Preschool vs LDC

[megs_95]

I've been wondering recently about the differences between working in preschools (9am-3pm, 3-5 years type) and working in LDC. Is it quite different? If you've experienced both, which did you prefer? Plus, do people work full time at a preschool (e.g. working 8-4 in a 9-3 school) or is it more part-time work?

[Lorina]

I always feel that there is a misconception among parents that children within the preschool room in an LDC are at a disadvantage than those attending a specific preschool centre. There is no difference between the both except obviously the extended hours and having other age groups within the LDC. So many times I have had discussions with parents wanting to send their child off to a "proper preschool" before school starts. It really frustrates me and parents are quite surprised once they understand the "preschool program" (within LDC). It doesn't matter on whether a child goes to a preschool in an LDC or in a preschool centre, the big difference is the educators and how they implement the child's learning and development before starting school.. Sorry just having a rant and wanting to get my opinion out there!

I think it may depend on the different "preschools" but you can still work a 38 hour shift each week. When the preschoolers finish at 3 pm for the day the extra hour usually goes into cleaning, setting up for the next day, meetings, paperwork etc. So, I think the benefit would be in "preschool" you may get extra time during the day to get work done and of course you will probably finish work by 4 at the latest.

It's good to broaden your horizons and give it a go for a year or so to see how you like it... Once you had a taste at different types of educational settings then you can decide what you want to do in your career as in work in LDC, Preschool, OOSH etc.

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L.A