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What it’s really like: Bouncing back and acting with empathy

We know one of the hardest parts of the job search is knowing what it’s really like to work somewhere, which is why we are continuing our series about what it’s really like to work here and sharing stories of the people who are successful, growing, and thriving.

Last time, we talked about resilience and caring. This time, we want to talk about goldfish.

Goldfish? Yep, goldfish. Like Ted Lasso says, the goldfish has a short memory, so when things are tough, you make a mistake, you should be a goldfish and forget about it.

How does this relate to working at KinderCare and what it’s like being a Teacher or Assistant Teacher here?

Well, it’s simple.

When you think about working in early childhood education, you get all the feels. It’s purpose driven. It’s noble. Plus, babies and children are just so precious. Even when they aren’t.

It’s important to remember that children have tantrums. Babies cry. Kids have outbursts, are wiggly, do not want to listen, and will turn around and be the most lovely little people you’ve ever seen. Doing this job well means you need to be a goldish, you need to move forward and forget what may have just happened.

Letting go of what happened 2 seconds ago and moving forward is important.

It’s also important to take that concept and dive deep into your most empathetic self. Like any job, it can be frustrating to work with small people who can’t sit still, or aren’t interested in listening, or have an overwhelm of emotions. Our best teachers are deeply empathetic. They know and see what’s happening in their classroom and with the brains and bodies of the little people and can empathize and adjust.

For Meghan, it’s the empathy that makes her job so rewarding. “When kids have challenging behaviors, I enjoy looking them in the eye and talking them through a bad choice, decision, or day in general and being able to connect and get to their level. It’s about making a difference and getting through to them,” she said.

Understanding how children are feeling and being able to adjust to those emotions creates a classroom of trust. Being able to remain calm, empathize with the children in your classroom and the ability to move forward are some of the things our most successful teachers have in common.

According to Ms. Deborah, “When you walk in that door, know that you are committed to each and every child and they are all going to be different.  Do not compare them.  How one learns, the other does not.  You must treat each child as an individual.”

Bringing empathy with you every day and realizing that every day is going to be different will set you up for success here at KinderCare. If you see yourself in these words, we’d love to meet you.

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KinderCare Jobs
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