Men in Early Childhood Education: My Interview With Early Education Worker Jeremy Brailsford! by Mike Prochaska

Jeremy Brailsford is an early education worker in Australia. We went online in a private Facebrook group and he answered my questions about his career in Early Childhood Education!

Q. How do you get into this field?

"I am an ECW (Early Education Worker) and I first got into this field by volunteering at my children’s kindergarten. I was a long-term unemployed parent who didn't really know what career I was after ... I had done a lot of babysitting for friends and it was suggested to do a few days volunteering at my local kindy. From there I was approved by what was then our local district coordinator. Then came my first contact and from that point I haven't looked back."

Q. Where do you currently work?

"I am currently working as an ECW at two preschools in the Northern area, Andrews Farm and Elizabeth East, and they couldn't be more different in regards to family structure. Andrews Farm families are mostly two-parent homes and both working where Elizabeth East there are mostly single-parent homes and very few who work."

Q. What are the advantages of having male teachers?

"As for the advantages of males working in this field, well, they are endless in my opinion, from positive male roles especially in areas where I have been fortunate to work, mainly the North, Elizabeth, Smithfield and surrounding areas."

Q. Do you have any Facebook pages or blogs you would like to share with us?

"I am a subscriber to a few Early Ed pages here on Facebook and to mention a few, they are The MENtor Program for Males in ECE, Early Years Preschool/Kindy Educators Of Adelaide, a godsend if you are looking for relief work, The Empowered Educator Community and Active Childhood UK are all great pages for catching up on all the latest info and advice."

Q. What your best memories working with kids?

"As for favorite memories working with kids, well, they are endless and each day is different, which is why I get such a thrill working with their children and their families. I can confidently [say] that I enjoy my work as much today as I did when I first started, which is 28 years ago, so there must be something I'm doing right."

Q. What age group is favorite?

“I would say preschool age 3-5. I have worked in child care before, but I much prefer the older ones.”