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It's your first day at daycare as an early childhood educator! How exciting!
We've all experienced first day jitters, whether starting at a new school or a new job. Your first day working at a daycare can be both nerve-wracking and exciting.
Make it a great day with these tips!
What to Expect: Day One
Arrive Early
Familiarize yourself with the center.
Understand the curriculum.
Know the daily schedule.
Photo by insung yoon on Unsplash
Be Patient
Kids can be unpredictable. Take deep breaths. Every day can look different.
Be patient and kind to yourself, also. You're adjusting to a new job.
Photo by Kuanish Reymbaev on UnsplashIntroduce Yourself
Families want to get to know their child's teacher. Make sure you introduce yourself to each family on day one.
You'll learn to lean on your coworkers. Introduce yourself to as many staff members as you can.
Ask Questions
Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Remember, every other staff member has been in your position once before.
Quiz
Why is it important to greet each family and child at drop off?
Taking care of children is an important job. Families drop off their children and put their trust in you to care for them. Greeting each child and their family each day can help everyone feel secure.
Typical Schedule
It will take a while to get used to the schedule, but here's what you might expect on the first day at daycare and beyond:
Morning
7:00-8:00 Arrival/Free play
8:00-8:30 Breakfast/AM Snack
8:30-9:00 Changing/Diapering/Potty break
9:00-9:20 Circle Time
9:20-10:30 Indoor Play/Gym time
10:30-11:00 Outdoor Play
11:00-11:30 Changing/Diapering/Potty break
11:30-12:00 Lunch time
Photo by Matiinu Ramadhan on UnsplashAfternoon
12:00-2:00 Nap time
2:00-2:30 Changing/Diapering/Potty break
2:30-3:00 Snack time
3:00-3:30 Outdoor Play
3:30-4:30 Indoor Play
4:30-6:00 Free play/Pick up time/Cleaning
Quiz
What kinds of activities are appropriate during circle time? Select all that apply:
Circle time is so important for learning at a young age. Children learn to participate in songs and engage with books and information about the day (including the weather and days of the week) as a group.
Challenges
Your first day at a daycare could present some challenges, such as:
Managing Transitions & Schedules
Each child can be on their own schedule for using the bathroom or eating.
Tip: Ask for help from coworkers if needed until you feel confident enough to manage each schedule on your own.
Managing Behaviors & Emotions
Children at this young age want to be independent and are trying to test boundaries. Some children also have a hard time warming up to someone new and being separated from their parent(s)/guardian(s).
Tip: Ask the children about their interests or take note of what toys they enjoy playing with.
Remembering Policies & Procedures
Just like any first day at a new job, you need time to get used to the policies and procedures.
Tip: Take time to read through the employee handbook before your first day at daycare.
Communicating with Families & Coworkers
It might take a little bit of time for you to get to know your co-workers and the children's families.
Tip: Remember to always greet families to help build a strong relationship built on trust.
Quiz
You're scheduled to work in the infant room on your first day at daycare. What should you incorporate throughout the day to manage taking care of infants on different schedules? Select all that apply:
These are all great ideas to ensure a successful day with infants and young children who are all on different schedules.
Take Action
Remember! On your first day at daycare:
Take a look at these Bytes for more information about working with young children:
Did you know?
This author of this Byte has experience working with and teaching children of all ages.
This Byte has been authored by
Megan Shaw
Teacher