From The Director’s Chair: Job VS. Career!

Julia @ Kids Matter

Have you ever wondered why you got into Early Education? One of the first things you do in class upon starting your collegiate road is you write why you wanted to be an Early Education Major.

Well, why do you? It’s certainly not for the pay. It’s certainly not because one would think, ‘hey, this job will be cake!’, and it’s defiantly not so that you can constantly smell like boogers and green beans! So what is it?

I will tell you what I wrote in my ‘Why I Am An Early Education Teacher’ essay from my first semester in college… the knowing that I was making a difference in a child’s life. To know that one day, the things that you have taught them in circle time will help shape the type of students they will be. Or the manners you insist upon them displaying will one day help shape them as adults.  

So, how does one hire those who want it as a career vs. just a job? Some of you may worry about your payroll budget… I get it! I know that it is much easier to hire an employee anywhere from $7.25 - $8.50 per hour and reserve the bigger payroll for your lead teachers and administrative staff. My advice is simple… College Kids! College kids who are majoring in Elementary Education, Early Education, Family Counseling, Social Work, etc. are the perfect recourse for what you want to achieve in your classrooms without having to face the dreaded payroll budget dragon!

Advertise with the College Newspaper, or in the building where they teach any of the majors listed above. These are kids who want a career with children, and working in a daycare can only further them on their path. They are studying the latest in education and social emotional development, and could bring with them a new way of learning and teaching! Who knows, maybe one day when their college days are over- they could be a lead teacher with your center, and you had a hand in helping them succeed.

If you don’t have a college in your area, you could always check your local high school for students who are on the Work Study or Co-op Programs their senior year. They go to school half the day in the morning, and work in the afternoon. Naturally, per most State Laws until they turn 18 they can’t be left alone with the children, nor do they count in children/teacher ratio numbers. Perhaps a position where they can float between rooms and help teachers during harried times like lunch, snack, potty training, or diaper changing could be a huge help until they are of age and can close down a classroom for you.

Craigslist is typically free in most areas. There are a few MAJOR cities that charge fees to advertise for quality help. However, Craigslist statistically has more views than any of the major job seeking sites. So if you are in a major city that charges, it is very well worth it!  

But let’s not forget you can ALSO advertise with The Child Care Council for free! Find the quality staff you want with CCC. Please feel free to advertise for all available positions at, http://www.childcarecouncilofky.com/go/114/Careers_in_Child_Care.html.

Happy Recruiting!

Spring Training

          Spring! What a glorious time of year! Trees are budding, flowers shooting to the sun, the smell of fresh cut grass and rain tickling its way through an open window. With spring on my mind, I am transported back to my days as a director in Lexington, and all the headaches that can come with it!

          I am thinking of all the things daycare directors go through this time of year! Getting your summer calendars ready, collecting sunscreen application forms, having employees calling in a little more than normal, and so on! Believe me, I've been there!

          I think though, the best foot to put forward as you crack yourselves out of the winter cocoon is to start with the basics… staff! Staffing is vital to a center’s success. Your center cannot run without an educated, compassionate staff. I have a few pointers to help in creating and nurturing the perfect staff!

          Motivating staff starts with a no nonsense attitude when it comes to state policy! Make sure your staff is completely aware of all state regulations by providing them a copy of the licensing regulations upon hiring.  

It can be difficult being an early educator at times. You, as their leader, need to rise to the occasion and comfort them! A really good way is to hold annual reviews in the spring. Ask each employee to review the center and what they would like to see change over the coming months. A group outing is always fun, or perhaps a spring pot luck with a recipe contest.

Training is, in my opinion, the most effective way to build a qualified and creative early education team. It is mandatory that all those who work in Kentucky day cares have 15 training hours per year. If your budget can allow it, host a professional development day. Close your center for a day and provide two training classes. Have one focus on Infant/Toddler and one on Preschool/School Age. After the trainers are gone, break staff into smaller groups. Ask them to plan a whole day’s curriculum and meals around your training topics. Finally, have them present their work to the rest of the staff. This inspires your staff to think outside the box, and gets them motivated to attend more training!

We at The CCC provide some of the best training in the state of Kentucky! We would be more than happy to help you and your team! Check out our Professional Development section of our website.

Julia @ Kids Matter