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Job Title: Teacher
Type of Company: I work for a privately-owned daycare center in the suburbs of Boston.
Education: AA, Early Childhood Education, Aquinas College •• (Milton, MA) •• AS, Cosmetology, Peabody School (Norwood, MA)
Previous Experience: I was an intern at a pre-school, then an assistant and later became a teacher and a lead teacher, all in the same school.
Job Tasks: I am a lead Teacher in a pre-school. I care for children that are three years old. I write a newsletter to parents, do a monthly/weekly curriculum. I manage two full-time teachers and three assistants. I have parent and staff meetings. I fill out progress reports twice a year. I follow OCCs and NAEYC guidelines. I provide a safe and nurturing environment, while trying to teach children basic help skills and build self-esteem on a daily basis.
Each day, I welcome the children to school and plan a project for the children to create. I have circle time on the rug where we read a story, sing and talk. We go outside two times a day and work together on our gross motor skills. At noon we have lunch and then we put all the children down to nap. While the kids are napping, I write each parent a note about their child's day and we try to get items prepared for the next project. It is always busy and there is always something to do. We have a lot of daily paperwork and many things to document. It's a long day but worthwhile.
Best and Worst Parts of the Job: The worst part of the job is the amount of paperwork and all the rules that need to be followed. There is never enough time to do the paperwork.
The best part is the children and how much they love to learn. Children are by nature very happy and to work with them and see them grow is just wonderful. Also the staff that you work with are caring and they want to have fun too, so each day is exciting and fun.
Job Tips:
1. Always be open to learning from another teacher.
2. Enjoy the children while you try to teach.
3. You must be a teacher in your heart. Anyone can be a teacher on paper.
4. Get as much education as you can. Daycare jobs often require degrees now.
Additional Thoughts: To do this job, you must like children. It is hard and long. There is never enough staff to cover days off. You are needed every day. The job is low-paying and turn-over rate is high. But, if you love children, teaching, smiling and laughing, this job is tops! I've been doing it for 16 years and I love every day of it and I can't imagine doing anything else.
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