“I have worked in School Age for several years now and honestly it is my favourite age group! These children say the funniest things, I could write a book! They always find a way to make me smile every day. School age kids are a blast to work with! They are inquisitive and this prompts further learning and helps them to better understand the world around them. Our School Age programs are so much more than some people perceive them to be. The children are provided with opportunities to explore, learn skills, have choice, build new relationships, have a fun and inviting environment and so much more.

Sometimes we do not realize the impact we make on children until we receive comments from parents or children, pieces of artwork or sometimes little notes. We not only make an impact on the lives of the children in our program, but the school community as well.”

“I started my education career as a cooperative education student at the Kincardine Family Y Child Care Centre. After I completed my co-op, I realized that this was something that I was passionate about, so I completed my Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship there.

Eight years later, after returning from a maternity leave, it really brought forth the question of ‘do I want to return to work?’ Yes I did! Going back to work was not easy as I was leaving my children in the care of others, but I knew it would be okay.

Some of the reasons why I went back and decided to complete my education at the YMCA: My co-educators are easy to get along with, we are all able to communicate programming ideas and everyone is very accommodating to each other and respectful. I truly missed teaching. There is no greater experience than seeing the child grow and develop in spirit, mind and body. 

The YMCA has strong beliefs and a program that is geared towards the children’s interests, which allows you as an educator the freedom to adapt and change your programming according to the child’s needs, development and understanding.”  

“My time here over the past couple of years has really been an unforgettable and life changing experience. Becoming an RECE and working at the YMCA has helped me to grow and become the person I am today. My amazing co-workers and bosses have made me feel welcome and encouraged since I started. Their on-going support has gotten me through daily life struggles and I am so grateful to them for their hard work and dedication to this field. They really are such incredible, strong and patient people.

To the parents and families I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know, building relationships with all of you and being able to see and teach your children every day has truly been a pleasure. Thank you for the opportunity to not only educate and guide your children but to simply get to know and spend time with them.

I went into this career for the children and they are why it is so difficult to leave. I have met some of the most hilarious, intelligent, caring and headstrong children throughout this journey and words cannot express how much each of them means to me. I believe they have taught me more during this whole experience and for that I am extremely appreciative. As they continue to grow and thrive I hope they look back on their time with me and know I valued every minute of it. Each child brings their own personality and spark to the classroom and that is what makes it such a special, rewarding place.” 

This is an excerpt from a letter Racquel wrote to parents when leaving the centre to further her education.