Teaching Young Children

A career in child care offers a variety of exciting opportunities. Early childhood professionals can choose to work in an array of child care environments and types of programs. The Learning Centers have created some tips for helping you consider a career working with children and choosing an employer that best fits your goals.

Exploring a career in early care and education

There are many types of early childhood programs. When choosing an employer, look for a partnership that supports your philosophy about work with children. Typical early child care and education programs include: Elementary Schools, Government-sponsored programs (Head Start, ECAEP, military, etc.), Family home care, Not-for-profit programs (agency-sponsored, church programs, etc.), Private, independent programs, For-profit networks, franchises, chains, etc., College-affiliated programs, and Corporate-sponsored programs.

When applying for a new position

• Be mindful of first impressions!
• Phone inquiries… Practice good telephone etiquette. Think before you call and be ready to discuss your interest and pertinent background.
• Ask for a tour of the program.
• Be confident and always friendly and warm to all.
• Resumes… Use any compact format that lists education and/or experience. Bullets are an excellent way to highlight points that you want an employer to notice. Include extracurricular activities, especially those demonstrating leadership experiences and commitment to children. Carefully review your work before submitting it to anyone!

The day you are being interviewed:

• Always be on time. Everyone’s time is important.
• Dress professionally – Make certain your attire is suitable for work with children. No Jeans or T-shirts during interviews, nor clothes that might impair your ability when working with children.
• Ask for a tour. Make eye contact with everyone you meet – interviewers, teachers, children, and parents.
• Be ready from the start to work and play with children and focus on each child at every opportunity. Nothing speaks more profoundly than a genuine interest in children!
• Be prepared for questions related to philosophy, mission, parent involvement, and program.
• Bring addresses and phone numbers of references and past employers.
• Ask questions to gain more information about an employer and to demonstrate your interest and observations. Get answers to help you decide if this is the employer for you.
• Be realistic about the position for which you are qualified.
• Be positive. Specific skills can be taught, but attitude is everything.
• Ask about follow-up contact and next steps.

Making a decision

• Take a critical look at the factors that will affect your life profoundly.
• Is this a program that will support your personal and professional expectations?
• Do the philosophy and mission statement match yours?
• Are there plentiful resources and supports for teachers? (Curriculum resources, paid planning time, etc.)
• Did you connect with the director?
• Is there a cultural fit?
• What are the teacher-to-child ratios?
• Have you reviewed benefits and pay?
• What orientation and training will be available to you as a new employee?
• Is there continued professional development? (Tuition reimbursements, workshops, conferences, development plans, etc.)
• Are teachers and staff involved in decision-making?
• What are the opportunities for growth and advancement? Did you learn of any examples?
• Are there positive parent partnerships?
• Do the children and teachers seem happy?

Are you ready to join us!!

• This is far from the end of the journey – this is, of course, just the beginning. Now is the time to show your passion, professionalism, and commitment to children and families. Focus on your connections with children, parents, and colleagues. Be open to new ideas. Take care of yourself. Look to your colleagues for guidance and offer your talent to help them grow. Your success is important to everyone. You are not in this alone. Above all, know you are making a difference in the lives of children and families every day. We believe more than anything there is no more important work.

Download the Application!

and mail to :
142 North Road
Sudbury, MA 01776