Child Careers Current Industry Expectation Julie Ray Careers

Child Careers Current Industry Expectation Julie Ray, Careers with Children Instructor Coastline ROP

Goal of Externship: Business Partners Beneficial Insight to Current Sector Standards • Interview staff & administration: – Expectations of people entering this career pathway – How to obtain employment – Job expectations – Educational expectations – Experience or additional requirements

Goals of Externship: Students Beneficial Information for Students & Classroom Practices • To ask the questions students want answered • To convey information from our business community to students • Tips for job hunting and expectations – Insight from people in the industry • Educational and Experience expectations

Externship Sites • In order to get a cross-section of information, two sites provided information and time during this externship March of 2010. • These sites also provide internship opportunities for students in ROP. • Woodcrest Preschool: Lake Forest, CA • Country Village Preschool: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA • Employees from the Recreation & Community Services were interview: – Kid’s Factory: Cities of Lake Forest and Mission Viejo – The Learning Connection: Cities of Lake Forest and Mission Viejo

Woodcrest Preschool “A Letter From The Director” My name is Leah Pinvidic and I am the director of Woodcrest Preschool in Lake Forest. I have worked here at Woodcrest Preschool for over 8 years. I am proud of my wonderful staff and the enriching activities and projects we do on a daily basis. Woodcrest Preschool is an NAYEC Accredited, non-denominational, early childhood education program. We are located in Lake Forest, California, serving Foothills Ranch, Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine Spectrum, and Lake Forest. Our school provides care to children ages 6 weeks - 5 years of age. Since 1969, Woodcrest Preschool has provided high quality preschool programs in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. Our goal at Woodcrest Preschool is to equip each child with a strong academic foundation, encourage good character and values, and strengthen socialization skills. The ageappropriate curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all aspects of development in a young child: gross motor, fine motor, academics, literature, music, creativity, and socialization. As a theme-based center, the children will also learn about a wealth of topics as well as an understanding of the world around them. The daily stimulating activities offer children the opportunity to explore and learn with developmentally appropriate curriculum. Woodcrest Preschool is a truly loving and nurturing environment with a dedicated staff. Leah Pinvidic Director

Country Village Preschool • Serves children ages 24 months to 6 years • “This is the first experience for many toddlers in a preschool setting. There are two teachers in the classroom that provide a nurturing environment with many activities to help children make a smooth transition from home to school. ” Children will be involved in the following activities: • Literature • Creative Art • Language Experiences • Music and Movement • Manipulatives (pre-reading and pre-math) • Science • Cooking • Perceptual Motor

Student Survey • Prior to meeting with staff at the externship sites, the students enrolled in the ROP class, Careers with Children, completed a survey. They were asked to record any questions or clarifications they would like in regards to the child care field. These students were also in the process of completing internships at local child care centers.

Student Responses Many students had the same questions or a common theme among their responses • Education – How long? – What type? • Job Hunting – – – What is expected to get hired? What requirements are need to get a job? How hard is it to find a job? How do I get a job after ROP? What are the typical benefits & pay?

Externship Sites Interviews With Students Ideas….

Education & Experience Expectations • Job sites are looking for employees who have experience with children in some capacity • One year or more is preferable • Even with years of education, experience is a bigger selling point during an interview • Internships and volunteer work does constitute as experience. This is a misconception by many students. • Six E. C. E units are the minimum amount needed to be an assistant but schools want the full twelve units or at least working towards a higher education. • You can be enrolled in classes to get hired. • Letters of recommendation are important. This can include from volunteer work or babysitting for a family.

Finding A Job? • Enrollment at many sites are down around twenty-five percent. The economy does have an impact on child care. • Parents have to work so daycare is still in demand, you just need to try to stand out • Summer programs will create a bigger demand for new employees • Schools have begun their 2010 -2011 push for enrollment so summer jobs could lead into employment for the following school year.

Typical Pay • Average for starting employees, $9. 50 hourly • For more experience the average is closer to $12. 00 hourly • Infant and toddler teachers need specialized classes, typically they will make slightly more • Administration also requires specialized classes and a set number of years of experience, they either make more hourly or many will make a straight salary

ROP Benefits • Articulation agreements between high school classes and community colleges • Internships provided needed experience • Education/Training • Develop business contacts • Resources for desired field

Inside Perspective High school students who work in the field

Job Hunting & Expectation Students who have already obtained a job in the field completed a survey to give perspective to others. The questions were based on what potential student applicants would like to know. A majority of these students work for the City of Lake Forest & Mission Viejo Recreation and Community Services Programs. Please note these students were the same average and grade level.

Job Expectations: Duties • Ensure students are signed-in and out of site/ take roll • Supervise and care for children (inside & out) • Arts & Crafts • Prepare and give snack to children • Positive guidance to children (behaviors) • Organize and play games with children • Provide a safe and nurturing environment • Plan and execute activities • Aide with homework clubs

Job Expectations: Other point students had to offer • Hardest part of the job: – dealing with discipline/ guidance issues • Best part of the job: – – arts &crafts games the kids your day goes by fast • Typical pay is $8. 00 to $9. 00 hourly

Getting Hired: The Interview • It was nerve racking, be prepared • It was easy, listened carefully and answered every question honestly • Scenario based type questions • Questions seem somewhat typical to most interviews • It went by quick

Getting Hired: What were they looking for? • They preferred experience: – Volunteer experience was just as important as paid positions • Reviewed application prior to setting an interview • References • Resume • Positive attitude Many students surveyed had babysitting experience or no experience at all but were able to provide references

Classroom Uses Information Gathered During Externship

Uses of Information Gathered • To get an inside perspective of what information businesses would like for us to pass on to our students • With unemployment and job opportunities limited for high school students, the focus on obtaining employment is an important tool • Give them a better perspective from tips from their fellow peers who have gained employment • Help student begin the task of setting up business contacts

How I Will Put It To Use • Share the information gathered with students • Continue to keep contact with business partners and pass on information & opportunities to students • Invite persons from the field to our classroom • Promote the following job hunting skills: – – – Resume Writing Application Practice Interview Preparation Gathering of References Compile other items for portfolio creation such as examples of work, philosophies and example lessons students created • Aid students in job hunting • Aid students in furthering education – Classes needed – How to register – What campuses have to offer