Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Posted: **Wed Sep 15, 2010 8:50 pm**

Hi there,
My placement in a child care centre with toddlers has been tough but the children are adorable (when they're behaving!!). I have learned a lot, and a lot about myself as well. I have learned I have a genuine love for children which can see me through some crappy days. I can be patient and keep a smile on my face even though I really want to 'chuck a tantie'. And I've learned the value of the training we get. In my case a certificate III. I wouldn't want to step into a child care centre without it!!
Cheers.
- Ugatha.

Posted: **Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:42 am**

Welcome back Ugatha..

Thank you so much for sharing...Its always good to see our users coming back to the site and sharing experiences. This will guide and help other childcare professionals out there..

Glad you enjoy working in childcare! Yes, at times the children do drive you crazy but it's definitely all part of the fun...hehehe...

Each child is such an individual with their own character and personality...most of the time I spend my time laughing at the unbelievable things they say and do

! I agree with you, when working with children they definitely do get you through those crappy days and they always seem to put a smile on your face...

... I'm working in the toddlers room atm... they keep you on your feet don't they..

I am very happy to hear that the certificate III training has helped you discover new things. Its always good to find out new things about yourself, isint it?

I am extremely glad to know that you have genuine love for children. It appears that you made a good decision in the end to go ahead and do the traineeship in Cert III! Its awesome how it works out aye...

I wish you the best and I hope this will start a new exciting career for you..

Keep us updated..

Cheers

,
L.A

Posted: **Mon Oct 04, 2010 8:31 am**

Hi L.A,
It was just a two week placement. The kids were just doing what kids do, but it was the staff that made it tough. There were two of us there from my course, I was in the toddlers room. The other student had a supervisor who didn't even say goodbye to her on the last day! The staff basically ignored us and were not about to be helpful. The second week, I decided to smile at everyone, and chat. I tried really hard, and it got a bit better. The kids weren't supervised properly, in my opinion and that made it quite stressful. But the staff were at fault.
Cheers,
- Jillian.

Posted: **Tue Oct 05, 2010 5:55 pm**

Hi Jillian,

It definitely seemed like you had a tough placement!

I have found when starting in a new childcare centre, the existing staff always seems to ignore you. It feels as if you are intruding in their little family. I mean they are all comfortable with each other and then when you start on your first day you expect a warm welcome but all you get is watched and ignored...it takes a little time for the other staff to warm up to you and then in the end you all become friends anyway....I have definitely experienced this....a little bitchy isn't it...hehehe

Some people when working with children just expect the kids to listen to you and be really good...however it's up to the staff to provide experiences and activities that the children can do throughout the day, so they don't get bored. As soon as the kids are bored they will definitely start mucking around

!

Even after all this crap that went on during your work placement, I'm glad to see that you still want to work in child care

!

Cheers

,
L.A

Posted: **Sun Oct 10, 2010 2:17 am**

I haven't finished yet! We finish at the start of December, and we have another placement in November.

Posted: **Sat Nov 27, 2010 9:03 am**

I am doing a second placement. This one in a kindergarten. The children are great, the assistants are great, but the director is a bit of a dragon. I thought it was just me, but no, the a couple of the assistants have confirmed it.

I will be glad when it's over and I can get a job and just get on with it. It's very different working for nothing and being assessed, to working regularly and being financially rewarded for it.

Posted: **Sat Nov 27, 2010 5:16 pm**

Hey Ugatha,

It doesn't seem like you are having much luck with your work placement...

Don't worry, as you have said, it will be much better when you get a job and finally start working... It is fairly common that people on work placement have a tough time while doing their placement... I'm not sure why, maybe directors think it's because you are kinda like an extra person to deal with on top of everything else. It definitely should not be that way, I mean we all went through it and we all have to start somewhere...It also depends on the location and the centre... some directors think they rule the world and treat everyone else... well exactly like your experiencing... I'm sorry you have to go through that once again

!

Just make sure, once you have completed your cert 3 and are ready to look for a job, is too look around first. You don't always have to take the first offer and it's very important your comfortable with the director, staff and the centre before you say yes to a job offer, you don't want to regret it!

Hopefully it's almost over and you can start off the new year with a whole new career..

Cheers

,
L.A

Posted: **Fri Dec 03, 2010 8:17 pm**

Hi L.A,
My placement finished today on a good note. I was with the 3 year old kinder children today and they have a lovely teacher who is very encouraging and supportive.
Yesterday the director gave me some very good feedback on how I went and I think she was spot on in her conclusions. So I am happy to say, that though it wasn't always easy, I learned a great deal. It's through tough times that we grow.

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