"The Meaning Behind My Term "Baby Ducks" {long, but worth reading}

So, all of you know I have a heart and a deep passion for working with children, especially those ages 3, 4 & 5. But, did you know I have a deeper passion for those children that need a little more attention than others. I'm talking about those children who may be very shy, may have major behavior issues, sensory issues, ADHD, compulsive or impulsive tendencies, or have learning delays. There has been a few of "those" children who have blessed {yes blessed!} my life when they were at the Preschool. It's kinda when my whole "baby duck" thing started, I would have one or two that needed me more than the others did so, I always referred to them as my "baby duck" and then I slowly started referring to all the children as my "baby ducks" because they all need me in one way or another.

I'm not going to lie to you, some days those with the major behavior problems or compulsive or impulsive tendencies would be quite a challenge and I would have to dig deep for patience. But, it was always worth it! I have cried many times watching a child succeed, grow, overcome, and gain self esteem from the love, time, attention, discipline, teaching, and patience I have given to them. My staff has always recognized my passion for helping these "baby ducks", they have always supported me and have even learned the importance of why I do what I do. A few years ago I worked with a young man "Mr. Tony" {Miss Mary's son} who was a great teacher, I loved working with Tony and much like me also had a passion for baby ducks. One year he and I had 2 baby ducks at the Preschool and half way through the year we had to let one go due to circumstances that could not be resolved. We both had broken hearts over that and cried when we had to say good bye.

Even as I write this and I think back on some of my baby ducks I could cry over the accomplishments they made through the love bestowed on them at the Preschool. I remember one particular "baby duck" who had learning delays along with sensory, compulsive and impulsive issues finally writing his name for the first time and stuck his thumb up in the air and said "Look I finally did it, I'm a genius"!!!! Even now the memory of that brings tears to my eyes.

Several years ago I was asked to write an article for a Early Childhood Magazine. They wanted me to write about my "Problem Students"...ha!!! I didn't write my article on my "Problem Students" but I did write it on my "Baby Ducks".

This year my baby duck has come in the form of a high school senior. I participate in a program that Mount Dora High School has where they allow high school seniors to fulfill a class in a field they are interested in. Before I allow any student to come to the Preschool I am very firm with the instructor on "My Rules" and I also interview the students. First and foremost my responsibilities are to the children at the Preschool, anything I can do for others comes far after the children.

This year I have 3 girls coming over from the High School. I do have guidelines the girls must follow such as they are not allowed to be alone with the friends, they are not responsible for teaching a class, and they aren't allowed to do the other teachers dirty work..HA! They are there to learn from us, observe, help with "crowd control", help with art projects and to interact with the children. Two of these girls are considered regular mainstreamed seniors and the other is labeled as "special needs".

When I first spoke with the teacher that oversees this program every time she spoke about this girl she would say "special needs" in an almost whisper, which I found odd and began to irritate me. So, I finally said well before I agree to have her come over just what are her "special needs"? Is she in wheelchair, will she be able to walk up and down a ramp un assisted, will the children be safe around her, will she be safe....what???? She said {again in a whisper} ohhh...no nothing like that she's just "special learning needs" so, I reply by saying "Oh, you mean she's a baby duck", sure send her over and I'll talk with her! The teacher said "HUH"? after I explained she said well she doesn't talk much, and when she does she speaks very softly, so just let her sweep, or do some cleaning, or have her cut things out for you. She already took the program for being an Asst. Preschool Teacher but, failed the test so, there isn't much we can do. "What????? Isn't much we can do"???

All 3 of the girls have been an actual blessing to us, and all are very helpful to us and already love the friends. The one "senior baby duck" is indeed quiet and said little to nothing to me or anyone else the first day. I explained to the other teachers that I was keeping her with me, not that I doubted her or did not trust her, but that I was going to get her to open up to me. So, she helped me all week cleaning up from Tea Party, doing dishes, setting up for group etc. After I talked her ear off all week here's a few things I learned about her:

Just from watching her I knew she had no self esteem, considered herself stupid, ugly, fat, is very self conscious of herself and has little to no self worth. I learned that she lives with her mom, has no boyfriend, but has a best friend. I also learned from her that she failed the "special test" that would make her a teacher helper. I asked if she was taking the test again, she just put her head down and shook her head no and mumbled that she was too "stupid". I very gently touched her arm and said I don't like that word. I asked if you had someone help you would you try and take the test again? She just shrugged and I well I'm going to help you and so will Miss Mary and Miss Carmen.

I have this thing I say to the friends...I say I don't want to hear "I can't" or "I don't know how" I want to hear "I'll try" or I'm doing my best".

By the end of the week I saw that she was beginning to talk to the other girls that came over with her from the High School, at times smiling at and talking to the friends and being a "teachers helper" by reminding the friends to sit quietly or asking them their names. I asked her to prepare an art project for me and she said "I will try". I also learned that she loves going to her Church and that she is in the choir. I'd say all in all I made progress with my baby duck. I'm determined to help this girl feel better about herself, pass that test and help get her placed in a center with others that will continue to build her self esteem.