Men in Early Childhood Education: My Interview With Child-care Director Adam Moskowirz From Philadelphia Early Childhood Education

Adam Moskowirz is an early childhood educator from Philadelphia. He is about to start a new role as an assistant director of child care, and works with infants and toddlers. Read on to learn more about Adam…

Q. What are the advantages of being a man in Early Childhood Education (ECE)? What do men bring to classroom?

"There are many advantages to be a man in ECE. One advantage is that children learn to bond with other men not just their dads. Moms and dads want their sons and daughters to know how to interact with men. Some families live far apart from their relatives and a male figure isn’t around all the time. A male caregiver can show how to be kind and caring.

"Another advantage is that first-time dads can get parenting advice from a male teacher. Sometimes dads are too embarrassed to ask a female the question. One example is a parent asked me how to heat up breast milk in the warmer because he had no idea what the right temperature was.

"Being a male in ECE also shows dads how to be engaged an active in their child’s life. When I was a teacher, I tried to get input and insights from dads, too, not just moms. Part of being a male in ECE is helping parents with their child. "

Q. Why is play important for children?

"Play is how children explore and process their world. Play allows children to use their imaginations, problem solve and socialize with others. Play can allow children to express themselves. When I was younger, I used to play school with my LEGOs and now I am an early childhood teacher."

Q. What is a favorite memory working with kids?

"My favorite memory is watching my infants go to toddlers at my old center. I was a substitute teacher and there was a cohort of babies who started around same time I did. Watching them grow up and them coming up to hug me and say hi is precious. Just recently I was facetiming with one of the families and their daughter, now 2, remembered me and was talking up a storm."

Q. What is your favorite book to read to kids?

"My favorite book to read is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?"

Q. What are your favorite activities to do with kids?

"I love to do sensory bags and bottles with infants. My favorite is to put shaving cream in a ziplock bag and let the infants feel it."

Q. Anything inspiring to tell anyone thinking of going into this field?

"You must be in it for the right reasons. While the money is not great, there are other rewards that money cannot buy. Being in daycare is a respectful profession."

Q. Anything else you would like to share?

"It takes a special man to be an infant teacher. I would say that if you show parents that you are in the field for the right reason and care about what you do, they will appreciate you in the long run. Children will come to appreciate what you have to offer them, too."

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