Hi!
I've been working at the same early childhood center for over two years. About one year ago, I began picking up a two girls before school. I wake them up, get them ready and we're off. The family pays me well for doing this every morning and it has been a nice supplement to my income. Now, the family has asked me to nanny for the two girls and is willing to pay me 10000 more a year than what I am making now. This is a hard offer to refuse as ECE teachers don't make much to begin with. I would absolutely LOVE this opportunity but I'm afraid it's unethical. I didn't pursue them but none the less, I don't want my employer to be upset. I am very valued at my work and would be leaving along with a family from my school. There is a waiting list to get into the school so I don't think the school would go broke, but I think thats beside the point. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Erika

symone91

I know how you feel because I used to be a Preschool Teacher, but had to leave because the pay was awful. I loved the job and it was so rewarding, but I felt that I shouldn't have to struggle to live, after working with children all day. Personally, I would take the family up on their offer. You didn't solicit the offer, they came to you. Like you said, there are always children on a waiting list and they school definitely won't suffer. The slot will be filled in no time. You have to think about your financial well being and based on what Teachers are being paid, if you don't look out for yourself, no one else will.

Fr_Chuck

No this is just business, and it is how it is done, they want a Nanny, and they want someone with the exact qualities you have.

As a business person, I often make job offers to people in firms that compete with me, so I can get the best person,

This is a commom business practice, esp in the US, and there is no ethics issues at least in the US,

NYTeacher

As a fellow ECE teacher I would have to say that you need to think of your own needs. ECE teachers, by nature, are giving and selfless. That's what makes them so great at what they do! But, you have to think of this opportunity from a different perspective...yes, you are valued by your employer, but, are they as concerned about losing you as you are about leaving them? If they truly need/want your services they will match what the family has offered you. If not, the school will carry on, they will find someone new and you will be on your way to making more money.

The only question I have, is this the direction you want to go in? Turning to a nanny position might make it harder to find a teaching position later on down the road. Schools will always have children, but this family that wants you will find a time when they no longer need your services because their children have grown. Also, will your future emplyer offer you health benefits?

It's a big switch and worth putting some thought into. However, I wouldn't take your current employer's feelings into account when your welfare is at stake.