O/T - Daycare...Has anyone worked in one?

[JustABernieFan]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 2:04pm

I'm currently looking for a job. With a bus mgmt degree, I'm interested in working at a daycare center. Don't have any resume experience working w/children - just want to see how it is. Should it go well, I might thinking about opening one up in the future and manage it.

However, I'm curious - has anyone worked in one? And would they bother hiring someone that does not have any experience in child education/development? I'm more into looking for a supervisor/assistant position around the Staten Island area. Thank you for any advice.

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 2:13pm

I worked at a daycare the summer after my freshman year of college. It may be difficult to get a position of center director/assistant, or even classroom teacher without at least some experience in education/child development.....but they seemed to be willing to hire anybody for the assistant teacher, classroom aide positions. Once you're in, it is easier to work your way up.

[JustABernieFan]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 2:19pm

Hi, thanks for your help. I was actually speaking in terms of child supervision. Isn't an assistant/supervisor assigned 2 or 3 children, let's say, to look after? Or do they teach school work at daycare centers too? I'm trying to learn exactly what goes on; that way I may have a clear idea of how to express my interest in working there.

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 2:27pm

"Hi, thanks for your help. I was actually speaking in terms of child supervision. Isn't an assistant/supervisor assigned 2 or 3 children, let's say, to look after? Or do they teach school work at daycare centers too? I'm trying to learn exactly what goes on; that way I may have a clear idea of how to express my interest in working there."

Depends on both the center and the state. In MN, for example, there was one adult in the room (teacher, assistant, aide, whatever) for every 5 infants in the room, 8 toddlers, 10 preschool, and 15 school-age (K and above). There are different levels basically of job title (and pay scale), though there isn't a huge difference in responsibility. There are teachers (often licensed though not the same way public school teachers are licensed), assistant teachers (unlicensed, but usually with some education/child development post-secondary credits to their name) and aides (no credits).

Most centers teach some sort of preschool style curriculum. But, again, this depends on the daycare center.

I worked in the school-age room as an assistant teacher at the center I was employed at (it was summer, so they were there all day), and was often alone in the room with 15 screaming K-5th graders.

[JustABernieFan]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 2:37pm

Wow, that must have been some ordeal, heheh. Esp. some at that age begin to talk back to you and you can't do anything!

These in Staten Island look very tiny, and I see one in every couple blocks. I guess in my mind, I have an image where you sit with them, have play time, art time, nap time, etc, and you just supervise that. Am I wrong?

[SweetQintheLights]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 2:48pm

Yes- I worked at one in the summer's of my Freshman, sophmore and senior years in HS.

The first year I volunteered so, by the next summer, I kinda was bumped up automatically.

As Colleen said: "for every 5 infants in the room, 8 toddlers, 10 preschool, and 15 school-age (K and above)"

That is around the general amount. For where I worked I think it was like 1 down from each of those numbers.

I loved working there but be ready to work your butt off every single day. It's much harder than it looks.
Kids seem so cute and innocent...well, you just wait and see those brats.

One infant cries, they all do. You pick one up, the all hang on your leg. One toddler sits on your lap, they all scream and want to sit on your lap, one pre-schooler hits another, they all do...it's all a chain reaction.

I worked in all the rooms- infants, toddlers and pre-k. They all have some kind of issues. You even get to quickly learn each kid.

On the other hand, it's quite a rewarding experience and you can get plenty of babysitting jobs from it!

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 2:51pm

I wouldn't say you are wrong, but keep in mind there are also runny noses, depending on the age, diaper changes & potty time, bites, crying...it can be quite the ordeal. I had two year olds when I was in college and we had 8 to 1, I think. And honestly, much of the time, centers are not looking for college degrees. They are looking for who they can pay the least amount of money to. When I was in the field, pay started at minimum wage and went up very very slightly from there.

Updated On: 3/9/06 at 02:51 PM

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 3:15pm

"When I was in the field, pay started at minimum wage and went up very very slightly from there."

Very true. That was the lowest paying job I ever held. I think it was $6/hr (state minimum wage was $5.75 at the time).

It's rewarding but HARD work.

[JustABernieFan]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 3:42pm

Thank you so much guys. You're putting things into perspective for me. I tended to forget diaper changes and bites - could you tell how clueless I am :)

Money is not an issue at the moment; however, I was thinking it to be a temporary thing I could be a part of. But I also don't want to invest my time in something that I might have to give up soon.

I'm assuming you cannot choose an age group to look after, right? And how do you deal with the bites & sreams? I'm a very patient person, but I do have a pet peeve about children that lack manners. Not that I would have any control over the manners part...

