use reply to respone to your colleagues.
Points 10 7 3 0 Relevance of Post Posts topics related to
discussion topic; prompts further discussion of topic Posts topics that are
related to discussion content Posts topics which do not
relate to the discussion content; makes short or irrelevant remarks No posting Quality
of Post Appropriate comments:
thoughtful, reflective, and respectful of other’s postings. Appropriate comments and
responds respectfully to other's postings Responds, but with minimum
effort. (e.g. "I agree with Bill") No posting Contribution to the
Learning Community Aware of needs of
community; attempts to motivate the
group discussion; presents creative approaches to topic Attempts to motivate the
group discussion; presents
creative approaches to topic Does not make effort to participate in learning
community as it develops No feedback provided to
fellow student. Total marks /30 marks
I agreed with the fulfilment of such a postiion. Having an individual who will deal with staff stress management from an expertise level will definitely sort staff according to the type of stress he or she is currently experiencing, hence the healing process can come in effect.
ReplyDeleteKadia
DeleteI agree with her response, stress is handled best when it is done by someone who is professional trained to do so which makes it easier to perform the task assigned in the position of a Teacher or Caregiver
Delete@Patrice
DeleteI strongly agree because the classroom can be overwhelming with workload at times and you have to give the kids your undivided attention, so I strongly agree that they have a counselor to deal with work stress differently
DeleteMargaret -I agree wuth your points Kadia because byvhaving someone come in the school and counsel rather than class left unattended to assist a child or colleague
DeleteKadia- Yes the less stress one encounter the more productive one will be.
DeleteI do not agree with this statement, there are various stress management and recognition courses in which they could learn to deal with stress using different strategies to help prevent or deal with these situations. Teachers willalso learn how to foster their own well-being, and to maintain a favorable climate in their classroom.
ReplyDeleteWhilst I understand your point persons may not even recognize that they are stressed as they have become so used to that type of situation occurring. also some situations are better handled by an outsider someone who has no emotional contact with staff and can render an unbiased opinion
DeleteIt is good for individuals to have knowledge of stress management however, at times, even though one may have an understanding of stress, when under pressure it may be hard for them to even help themselves and someone pointing out what's going on may be just what they need.
DeleteMARGARET-I do not agree some problems need a second person whether you ar professionals counsellor or not. You nedd an outsude reassurance that things will be ok
DeleteYes an outsider, not a person employed by ECC who is going to be on the school grounds. Confidentiality yes, but a person employed by ECC could also transfer personal information whether or not they agree to privacy measures, after a while they can get close to other teachers at the institution and transfer important details. I believe they could refer them to individuals outside not employ them at the ECI institutions. Everyone is entitle to their opinion you may not agree with mine and I may not agree with yours. Just like in debates.
DeleteAs difficult as it may seem, it's important you take care of yourself. Try to recognize what’s causing your stress at work, and deal with the situation. However, we understand it’s not always so easy, we have to try
ReplyDeleteEnsure you maintain a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water.
Try to get outside on your lunch break, take a moment to yourself.
Work regular hours and take holiday days. Even if you feel overwhelmed with deadlines, it’s important you take breaks are a few techniques. Staff stress management should not be the responsibility of the teacher and caregivers I agree but each individual is trained to know how to handle certain situations. I believed there are courses being offered to all ECI Teachers even online that they are recommended to where managing stress is concerned. How will they help the students overcome obstacles if they cannot operate in a environment even if they are stressed.
I know individuals who have been to numerous counselling sessions and still no results, so that says nothing. ECC may employ a trained psychologist/counsellor to handle all matters relating to stress at the workplace and the issue may not resolve where being stressed is concern.
DeleteTamari: Sometimes it takes more than just doing the basics like having a balanced diet and the works, as Latoya mentioned trying to handle stressors on our own can lead to increased stress so getting professional help is deemed best.
DeleteTamari: Sherrine, while it may not be resolved i believe it can be lessened at some point from getting professional help.
DeleteTamari: Sherroy*
DeleteLatoya Samuels
DeleteNot all stressors can be completely alleviated but we will get professional advise on how to identify, deal/cope with these stressors.
Latoya Samuels
ReplyDeleteI agree with the statement that ECI should employ trained psychologist/counsellor to handle matters relating to stress at the work place. Not only does this option provides for privacy and rule out judgement among colleagues but it also provides professional help from trained and educated persons who would have studied in this area of expertise. Professional help, for stress management, outside the work environment encourages privacy. This will allow teachers and caregivers to feel comfortable speaking about their stressor which can sometimes be personal (family related). The professional help will assist in acknowledging one's own stress triggers and give practical/real live coping method. Getting professional help is always the best option in solving any issues and in this case, coping with stress at the workplace.
