exhausted

[MissChris]

I feel things are just not right at my workplace.
First of all, the centre doesn't have heaters (we have -2° in the mornings and 14, 15° during the day) and I have been very sick for the last 3 months.
Second, we don't have staff to cover lunches, which means that I have to stay for an hour with 22 children by myself (2 years old to 4 years old). And the company does not have money to contract more people.
Third, I have more than 38 children in total and getting only 2 hours of programming per week...insane!

I am so stressed...I'm getting sick and I even have nightmares about changing and rinsing with my hands wet/soiled undies as I do it at least 5 or 7 times per day. I wake up dreaming with the children yelling at my face. My assistant works only 5 hours a day and says that she is stressed the whole day. OMG! I swear for God that my body and mind can't handle it anymore...please give me some advice! I really need it :'(

[Lorina]

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through a hard time! Regarding the heaters not all centres have them unfortunately so the colder months get tough. I remember I use to go to work in winter wearing leggings under my jeans, 2 pairs of socks, singlet and long sleeve skivvy under my work shirt, work jacket, winter coat and a scarf. Since it was pretty cold at work I use to wear it all except my coat (until we go outside). I found that working in the cold makes you even more miserable because you just want to lay down in a warm blanket rather than work... Just put on extra layers and keep yourself warm!!

Having staff not covering lunches is very hard! Especially when you are left alone with all those children. Even though the children may be resting, the centre still needs to maintain ratio, so you will need to bring this up to the Director. If the company doesn't have money to contract more people than they would rather break the law and the regulations? That's a lame excuse... Something really needs to be done about it!

With the 2 hours of programming time, this is what is allocated in the Award. Yes, with so many children it is unfair and maybe you can ask for a couple more hours during the week so you can keep your documentation up to date. Also, get your assistant to help with the documentation as well so you don't have to do everything yourself!

It seems like you got quite alot of responsibility to handle! Are you able to share the load with your assistant. Get her to take on a bit more responsibility so you can free yourself up?

It's completely normal you're feeling exhausted and stressed! I remember those dreams! But mine were usually about making sure I locked up everything at the centre before I left and what I'm planning to do for the following day! It's like your brain is always active even when your asleep! By the time you go to work the next day it doesn't feel as if you slept at all!! Childcare is very stressful!!!

I know it can be really hard but as soon as you leave the centre try and switch off! Find something you enjoy doing when you go home go and do it! Never take your work with you from the centre to your home because it can really interfere with your personal life and doesn't give you the opportunity to get away from it all!

I really hope it gets better for you,

,
Lorina

[Lorina]

BTW - How many educators with you in the room, how many children do you have during the day and their ages? Just so I can tell you what the ratio is suupssoed to be so you can bring this issue up with the company if necessary...

,
Lorina