[Millie42]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 3:53pm

I'm probably echoing much of what has been said, but it completely depends on the area and the quality of the center.

For instance, in a 5-star center, points are awarded for staff education, so lead teachers are usually encouraged to work on a degree if they do not already have one. There are very strict guidelines to be followed regarding anything from child-teacher ratios to diaper changing to handwashing.

If you are looking at a quality center, the best thing is probably to ask to volunteer or substitute. If you have no direct childcare experience and don't personally know the director, the odds of being hired are probably slim.
Stating that you are currently taking classes would be a good thing. And having CPR, SIDS, First aid,etc. certificates would certainly help.

Again all of this depends on the individual center policies.

Oh, and to be safe, I wouldn't call it a 'daycare' unless that is actually in the title. 'Preschool' is ok but most 4/5-star places refer to themselves as "Child development centers." Directors tend to hate the world "daycare."

Hope this is helpful.

[Millie42]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 3:56pm

If you are looking for temporary work then substituting or something like a summer camp are the most likely possibilities.
Unless a center is having a big shortage and immediately needs help, short-term workers are not desireable. Classroom dynamics are very changed with the addition/absence of a teacher... especially with younger children. Most centers like to create the most stable environment possible.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 4:07pm

I work in a child care center now. I agree with Millie, I think your original question depends on the center where you're trying to get a job. But I think as long as you're willing and able and know SOMETHING about children, you should be able to find something, or at least find a gateway job to allow you room to improve.

Oh, and the diapers and the screaming isn't the worst part for me. You will get sick. Some kid coughs without covering his mouth and you're in bed for 3 weeks with ebola. Become best friends with your hand sanitizer.

Updated On: 3/9/06 at 04:07 PM

[JustABernieFan]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 4:19pm

Oh my, I didn't think about getting sick either! Wow. And I don't have health insurance at the moment....:)

Okay, i'm still willing to make a go of it. I guess, just submit a couple resumes and get ready for low pay and hard work?
Is this a 9 - 5 job, I wanted to ask before.

[Link Larkin Wanabe]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 4:29pm

The daycare we have used and loved is run out of a private home. The lady running it has a small kid of her own, the approximate age of ours and then she has a few other clients around. It has worked out perfectly because the setting is intimate, and the small number of kids makes for good social interaction, and proper supervision. She totally knows any medical and dietary issues off by heart and we trust her fully.

This might be a good idea if you are thinking of starting up a business. It is more feasable because you don't have to pay for a seperate location. But you do have to make sure your home is inviting and child-proof.

Akiva

[JustABernieFan]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 4:38pm

Thanks for the info...no I don't have the intention to start one from home! Actually I have an aunt in real estate that could help me find a place.

I was more interested in how it is to work in one. I guess the only way is to apply to one. And it's a 9 - 5 job, or do you choose your hours?

[Millie42]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 4:54pm

Well, once again, it varies on the center... but I have never heard of a 9-5 one, honestly.

For instance, in my center, we are open 7:30-5:30. there are 2 teachers per room. One works 7:30-4:30, the other 8:30-5:30.
This allows an hour break during naptime (which, believe me, you will need b/c it is VERY tiring work). It's possible you could find a 9-5 one... just dont anticipate it.
To continue the feeling of stability it is best to have the smallest number of people rotating in and out of a classroom.

[starsprite]

Posted: 3/9/06 at 11:47pm

I've worked at a Montessori child care centre for the past year and a half now, and I absolutely love it. The worst part is definitely getting sick though. I used to get sick maybe once or twice a year. Now I'm lucky if I can go two months without getting sick.

One thing you should look into, if you don't already have it, is your first aid for children because I don't know any child care centres that will hire people without their Child Safe...but this may be different for the states. I'm from Canada.

Let us know how your search goes and I hope it all works out for you!

[SweetQintheLights]

Posted: 3/10/06 at 12:37am

Trust me, you don't want this as a 9-5 job. Thats probably why no places have the 'normal 9-5'

Usually I worked Mon, Wed, Fri in the mornings (7:30- 12:00) with half hour break around 10:00.

Tues and Thurs I worked from 12-6.
Uhh- those were the long days but I got 2 breaks.

As hard as it is, it really is rewarding. Yes, changing diapers is kinda gross, giving bottles and feeding them baby food isnt always thrilling but the smiles you get from the babies and children make it all worth while. And even when the kids hang on you and it's annoying, you really know that you love it.

I would leave everyday exausted but I'd go home and miss those kids so so much.