[BellaLucia]

So I've never taught in a daycare but I've got experience with little kids. I live in Bowie Md and will be attending PGCC in Largo MD to get my 90hr certificate. How do I play up my having babysat and tutored little kids and being a sub for young kids?

[Elvish Mistress]

I worked in a daycare for 6 years and was a supervisor for 5 of them. I don't think you need to "play it up" at all. Just include it as your experience. Especially if you are going to get a certificate. That in itself will put you above a lot of other applicants. And most of those certificates require a number of hours of working in the school daycare, or in another daycare, to complete it. So that's will be some actual daycare experience right there. Don't sweat it. My boss actually liked to hire people with little or no experience at other daycares, because she said it was easier to train them "right." Good luck to you!

[BellaLucia]

Thanks dear! You moved up the ranks fast, what was your secret?

[Elvish Mistress]

I made a real effort to get to know the parents and I communicated with them every day. This was especially important since I worked in the infant room most of the time, and there is no harder person to please on this earth than a brand spankin' new mommy. But I made sure to take care of their child the way they would, if that makes any sense. It made the parents comfortable with me so when the time came for a new supervisor, I was a good choice.

Oh, and every state has their own laws and regulations about how daycares should operate. It's super strict here, as it should be. I made it my business to know that rule book cover to cover, even the rules for the rooms I didn't work in often.

Of all the jobs I've had, that job was the most rewarding. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll get to open my own center.

[BellaLucia]

Cool Elvish Mistress, thanks!

[oddreee]

I didn't know they did any certification like that around here- good to know!