Day-care worker's assistants work under the direction of a day-care
supervisor to organize and lead children in activities designed to stimulate and
develop their intellectual, physical, social, creative, and emotional growth.
Programs and activities vary according to the children's age and stage of
development. Different programs exist for infants, toddlers and pre- school
children.
Children attending a full-day program typically spend nine hours
in day-care. During this time, the staff is responsible for keeping the children
busy, happy and calm. As a day-care worker's assistant, you organize meals,
snacks and naps. You also lead activities such as arts and crafts or games as
well as read stories to the children. Though there may be formal distinctions
between supervisors and assistants, in practice, everyone working in a day-care
centre performs essentially the same duties.
You and your co-workers
supervise the children at all time and tend to all their personal care and
emotional needs. In general, you will be referred to as a "teacher".
This is a reflection of the movement towards emphasizing the educational aspects
of day-care programs. You keep observation sheets on the progress or
difficulties of the children. You also inform guardians of their child's
progress.
Day-care workers are paid a salary and can belong to unions.
Probation periods vary and language requirements depend on the type of program
the centre offers and the language policy of the centre.
To do this job well, you must truly enjoy children of all ages. You must be
patient and caring towards each of your charges and display understanding of the
needs of children at each stage in their development. Since children spend so
much time in day-care, you must constantly be aware of your own behaviour since
you are an important role model for them.
You also deal with each child's
parents or guardians. Apart from reporting on the child's progress or problems,
you may also want to give advice. This requires a lot of tact, understanding and
respect for others.
You must be prepared to give of your time. Your salary
does not take into account all of the extras such as waiting for parents to pick
up the last child or preparing "play" materials for the next day's
activities. Working in a day-care can be both physically and mentally demanding.
It is a very active job that requires lots of energy and enthusiasm. You are
hardly ever idle. There is always something to prepare or someone to look after.