I was offered a job....

[Yeeny]

As a substitute teacher at Head Start. For those of you that don't know what it is, it's a program for underpriveleged children who are too young to go to regular school yet. The pay is low, only 6.00 an hour, but I like the thought of working with kids all day, and being part of such a worthy program. I am concerned about this though, because I have no teaching credentials. I have volunteered up there on and off for five years now, and the kids all seem to like me. But I have never had to be the teacher, just the friend. I am afraid I don't have the whole authority thing going for me, since last week when I went there, the kids I was in charge of started a food fight, and pelted me with cantelope. So I was wondering if any of you have ever dealt with kids in this kind of atmosphere, and if you have any advice for me? Thanks!

 

[yakko]

Well if head start is anything like when I went you will do fine. It was not a structed learning environment. It is basically like daycare with more of a learning aspect to it. Just leave the pink hair at home.

 

[Shuxclams]

GF, you have been volenteering for about 5 years, I would think that these people have faith that you are experienced enough to handle the position if they offered a position to you. Don't second guess yourself about your abilities. Secondly, is this a position you want and is it satisfiying? Is that enough pay? Will the rewards outweigh the drawbacks? Those are better questions IMHO.



SHUX

 

[Vikaden]

bring a gun, bring a large gun

 

[Isla]

GF

We need to talk! I was working with emotionally and mentally handicapped kids and working towards my MA when I got pregnant with my last child.

Many of them were underprivledged, and we did have a group of preschoolers...

It's the toughest job you will ever love, but be warned:

You may not have much energy or patience left over for your own kids.

I'll PM you with more.

 

[FettsBabe]

It sounds great. I'm sure you would do well!!

 

[unxpurg8d]

I personally am shuddering at the thought of mass quantities of small children you're not legally allowed to beat, but that's just me. For YOU I think that if you have volunteered for five years you've definitely withstood the smoke test, and can handle the job, cantaloupe projectiles and all. But definitely think of the negatives too - like Isla pointed out, hordes of children suck the life out of you and leave very little energy for anything else. One DAY long ago attempting to work in a day care center convinced me of that! lol

 

[Isla]

<< I personally am shuddering at the thought of mass quantities of small children you're not legally allowed to beat, but that's just me. >>



ROTFLMAO, unxpurg8d!

Actually, I had to take a training course in 'managing' the older ones... I had to sub in the 10-13 year-old class on occasion. Some of them could be really wild and even dangerous. I had to pin one older kid to the wall until the dean came in, because he was attacking one of the gentler kids.

Funny thing is, the violent kid actually liked me more after that.

I miss them.... I think I'll go visit them tomorrow!

 

[Total Refected Power]

Whoa:

ISLA = XENA

 

[Wangel]

The headstart programs that they have here do not require the teachers (babysitters) to have teaching certifications. Each state is different. Here, they put it in the daycare. But a few years ago, they did require that teaching certificates. What happened was, that if a teacher was enrolled, that was good enough. Call your state certification office for teachers. They will have the answer for your specific questions.

 

[Farbio]

gf, i think you'd be a great teacher, although somehow, i haven't figured out yet, you seem to get into the weirdest situations.....cantalope projectiles, reptiles biting you, pooty, the list could go on and on i'm sure

 

[Ulfwald]

I say go for it, if you have done it as a volunteer, why not get paid for something you enjoy. Also, I don't think that they would have offered it to you if you couldn't live up to their expectations.

 

[Shudder]

There's a program to get families up and running called come on mom. Even a website. Here

I couldn't help but laugh when the lady on the radio said it.. Sounds too much like a porn movie if you say it over and over.

 

[Yeeny]

Shuxclams: My husband makes really good money, so the pay is not such a big deal right now, I think it's more for me, so I can get out of the house once in a while, and do something productive. In other words, I need a break!

Isla &amp; unxpurg8d: It's supposed to be on an as needed basis only, so hopefully it will not be something that wears me down for my kids. Since my hubby is out of town all week, I am the only one to take care of them, and I need to be on my toes at all times. But you both know what thats like. Isla: I have a mentally retarded brother, and 4 cousins in my family. I know how hard they can be to deal with, especially when they get violent. But your right, working with them can be one of the most rewarding experiences you ever do. I cannot do that kind of work right now, as I am not certified, but it is something I have thought alot about doing in the future.

Farbio: When you put it that way, I guess I cannot deny it. Weird situations just seem to follow me in this life, hehe.

Thanks for the advice everyone, I appreciate it.

 

[Aquaman]

GF........ if its something that you enjoy and this job won't effect your family life.......... go for it Good luck.

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[dennilfloss]

Once bitten by the teaching bite, it's very hard to resist. The only thing that worries me is overexposure to children and their radioactive, hyperactive, or relaxative qualities. My ex-wife found it very hard in the mid eighties when she was seeing patients at the hospital (she's a psychology professor) and, after I fell sick with CFS, suddenly had to deal with a (nonpsychological ) patient at home. Being able to escape one's work is very important. For us, such overexposure broke our marriage. However, if this were to be only one day per week or so, that concern would be lessened.

Sail On (Destiny's Child)

 

[ltk007]

GF, my mom teaches kids that age and it literally drains the life outta her. All year she just bitches about how bad the hyper kids in her class are, but then by the end of the year she misses em all. If she hadn't had experience raising a little bastard like me I don't know what she'd do Still teaching is a big drain on her and she doesn't have half the energy she used to. The kids can be a pain and a joy rolled into one convient, portable, and not yet able to sit still for more than 3 minutes package. They'll grow on you and drive you insane at the same time. Of course you might be an exception to that rule considering the fact that you are already insane Still be prepared for the worst, cause with little kids you never know

 

[Mday]

colleen, it's a worthwhile endeavor.

knowing me, i'd accept the offer. but then, my name is not colleen ;-)

you did say you wanted to take some college courses, now you have a valid excuse =)

--

what to do when being pelted with cantelope:

the best revenge is torture. make them watch a series of feminine hygene commercials.