Exactly even the state Minister of Education saw it fit to lobby for trained counsellors for caregivers .
DeleteMargaret-I agree.with Latoya you get privacy and you both work on solutionas to alleviate the problem
DeleteHow are you certain that it is a must that it will be kept private with person's employed by ECC...
DeleteNot everyone is going to relate to these persons that ECC employ. They will have to relate certain instances to a union from time to time to see what's happening with teachers etc. at these institutions. If the stress therapist visit you o you keep visiting isn't it going to be obvious that something is wrong?
DeleteI believe ECC should have sessions where they inform teachers of individuals they could contact outside the school premises. The ECI educators can go to these persons if the sessions they train them in is not working where stress is concern.
DeletePatrice Leachman I strongly agree that each Early Childhood Institution should employ a trained psychologist/counselor to handle all stress related matters at the work place reason being that the Caregivers and Teachers as their own personal stressful matters to deal with and as a result will not be able to manage any additional strain of dealing with stress at the work places besides they tend function effectively and efficiently at their various positions the less stress they have to deal with
ReplyDeleteThat's so true and also not everyone knows how to handle stress so getting a counselor/psychologist should be imposes in the ECI.
Delete@Juline Bailey
DeleteWhilst I do believe that ECIs should employ a trained psychologist or counsellor it definitely should not be for every stress related matter. As practitioners we should be able to handle certain matters ourselves. The onus is on us to recognise when we need help and seek it where necessary. We should also be adept at understanding the child and assisting them in their developmental growth. So although we are not "trained professionals", we are trained enough to handle situations that will most definitely crop up.
DeleteSherrine Reid.... I agree with the above statement that suggests that that ECIs should employ a trained counsellor. One may argue that schools and child care facilities do not have the funding to take one such a fete but funding can be sourced and some measure of reshuffling done to mitigate that expense. In an article published by the Minister of State in the Education Ministry Senator Floyd Green counselling services are crucial for caregivers and will better help them to take care of wards in their care. He went further to state that we always speak of the welfare of our children but forget to speak of the welfare of staff members and colleagues, who are oftentimes in need of some counselling. I do understand that talking to colleagues may help persons relieve stress but what of privacy? Also consideration must be given to the idea that this is only putting a band aid over a serious situation and may not be as effective as a professional, unbiased counselling session with a trained and license professional.
ReplyDeleteLatoya Samuels
DeleteI agree with you Sherrine, Privacy is an important factor to consider when choosing counselling options. I would not want to speak to a colleague about a personal issue that is the cause of my stress.
Patrice- I also agree with S Reid,talking to colleagues about your stressors may help but what of privacy? Sometimes you share your problems with others and you wind up hearing it back which is distasteful as they generally dont grasp the concept of confidentiality. While when speaking to a professional solutions will be provided, a follow up is done and you wont ever have to worry about hearing what you have stated being repeated at a later date# Patient client confidentiality
DeleteSherine,you touched on a valuable point there one of "privacy" hence the need for a professional who understands confidentiality.
DeleteMargaret-I agree with Sherrine where she saxs it is good to talk to colleagues but is the case of adebate where actions need to be taken you need an outsider who willbnot take sides
DeleteI do agree that ECIs should have a trained professional on payroll as it benefits the children and educators alike. However, funding is still a critical issue. First and foremost, privately owned and operated institutions are businesses. What if the budget is so tight that with all the levels of reshuffling and allocating of resources institutions are still unable to afford a psychologist? What's the alternative?
DeleteIt was mentioned that Senator Green made his stance on state homes and professional counsellors, but what about ECIs? They are often overlooked and underfunded. Although speaking is good as it sheds light on the issue, putting money where our mouth is has always proven to be way more effective.
I agree with the idea of early childhood institutions employing counsellor in order to handle stress related matters in the workplace. Because the task of stress management is left on the shoulders of teachers and caregivers that in itself can bring additional stress. With trained psychologist to aid these individuals it would be easier for them to cope when under stress seeing that one who's trained and equipped to give practical advice and find solutions suitable for whatever situation is faced, in relation to stress, is available at the workplace. Therefore teachers and caregivers will be under less pressure, their stress may be under control and this can aid in better performance from staff. Tenneka Taylor.
