Carrie P

My history of working with children is quite long. I have cared for babies up to teens. When working at a daycare site, I had the responsibility to care for more than one infant at a time in the nursery. This is when the differences in personalities, schedules, and needs are most closely observed. I have cared for babies who were colic, as well as a couple of babies who had special needs. These little ones, obviously away from their mothers, deserve lots of love and care to make them feel secure. I always strive to meet the needs of children as individuals, keeping the area around them as clean and safe as I possibly can.
Working for a fitness group in the playroom was quite an experience. Every day the number of children present was different. There were a variety of ages that I cared for here, from infants (we had two cribs) up to 9-year-olds. I cared for up to 10 at a time, always making sure that everyone was well cared for. I had some coloring, others playing games or blocks, and the babies would be held, one at a time. There were rarely any disputes over toys but occasionally, if this happened, I dealt with it in a calm, respectable manner. Teaching kids to act responsibly, and talk to each other in a calm fashion, I would gently talk to each of them about the situation. I have always taught children to "use their words" rather then their hands to address others.
I have taught tot classes. Sometimes little people don't want to leave their mommy. So, in anticipation of this, I make the activities fun! The kids have a great time and they look forward to coming back! During each class, or visit with a child, it is just so important to me to plan activities that will touch on as many areas of growth that I can. It's great when an activity like storytelling for example, can encapsulate children's intellectual, social, and emotional needs. Sometimes stories add some physical movement which is an added bonus. I love to tell stories. Being a good storyteller is one of the ways that I like to get kids involved in the story. Using my own creativity, I have fun with kids by drawing on each child's personal abilities. The creations that they can come up with are awesome!
Most recently, my experiences with children have been through our church, as well as the child that I care for weekly. Caring for children is what I was meant to do. Time that I spend with children is time well spent, and when a child smiles back at me, I know that they feel the same!