Listening to day care educators in their work experiences

Katharina Elisabeth Arnold Beraldo
Centro Universitário FIEO e Universidade de São Paulo

Ana Maria Almeida Carvalho
Universidade Católica do Salvador e Universidade de São Paulo

Abstract

This study interviewed day care educators in focus groups as well as individually, investigating perceived sources of satisfaction, dissatisfaction, stress, coping strategies, and other relevant information, aiming at better understanding the day care educators’ work. The present paper synthesizes results of a qualitative data analysis related to sources of satisfaction, dissatisfaction and stress. The child is the main source of satisfaction, although also a motive of concern. Dissatisfaction derives primarily from social devaluation of their work daily expressed in interactions with children’s families. Interpersonal relationships are the most important factors of both satisfaction and stress. Results of this study are expected to subside the outlining of actions that may favor workers’ life quality in the day care as well as desired social and educational results.

Keywords: Educators, Day care centers, Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction, Occupational stress.

Beraldo, K. E. A., & Carvalho, A. M. A. (2006). Ouvindo educadoras de creche sobre suas experiências no trabalho. Temas em Psicologia, 14(1), 35-49.