ReplyDeleteKadia- I share the same sentiment. The position will be filled by expertise who will see the signs of stress that are exhibited by teachers and caregivers. Having manage these stressor the stress level will decrease thus they will be able to function much better even under pressure.
DeleteJuline Bailey
ReplyDeleteI agree with the statement there should be some form of counsellor to deal with stress management within the workplace. This kinda strategy for the workplace will help the employees better manage stress personal issues and work related problems. It will help them also feeling less overwhelmed within the workplace.
All practitioners have received
ReplyDeletedocumented hours of training,
in paediatric first aid,
including rescue breathing and
first aid for choking, provided
by trained personnel.All Eci should have a Paediatric Unit too? wow
ECC*
ReplyDeleteTamari: I strongly agree that each Early Childhood Institution should employ a trained Psychologist/Counsellor to handle all matters related to stress at the workplace. I took this stance as in the statement above it stated that stress management should not be the responsibility of the staff and so hiring a professional to help with any stress related issue on the job is deemed a grand priority. By taking this step the staff member/s who are experiencing issues related to stress at work will be better able to get the support they may need in a confidential manner. Having professional help will allow the staff to understand the causes of their stress and how to go about managing and reducing it. If these issues are not sorted then it will cause the individual's mood to affect how they go about dealing with their fellow staff, children and even their families. Employing a professional to deal with stress related issues at an Early Childhood Institution will allow for better understanding of self and provide means of how to solve their problems which will give a rise in self confidence, even though having the expert giving advice all the stress may not fully be resolved but it can reduce it and allow for better communication between teachers and caregivers. Also, this individual is likely to be happier and more engaged. This too will also allow for less time off from work as the stress related issues would become less and so not much time will be taken for mental health reasons.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, having a counselor available at will curb one's behavior, towards not only their colleagues but also family, friends and their associates, into a positive one. This may lessen conflicts that may arise in the workplace due to one acting unkind as a result of stress
DeleteTamari,I see we are thinking on the same line based on your views expressed.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteJust to add Tamari, when we know that our supervisor/superior take the time out to have scheduled professionally trained personnel help us in coping with stress, we tend to feel appreciated which will encourage us to be and give our best.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteTamari: Thank You
DeleteMargaret- Pscchologist for Early Childhood Institutions is good but can we afford it.
ReplyDeleteI agree to have psychologist or counsellor because spmetomes you or colleagues have noone to talk to based on situations at home
While you might be right about the afford it part. Our government spends way money to do unnessary jobs that's not contributing to the economy i think the funding sure be the last thing on there agenda for a project like that to be implemented.
DeleteCamille S.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that Early childhood Institution s should employ psychologist/counselor to handle all stress related matters.
Co- workers interact with each other regularly, sometimes on a daily basis,their body language often times speak for them when they are experiencing stress.They sometimes will even express their feelings to a colleague they find as a confidante.
As adults we have have our different share of challenges that will sometimes leave us stressed, and this can impact negatively in the classroom by not giving of their best to the children who look up to them and need them.
The community at large depends on the teachers and caregivers to train,teach and nurture their children;so when a teacher is affected with stress,this can/will affect how they teach.
Fear of losing their job or leaving the burden on another teacher to teach their class,buying additional gas or finding more bus fare can cause a teacher to neglect or delay the help they need for these reasons.
Having a "in house" counselor will make it more convenient and easier for a teacher/caregiver to schedule a time to meet with this professional,whether it's on the teacher's lunch time or an arranged time there on the compound.Here they will receive the help and advice they need to manage stressful situations.
This in itself can lessen stress on the teacher/caregiver.
Tamari: Same sentiments attached. ECI's should employ professionals to handle work stress related issues among employees so as to lessen stressors and to bring about better performance from staff members.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSabarina Fowles
ReplyDeleteI am of the view that is would be a splendid avenue to take towards staff well-being.
For let’s face it, we all have stress at various degrees, but we all do not have the knowhow to effectively manage stress. A colleague of mind mention that teachers/staff could go to various seminars, course that offer/teach various stress management techniques. But the truth be told we don’t always retain or grasp what we have been taught or what is being presented unless it’s being reenforced.
For the staff to be able to speak to a professional who is confidential and is diverse in various techniques of stress management can have multiple benefits to the staff and the ECI. This can have a great positive impact on the mood and culture of the ECI which translate in improved the teaching and learning sessions with students.
