Any tips for just starting out part-time with a day care?

Question

I start next week working for a day care. Any tips?

I'm not starting my own, just going to work for one.

Answer 1

i've worked in many different child care centers over several years. here's my top ten tips.

1. AVOID AVOID AVOID the drama of other co-workers. maintain a civil and respectful working relationship with them.

2. keep a sense of humor. you can decide whether "johnny" scattering the tissues all over the room is funny or pisses you off (so long as you don't laugh/yell at johnny)

3. try not to take it personally. the kids are going to push you and test you to find your weaknesses. don't let them find your weak spots!

4. be creative. yes, sing all the old standards, play the same games you played in kindergarten. continuity is a good thing. but try something fun and different. you'd be amazed how long a couple cans of shaving cream with a few drops of food coloring can entertain. let them "wash" the legos, or "paint" with it on paper. shaving cream is safe, non toxic, won't stain their clothes and makes your room and kids smell great!!!

5. it's okay to laugh at yourself. a couple years ago i fell and skinned my knees in front of ALL my three year olds. they thought it was great!

6. remember you can't fix everything. there will be some things/ some kids you can't help. that's okay. find someone who can

7. acknowledge that the majority of the parents will drive you crazy. i.e. ms smith is ALWAYS bringing johnny in late, mr jones forgot to bring diapers again, ms brown ignores me when i'm trying to tell her something. it happens. do what you can to communicate with the parents. if you're having trouble with a particular parent, ask your director for help.

8. ask your director for help. that's what he/she is there for. it's your director's job to facilitate the best environment for his/her employees and children.

9. take a time out. when you go on your lunch break- LEAVE! even if you just go sit in your car. you NEED that time to regroup. child care is one of the most stressful jobs there is, but the most rewarding. the kids can make you want to tear your hair out, but there is no feeling better than when all you do is step into a room and ten kids stop what they're doing and run to give you a hug JUST because they love you. i quit childcare almost a year ago to go back to school, and my daughter still goes there. "my kids" STILL remember me, and STILL come running to me....i love it. and don't get me started in on what happens if they see me in walmart.....lol

10. keep it positive. notice that during this whole thing, i stated things in a positive manner (i.e. instead of saying "don't", i used other phrasing). kids respond better to positive phrasing. you can say "don't climb on that!!!" or you can say "keep your feet on the floor".


good luck!!

one last thing. i don't know you at all, so understand that this is a general caution and not a personal attack, but i do feel the need to say this: working in child care is not for everyone. if you find it's "not for you", you shouldn't feel bad. it doesn't mean you're not a good person/don't work well with children/won't be a good parent. it just means that your many talents are destined for another venue.

Answer 2

Are you starting your own day care in your home or working for another day care. You have to have a background check & be finger printed before entering any school or child care facility.
And the most important quality you need is patience.
We all could use a little more patience.
Good luck & have fun!!

Answer 3

Get your immunizations up-to-date and get a TB skin test from your doctor or the public health unit. Read a book about what to expect at the age of the children you will be caring for. A great set of books is called "What to Expect _______ (the first year, etc.) This book is a must have as it includes developmental stages and makes suggestions of age-appropriate activities. The last thing I'd suggest is to invest in a book about activities and games for kids. It will help if you have a game or activity to do the first day to help break the ice.

Answer 4

Tips: Dress comfortably in things you don't mind getting dirty (paint, mud, markers, snot, etc.).
~Be prepared to be sick alot in the beginning. After a month or so, you won't get sick anymore. You're immune system will be able to handle anything!
~Whatever the age you'll work with, be involved.
~Hug, smile, praise, correct them gently, appeal to their natural curiosity.
~Acknowledge the fact that kids are loud, unorganized, and generally follow your example so set a good one. ~IMPORTANT.....Kids will pick up on your mood. If you're a high strung person, they'll display more energy, stronger reactions, and moodiness. If you're calm and don't get your feathers ruffled when a kid pours paint on the floor, they'll start to do the same. Anyway, if that happens, a grown-up fit won't help things, you just clean it up (with the kid or kids) and ask the kid how it happened and if he can do something different to make sure it won't happen again.
Kids are our hope for a better future. They'll learn how to be adults based on the adults they're around. Put your 2 cents worth in and make it count. You've got a very important job. Enjoy!

Answer 5

You must have A LOT OF PATIENCE to care for other people's children. If you really love children then you will have no problem, you will encounter many different types of parents ( good and bad) just remember when dealing with all types of people be professional!!! Remember the confidently factor as well!!!

Answer 6

Try not to let any of the kids pull those heart strings.. You have to remember they all need your attention... Yes, your gonna find the one that you just "fall in love " with.. but try not to make them the noticable favorite... and dont judge the kids how they are dressed... some people dont put good clothes on their kids when they know they are gonna get dirty... be patient..I think that is the main thing.. be patient...have fun..enjoy teaching them new things.. its a blast

Answer 7

Treat them as you wish to be treated. Good Luck. Remember super nanny is out there. If all things fail get her help.

Answer 8

i think you must have certain things done in your house health department is very sticky how you have your place prepared unless you go under table than is diffrent story

Answer 9

be nice to the kids, dont steal their milk adn cookies, lol just dont be urself, be nice nad gentle

Answer 10

yep, just take one day @ a time