Is this daycare right for me?

Question

I am going to school for Early Childhood Education.

I just started at a center, but Idon't know if want my first expierence to be there.

At my interview I asked to be with 3-schoolagers, and they put my with older infants -18 month olds.

On my second day here, the lady who runs the center approached me and said someone over heard me saying"just ******* sit down" to a child. I didn't think it was funny. I told her I would never use that word in fron of a child, or a substatute for that word. If I did cut my finger or something and say "****" I would apologize to the children, say that teacher had a potty mouth, and I would sit down and discuss why we don't use words like that.

In the rooms the staff didn't even introduce themselves or talk to me the entire day, other tan telling my to go get this or go get that.

would you start you career here? Or would you agree that these are pretty big red lags?

Answer 1

Well... I'm in early childhood and I think that there are many wonderful programs out there but unfortunately I've seen many a daycare that doesn't meet my expectations and I can understand why daycares often have a bad reputation.  I would suggest, as another did, you look for a work place that has similar philosophies and values...I would go as far as observing before accepting a position.  

As for being put in with older infants and not school-agers...well...that's life in a daycare, unfortunately. It was one of the things I despised the most...being rotated and going in as an assitant...it's going to be that way in most day care settings.  You may wish to consider it as "furthering your education"...you do want experience with every age.  Maybe you wish to consider a Head Start program (Associate's) or a state funded program... you need at least a CDA or equivalent to be an associate.  If you wish to work with school-agers...consider and before-and after school program.  Usually found within larger school districts.   Private preschools and not daycares is another avenue to look into...if you are wishing to be with the same team/children and there is a higher respect than that of daycares.  Probably not much help to you...sorry...good luck.

Answer 2

From what I am hearing this daycare is not the right place for you and most importantly for the children.  Finding a job as a childcare worker or preschool teacher has to be one that you feel comfortable with and one that follows the same philoshophy as you do.  I would definitely start looking somewhere else, but before leaving this place I would talk to the director and tell her my concerns.  Believe me this is not a great preschool (no interaction among the children, come on thats the most important skill for them).

Answer 3

I currently run a home daycare and had worked in a center - I hated it w/ so many families you truly can't develop a relationship w/ each child or parent and if you are in chid care for the children it never changes people don't respect us and we are on our own Good Luck.  Home Day care is better but there is no security in your job but you can pick and choose who you care for.

We always get a bad wrap

Answer 4

No, stick to your placement - you will learn a lot! As a graduate myself, I learnt the most from the excellent centres AND the really abominable ones. Do talk to your supervisor and tell them your concerns. The chances are though, that they will already know if the centre is a bad one - they would have had other students through telling of similar problems.

It may not be a pleasant placement, but make it a valuable one none-the-less. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I would definitely find a different job/career, one where you would be happy, and in a good environment. I recently changed jobs from one daycare to another daycare, b/c the old daycare closed. I am so happy with the daycare that i am at, and my boss is absolutly fabulous. She is so energetic, and constantly playing with the kids. Our communication between each other is fantastic. There are daycares out there, where the people are friendly, so keep looking. Good Luck.

Answer 6

I don't like where you are doing your placement just from hearing it. Have you told your college teacher what's going on at the centre? First of all the staff shouldn't be making up lies about what you said. Second of all, it is common courtesy to greet someone coming into the room. As for being put in the Infant room what age group were you supposed to be with at this placement? Your college teacher should have given the supervisor these details before your first day. You are there to learn and not be their personal errands girl.

I wouldn't want to work there from the sounds of it and I've had an experience at a centre where people were like that and I had to LEAVE! If you feel you are being mistreated you need to tell your college teacher. Never settle to work somewhere you are being mistreated.

Answer 7

what ever you want, it shounds like you need to try a few more days till u can tell.

Answer 8

I would leave and find another setting...you have to be happy and content or the kids will pick up on your negative feelings...also do your want your first work experiences of childcare to be this? You may find yourself picking up bad habits.

Maybe speak to your tutor at college and explain whats going on-they may find you another placement.

Answer 9

Put a great big smile on your face, have a wonderful attitude, and perhaps the rest of the staff will follow your lead.

Answer 10

i think that by you coming here and asking, you have answered your own question. you know this isn't the right place for you. you don't feel welcomed or appreciated. it sounds like it is not a warm or welcoming place for children, either.

i like how someone else mentioned that you don't want to be associated with a day care that might have a bad reputation.

it sounds like you know from your education that this isn't the place to be. as for getting put with the older infants. . . that's going to happen anywhere you go, just starting out. . . you'll just be put where they need you.

there are places that are specifically preschools and have after school programs for school-age kids. look into getting employed at one for the summer to get your foot in the door. start by applying at places that are NAEYC accredited. those are the preschools that you want to be associated with.

how long have you been at the center? if you have a rapport with the parents and have concerns with the level of care, you might consider speaking to the board about why you are leaving.

like i said, though, i think you know what you need to do. you're smart enough to know what's right and wrong for you and the children at that center.

good luck

Answer 11

I don't like the school already, and I don't even have to go there!

I would suggest finding a school whose policies (academic, social, etc) you truly agree with.  Find out about the style of curriculum, which will give a hint as to other things, like discipline, general philosophy on young children, etc.  Not everyone in the business is truly qualified/talented to work with such precious gems in such a delicate phase of life.  The schools that understand their role in the whole scope of life and the world present the best to our primary schools.

Good luck!

Answer 12

Your education should tell you this is not a thriving environment for children and get yourself out of there. You don't want your career to be associated with their name.  Tell people who ask you why you left exactly why you left - I can't stand the daycares who are making a bad name for early childhood - they are too many out there and not enough good ones.