Looking Professional: ECE Edition
Early childhood educators have an uphill battle fighting the stigma of being glorified babysitters. One way to push back is to approach how we dress for work with intentionality.
It’s easy to throw on leggings and a sweatshirt and put your hair in a messy bun because, let’s be honest, you are going to be on the floor all day playing with kids. It makes sense to be comfortable and sensible.
Unfortunately, people make judgments before they know anything about you. Although convenient clothes make sense to us, a parent may see someone who did not put effort into their appearance and assume that same lack of effort carries into their career. Is that assumption accurate? No. But you may still be walking into the relationship having to prove yourself before you have even opened your mouth.
You see someone in baggy sweatpants, and you may make an assumption. It doesn’t matter whether it’s right or wrong for it to affect that first interaction. Clothing carries associations, and we cannot pretend those associations disappear at the classroom door.
When someone sees an outfit that looks planned and hair that looks cared for, they may approach that person with a different level of respect. Is it fair? No. Do I think we should ignore it because it’s unfair? Also no.
We are already fighting to have our work recognized as education. We are explaining that playing with children requires knowledge, observation, planning, and skill. I don’t want my appearance to become another thing I have to explain before someone takes that expertise seriously.
And no, I am not saying wear heels to chase toddlers or buy a new wardrobe on a childcare salary. You can wear leggings. You can wear comfortable shoes. But comfortable and intentional can exist in the same outfit. Take a few minutes to think about what you are putting on instead of automatically reaching for whatever you slept in.
For me, it goes farther than aesthetics. I feel different when I present myself a certain way. When I take time to get ready, I carry myself differently. I feel more prepared to have a difficult conversation, explain a decision, or stand behind my knowledge.
Looking professional will not make an unqualified person qualified. It will not fix our pay or suddenly make everyone respect early childhood education. But it is something we have some control over in a profession where so much is decided for us.
I know what I bring to a classroom. I have worked for that knowledge, and I want to walk into work looking like I take my role seriously. I am going to sit on the floor, clean up spills, and help children through very messy days. I can do all of that in an outfit I chose with intention.
We ask people to see us as educators. I think it’s worth considering whether the way we show up helps us make that point.
