A positive role model is a person whom others can look up to, possessing admirable qualities and behaviors. High-impact role models in the world of early childhood education help students emulate those same admirable behaviors with their peers, families, and communities. Early childhood education providers play a significant role in the lives of young children by motivating them, inspiring them, and helping them see their greatest potential. These exceptional early childhood education role models typically demonstrate integrity, empathy, and a passion for learning, and they help the young children they serve embody these same characteristics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, fewer than 3 percent of preschool and kindergarten teachers were male (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019), making up a very small percentage of the presence in our early childhood programs. While all early childhood education personnel have the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of young children, children need to be immersed in a world with both male and female caregivers. A world where they can see themselves reflected in the people who are nurturing, teaching, and leading them.

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