孩子的大天使

會寫這一篇文章不是在彰顯幼兒園的教保員、老師、工作人員是一位聖人，而是這一份工作比一般我們所看到需要承擔與付出的更多、更多、更多！他們需要每日來到幼兒園中超過9個小時以上，他們付出了許多體力、情感，他們需要花費許多額外的時間（甚至是私人時間）來進行課程、活動、音樂律動、藝術、體能…等等的規劃，他們還需要隨時協助擔負起跟家長溝通、安撫、提供孩子發展和教養分析建議的工作，當然，更可能得面對各種難題。尤其，在遇到COVID-19疫情期間，他們需要更辛苦的隨時需要進行環境的消毒、關注孩子的健康，這還不包括他們自己也可能病倒了！當我們提到上面這些老師們的工作，我想大家內心已經對投入這份工作用心陪伴孩子的教師產生了極高的崇敬感。但是，是的！他們的付出遠遠更高於上面所談的這一切！

陪伴、互動，幼兒園教師讓孩子有更多的歡樂時間

許多研究都已經說明學齡前幼兒在0～6歲階段的重要性。而這不僅僅只呈現在學習面而已，更是人格建構養成的關鍵階段。而陪伴著他們的除了家人之外，就是幼兒園的教師了，他們付出了寶貴的歲月陪伴著未來的希望，他的所投入的青春更值得我們敬佩：

1. 他們陪伴孩子相處的時間比家人還要長

   當父母下班去幼兒園迎接可愛的小天使時，接下來的晚餐、洗澡、睡覺、互動、說說故事、玩玩具，大概只有4、5個小時是孩子清醒的時段，更遑論我們不一定能夠持續且完整的投入陪伴著他們。而孩子在整個白天大部分的時間都是和老師一起度過，同時盡可能的讓孩子快樂、放鬆、專注、投入學習與活動。
   

2. 他們承擔更多的工作

   如同前言所談到的工作，老師除了教學、活動、課程設計，還要進行許多文書、通報、會議、培訓來讓自己更專業與成長，同時也投入在照顧與教育孩子的工作，在每日工作結束送走大家最親愛的寶貝後，還得拖著疲累的身體繼續進行環境的打掃與整理、消毒（包含著廁所），並且再佈置好教室、準備孩子的活動教具，來迎接明日要投入學習活動的孩子。
   

3. 他們的休息，不一定是休息

   幾乎全年工作與上班，即使下班後還可能隨時回應家長的需要。在私立幼兒園甚至沒有暑假可以喘息，除了過年之外更沒有寒假。而整日與孩子相處之下，即使坐下來喘一口氣，仍必須把警覺心提高，隨時關注身邊可能出現的狀況。當孩子有需求時，老師會隨時出現在他們身邊，即使吃飯、午睡，他們依然得扮演著守護孩子的角色，孩子們隨時需要老師引導吃飯、哄著睡覺、帶領上廁所。
   

4. 經年累月投入工作累積的專業

   許多人都是從當父母的那一天才開始學習如何當爸爸媽媽；許多幼兒園教師一路從高中、大學一直到投入職場，數十年來不斷的在進修，每年還需要至少18個小時的專業研習，再從工作與照顧孩子與職場上的經驗累積，成為一位專業的教保人員，他們閱歷與處理無數孩子的問題，他們需要面對與回覆各種不同家長的疑惑和孩子的狀況，他們必須幫助每一位孩子在：人際、團體、之事學習、生活體驗、自然活動、情緒發展、肢體運動協調…..等全人的發展。他們所從事的是一位偉大的工作：人成長的引導！
   

5. 他們整日處理著大家嫌惡的事情

   幼幼班的孩子一天有多少尿布得處理，而且不只一位喔！3～6歲的老師所要面對的狀況也不遑多讓，孩子不小心尿下去、整班的孩子玩得滿身大汗需要更換衣物（能想像滿教室汗味嗎！），點心午餐時間吃到桌上、地上甚至踩踏到的食物，處理一整個教室的垃圾，生病孩子的嘔吐物，當然，還有面對許多顏色是青色、黃色、透明的鼻涕，所有的自理都需要老師一一協助他們練習。不要忘了這是一整個班級的孩子！
   

6. 他們是孩子發展關鍵的引導者

   腦的重量只佔成人體重約 2.5%，卻消耗了人體約 20%的血液中的葡萄糖與養份，當然現代大腦神經科學已證實學前階段是大腦發展最快速的時期。大腦發展除了遺傳與營養因素之外，更重要的是適合孩子敏感期的活動安排以及與外界互動、經驗與學習的活動，而這很顯然恰好符合幼兒園安排的活動，並由老師的專業來提供孩子最豐富的刺激。學習成長與人格建構養成之門的開啟，不正代表著我們給了孩子邁向未來成功之鑰。

