What is it like to work at kindercare/any daycare?

Question

I'm thinking about working a daycare after school, but I want to know what its like first. Whats the best/worst things about it? What suggestions would you make?

Answer 1

first of all, you must enjoy it and be passionate about it.

it's wonderful to watch the children grow, experiencing the uniqueness of each child. it's great to sit back and laugh with the children. there are many laughable moments. it's rewarding to make a difference in someone's life. there are many teachable moments to be shared. working with young children helps keep you focused on the important things in life and realize the trivial things in life aren't really what it's about.

some downfalls (or they may be seen as downfalls by some)...it's very tiring. the parents...some parents are hard to communicate with and communication is a necessity. there are always children who will challenge you (personally, i think this can be turned in to a positive). a lot of kids in one room can be a bit much at time.

the pros definitely outweighs the cons...just make sure it's for you.

you'll know.

good luck!!! :)

Answer 2

for me, the goods outweigh the bads. i am an elementary education major in college, i am starting my senior year and i have worked at a preschool all throughout college. i work mainly with the 2 year olds, that's where i have been for the majority of my time but i have spent many days in different classrooms starting with the 6 week olds all the way on up to the 4 year olds. to me, the 2 year olds hold a special place in my heart.... it's a critical time in their life, they're becoming very independent, they are speaking more, and their starting to be big boys and girls by using the potty. the pros are definitely the unconditional love you get from them, watching them grow (it really is amazing) and everyday is something different. which can be good or bad! but it's always a surprise! the cons are definitely the low pay.... like i said, i've worked at this preschool (one of the best in the country) and after 3 years i am only getting paid $8.50 an hour.... but i don't do it for the money. like someone else mentioned, the parents can sometimes be worse than the kids.... but just get to know them and keep the lines of communication open with them and you should be set!!

don't get into this profession if you're unsure. the children need someone who is reliable and that is there for them and knows their best interest. it is not an easy job and it's often underappreciated but i wouldn't trade it for the world...

good luck!!

Answer 3

you need to have a 'want' to work with kids to do this job.  if you've never worked with kids before, give it a shot and if you don't like it you can quit.  but give it everything you have while you're there.

pros: kids are usually delightful, no nights or weekends, you can have fun while you work

cons: parents can be snippy, co-workers can be snipey, low paying

Answer 4

I love it, but the pay, as everyone mentioned, is not good. And it's a lot more complicated than you would think. You don't just play with kids all day. You change diapers/clothes, teach, discipline, socialize, mentor, etc. You deal with parents, who can be very testy or rude, and you may even deal with children with special needs or behavioral needs. It's a very complicated job that you do not get much money for. But, in my opinion, it's worth it. I love my job. I don't plan on staying in this field, but I have found it to be rewarding. The good has outweighed the bad by far.  

Answer 5

Just know that you will never make a lot of money. And if you are okay with this and you really like children you will be fine.  When I first started at my child development center, I got really sick.  You kind of have to build up your immune system as you work there, because obviously lots of sickness goes through.  Now, almost 3 years later, I hardly ever get sick.  The hours tend to be long, because you run on ratio.  So if parents are late picking up, then you have to stay, and sometimes you cannot predict when children will leave.  At my center, we do a lot of messy play (paint, sensory table, outside play, etc.).  So be prepared to get messy and be hands on with the children as they do.  You will want to find out if the center is a play based learning center.  I prefer the play based centers, because research shows that children learn best this way.  Find out what age group you prefer, because there really is a difference between each year in the first five years.  Tour several centers before applying for a job, because not all centers are the same.  Find one that you really like and then apply there.  You will also need to find out the state requirements that you may need to abide by to work there.  Most states require training hours in early childhood, CPR, first aid, and blood bourne pathogen- but most centers will pay for you do get all these after you start.  Good luck.  Hope you find something that you like.

Answer 6

Put it this way -> you will only do this job for your love of children, not for the money. It is a VERY low paying job, an assistant is paid around the same as a checkout chick (great for the people who are the first ones to help in raising the adults of tomorrow.)

Most of the time it is highly rewarding, watching as the children grow and learn and knowing that you taught them that new song or how to pedal a bike etc, and the bonds that grow between you and the children in your care. But you must have a love of children to be interested so I will leave all the positives summed up as you have a fair idea of what they are.

I'll warn you of the downsides moreso because they are the things you don't often think of before starting the job. You have to have a very high level of patience, you will be dealing with temper tantrums, biting, children wetting their pants 3 times a day just after they have gotten off of the toilet, being thrown up on, having children yell and scream if they don't get their own way, parents who don't have an apparent interest in their child's development and one of the hardest parts is having to be at work at 6:00am some days (so early mornings) and finish at 6:30pm others (so late nights.) I don't want to scare you away from childcare as we need as many more good people willing to stay in childcare. Oh and also you need to be quick and thorough and WILLING to do cleaning, even toilets.

It certainly helps working with your preferred age group and with someone who you get along with and is open to new ideas and input (I think I'm quite lucky to have someone so easy to work with.)

My suggestion to you would be to call around some centres (especially if they are looking for someone to put onto a traineeship) and say that you are thinking about childcare work and would they be willing to allow you to do a week of work experience to see if you like it.

Good luck! if you think you can handle the 'negatives' then it will be a mainly fun, positive and rewarding experience for yoou. As for the money, if the job makes you happy, better be happy and poor than rich and miserable!