As a Childcare provider, I have a hefty responsibility. I do not take this responsibility or any of my duties lightly. More than most people know, I worry and I think and I plan and I prepare every detail of the days I spend with all the children. Very little that happens in my 9 to 10 hour day is unscripted or unplanned. Clearly I cannot predict every conversation or what specific activity will consume the day, but I do know the flow. I can easily assure the children will be fed and looked after. One of the tasks that consumes me the most is transition periods and relationships. There are now four distinct age groups within my group. Thankfully this is a temporary stretch for me. Sadly I will not retain my 16 month old for long and I will be sad when he leaves, but I have three age groups already and cannot continue on long-term with the fourth because this would be do difficult and would hinder the proper development of the other three. Aside from the young toddler, I have a School-Aged group and also a Preschool group. The third group consists of only one person- an unusual child, but a very special one...my one and only kindergartener. I always find that any child has the unique capacity to surprise me. Thankfully I was put in my place good and right today.
The Kindergarten child I have now was once a preschooler in my care. At the time, this child was a disciplinary challenge for me and I had to ask her Mother to remove her. Since school was starting we discussed trying things out one more time and seeing if she could come back and behave properly. Being my only "K"...and Warwick Schools having only half-days for student like her, means that she and I will have to work extra close together to achieve all her scheduling needs. I was apprehensive today, but after our talks throughout the day, I came to learn how fragile her young feelings really are. She was very humble. She remembered how she used to come here and how she stopped because of her difficult behavior. She actually apologized! She became very excited when I explained to her that this was going to be her new daycare. Her eyes widened and she exclaimed, "This is a daycare?? Is that why everyone's names are up there?" she asked as she pointed to the Circle Time Area where I display my students names. I couldn't help but chuckle. The day felt light...in spite of the oddness that comes with getting reacquainted.
I juggle a lot. People have no idea how demanding it is to be the person running everything: My home, my kids lives, my daycare, my daughter's Acting career. It's s alot. sometimes I wonder if I can really have the balance I truly need. I must learn to prioritize my personal care over other things like recreation. Perhaps I should stop eating...that would make time for exercise...LOL! All I can say is that I honestly need excellent health in order to maintain this pace. My day begins at 6am. My first clients arrive at 7am. All day I am busy. My last client leaves at 6pm. That makes my workday span 11 hours! Imagine...if your work day was 11 hours long? No, I do not need to listen to angry customers or meet time-management requirements and company standards...and yes, I could work in pajamas if I choose to. But I do work hard. It is very demanding to meet the needs of 7 children all day everyday. But they make me a better person...and I would miss them if they were gone from my life tomorrow. They make me a better person. I hope I return the favor.
~Namaste~
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