   
   

幼兒園老師所投入的遠超乎我們想像，關心、教育、情緒引導，所有孩子的發展與狀況她們都需要關注。

當走筆至此，相信您與我有相同的感受，對老師的付出有深深的感動。他們所陪伴的不是僅是吃、喝、睡、學，而是生命的成長與養成。他們所做的不是一份工作，而是帶著使命的陪伴。請您（身為幼兒家長的您）誠摯的感謝老師，一起和老師攜手成為教育孩子的親密伙伴而非「託付者」。我想孩子生命的大天使需要您親口給他一句貼心的感謝！幫助他們擁有更多支持的力量繼續往前走。

獻給奉獻生命的幼兒園教師 A Tribute to Preschool Teachers: Guardians of Our Children’s Growth

This article does not seek to portray preschool teachers and staff as saints. Rather, it is meant to highlight the immense dedication and effort these educators put into a job that demands far more than most people see or imagine. These professionals spend over nine hours a day at the preschool, expending significant physical and emotional energy. Outside of their regular hours, they invest personal time planning lessons, designing activities, coordinating music and art programs, and preparing physical education sessions. They are also constantly available to communicate with parents, calm anxieties, and offer guidance on their children’s development and care, while facing a myriad of challenges along the way.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, their role became even more demanding, as they shouldered the responsibility of disinfecting the environment and closely monitoring the children’s health—often while managing their own risks of illness. Reflecting on the work teachers do each day, one cannot help but feel immense respect for their devotion to nurturing each child’s growth.

Accompanying Children Through Their Joyful Moments

Studies have repeatedly emphasized the importance of the early years from 0 to 6, a critical period for both cognitive and character development. During this time, apart from family, it is preschool teachers who are the closest companions in a child’s daily life. These teachers dedicate their precious time and energy to be with the children, instilling values and guiding them through essential moments that lay the foundation for the future.

1. More Time Spent with Children than with Their Families

When parents pick up their little ones after work, they typically have only a few hours to share in their children’s evening routines—dinner, baths, playtime, and bedtime stories. In contrast, teachers spend the entire day with the children, creating a supportive environment where they can learn, explore, and be happy.

2. Taking on an Array of Responsibilities

Beyond planning lessons, activities, and events, teachers handle an array of administrative tasks, attend meetings, participate in training, and continuously work on their professional development. At the end of each day, after the children have gone home, they clean the classroom, disinfect areas (even the bathroom), and prepare the environment to welcome the children back the next day.

3. Sacrificing Their Own Time for the Children’s Needs

Most preschools operate year-round, with no long breaks besides a brief pause during the Lunar New Year. In private preschools, there is often no summer or winter break. Teachers are always on high alert, even when they take a moment to sit. They are there to guide the children through meals, naps, and bathroom breaks, always ensuring that the little ones are cared for and safe.

4. Building Professional Expertise Over the Years

For many parents, learning how to raise a child begins when they become a parent. But preschool teachers often begin their journey from high school or college, spending years building their skills and acquiring professional knowledge through formal education and continuous training. Each year, they are required to complete at least 18 hours of professional study to stay current in their field. Their experience and training equip them to handle the many aspects of child development, from social skills and physical coordination to emotional growth.

5. Handling Everyday Tasks that Others Avoid

A teacher in a toddler class may change dozens of diapers in a single day. For children aged 3-6, teachers frequently deal with accidents, sweaty children needing a change of clothes, spilled food, and the cleanup of toys and play areas. All the while, they assist children in developing independence through these everyday tasks.

6. Being Critical Guides in Child Development

Research shows that the brain, though only about 2.5% of an adult’s body weight, consumes 20% of the body’s glucose and nutrients, highlighting the energy needed for growth and learning. The preschool years are when the brain develops most rapidly. Activities that align with sensitive developmental periods, along with appropriate stimulation, are crucial for children’s overall growth. Teachers, with their expertise, provide the environment and interactions that enrich the brain’s development, opening doors to lifelong success.

Preschool teachers play an indispensable role in children’s lives. Their work goes beyond feeding, teaching, and caregiving; they are nurturing the lives of the future. This is not just a job—it is a calling, fulfilled with care, devotion, and responsibility.

To parents: please remember to sincerely thank your child’s teacher, not as someone who is simply “entrusted” with their care but as a true partner in education. Supporting these remarkable individuals who devote their lives to guiding our children’s growth will empower them to continue on this path, bringing hope and love to each little life they touch.

To the preschool teachers who dedicate their lives to shaping the future: this is a tribute to you.

4o