What Not to Wear dressing Professinally
Depending on a persons profession, to me would mean how they should dress in the public work place. They should be neat and clean with clothes that fit, match, and free of holes. On this espisode of what not wear, Jennie a 32 year old mother, who had a P H D, was really a sloppy dresser who didn't mind wearing clothes from the thrift store, and off the curb. Buying clothes from the thrift store is fine but, Jennie didn't mind if her clothes had holes in them, she would use pins to close any tears. She also wore clothes that was many sizes to big for her. Jennie is a small woman who is size 0. Jennie didn't think that she was tacky looking. She did not put any thought in what she wore, many of her clothes was ragged.
What Not To Wear with Stacy London and Clinton Kelly has a message for all people, but for the Communications class, the message is particularly vital. Non-verbal communication makes an impression within the first 10 seconds. The childcare professional needs to project a presence in the classroom to build a positive image with clients and the public.
ReplyDeleteThe childcare professional already has the disadvantage with parents and the public because of the societal stereotype of a child care professional as being “just a babysitter” with no marketable job skills and certainly with no education. In order to become credible in the eyes of society, the child care professional should dress in such a way as to convey professionalism and the quality of being approachable. Then, the child care professional will have the chance to partner effectively with parents with a knowledgeable voice.
In What Not To Wear, many examples of sweat pants, tee shirts, ill -fitting jeans or tacky attire filled the screen. Often the people featured had forgotten the importance of self-care, to the point where they had no positive influence as a role model or were unable to advance in their careers because of the unprofessional way in which they presented themselves. The airlines admonition of taking care of yourself before taking care of others is a thread throughout this show. This rule is one that childcare professionals should take to heart.
The child care professional, unless forced to wear a uniform by a company, should avoid scrubs, the attire for a nurse, not a child care professional. Sweats, and tee shirts with logos should also be avoided. If dresses/skirts are worn, they should be of a modest length, but not so long a person trips over them. High heels would be a hazard in the classroom. Flip flops or shoes that leave toes exposed do not belong in the classroom or even in the center. This represents a safety hazard for children and part of the professionals’ job is to lead by example. Of course, the daily sanitizing poses risks for clothing, so of course, the professional wants to avoid ruining silks and wools. One can buy wisely and frugally, but always with the professional look in mind.
Bottom line, LOOK PROFESSIONAL. Clean, neat, put together, Ready to work, ready to play.
This assignment was not for you to tell what the show was about but what it was about FOR YOU. What do you look like when you are a professional? How do the parents treat you when you are in the classroom? Do you get the kind of respect you think you should? What is the message that you send to the public with the way you dress? Are you a professional or merely the babysitter?