Episode 3: More Than the Help

He supports. He mentors. He nurtures. He leads. But too often, he’s seen as “just” an Educational Assistant.

In this powerful episode of Challenging Class, Cecil sits down with Roy Bailey, a respected EA and mentor, to talk about what it really means to be a Black man in Early Childhood Education.

Roy speaks with honesty and clarity about:

– The stereotypes he faces as a large Black man in a Kindergarten classroom

– The emotional labor and invisible responsibilities of Educational Assistants

– The pay gap and unequal recognition between EAs and teachers

– Why genuine connection—not control—is the key to supporting young learners

– And how learning starts long before a child ever enters the school

This isn’t just an episode about education—it’s about identity, equity, presence, and power.

If you’ve ever worked in a school, raised a child, or questioned how we treat the people who care for our youngest learners—this conversation is for you.🎙️

Challenging Class — Where education meets insight.

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