Keneisha McDonald
ReplyDeleteI agree that each Early Childhood Institution (ECI) should employ a trained psychologist/counsellor to handle all matters relating to stress at the workplace because some children are slow in learning, some of them behaviour are very poor and it's hard and stressful for a teacher to be teaching her students and to be counselling a child whose behaviour is very poor, at the same time. That would cause more stress on the teacher.
But as teachers, aren't we supposed to be able to multitask? As practitioners, are we not put in a capacities outside of our job descriptions - to motivate, counsel and mentor? Therefore, isn't mentoring and guidance and counselling essential skills to possess so that if the situations arises we are not overwhelmed and we don't project our level of stress onto our students?
DeleteI agree. Also, what if it is stress related to marriage, only the individual employed at the school will turn up to the session?
DeleteMargaret-Getting the community involved by ensuring that parents and community members to particupate in the PTA meeting in which we can discuss difficulty faced by teacher and student. And parent sjouldvmotballow children to do all the chores and hence bein too tired cor school work
ReplyDeleteSabarina Fowles
ReplyDeleteI agree it can have potential to an expensive venture, however there various way the ECI can get help with cost. There are some psychologist who can do it on voluntary bases or can offer group rates. The ECI and staff can cost sharing. In my opinion the benefits out way the initial cost.
ECI should employ a trained psychologist counselor to handle all matters related to stress at workplace because counselors are fully trained and have more experience about what they are doing therefore they are the best fit of taken up this role then teachers and caregivers. Not all teachers and caregivers can handle stress related matter but by having a trained psychologist counselor they can give a solution right away since its there responsibility.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Stone - I personally strongly agree with what this writer is saying , stress is something that can work it’s way into terrible things. But I say it would be great if the teachers and caregivers could also be able to participate in a program or have a counseling session that would help the ones needy . In regards there would be a better environment for persons and a better path . Employing a professional to deal with stress related issues at an Early Childhood Institution will allow for better understanding of self and provide means of how to solve their problems and so on . Stress is something when not treated can cause grate damage to one and to others, Therefore teachers and caregivers will be under less pressure and things will work out better .
ReplyDeleteShinea.
ReplyDeleteI agree that staff stress managment should not be the responsibity of the teachers/caregivers but employing a profecinal just for this matter can be a big expence for most institutions across the country. We must remember that their are many ways as to managing stress and talking about it is one of them, therefore talking to other staff members or to management can be just as helpful. Speaking from experience, talking to someone who have been or is experiencing the same problems can be just the help you need to get stress under controle in a work place.
While talking to someone is always suggested, what level of privacy does that afford you? Is that a case where the individual can provide an objective and unbiased stance regardless of what is revealed? Confiding in someone is just not the same as seeking professional help and it definitely does not yield the same results.
DeleteIn regards to the children at these institutions, they too may be exposed to psychological disturbances and so they will need a child psychologist (be it expensive or not), not a teacher. Children deserve access to effective care to prevent or treat mental health problems that they may develop.
Tashna -
ReplyDeleteOne of the most essential skills that Early Childhood Educators should possess is guidance and counselling. Whilst it should not be their sole responsibility to handle every instant of stress, Early Childhood teachers must be adept at understanding the child and assist in their developmental growth. This is because children come from diverse backgrounds and even in early years, they may experience psychological disturbances due to several factors. Teachers, too, are handling various degrees of stress daily.
While it may be argued that having a psychologist or counsellor at the ECI is not practical as it will drain depleting resources and it is just not profitable; I do agree that ECIs should employ a trained psychologist or counsellor though not on a 9-5 basis and definitely not 5 days per week. It will be not only be beneficial to students, it will provide teachers a certain level of privacy that would nor be afforded confiding in a colleague.
At the very least, ECIs should have a psychologist or counsellor come in a few times per month, voluntarily if possible. If they are unable to afford payment for this, practitioners should make recommendations to parents to see a child psychologist or counsellor and educators seek private counselling at least a few times per school year. Educators can also make use of resources provided by the CPFSA and/or the Ministry of Education.
I agree that's better than on a 9-5 basis, five days per week.Remember that stress differs for all of us. Things like jumping that are
ReplyDeletedistressful for some may be pleasurable for others. Similarly, no stress-reduction
technique works for everyone. Jogging, meditation or yoga are great for some
but can actually prove stressful when arbitrarily imposed on others. Find out what
works for you. The ECC could ensure that there is a workplace stress scale being used from time to time for teachers, then they could refer them to individuals outside the institution.