We sat down with Megan Leo who recently joined KinderCare after making a career change from working 11 years in Healthcare where she was working in Dining at a Long-term care facility. Shifting gears from one essential role to another, she joined us recently as an Assistant Teacher out of our North Schaumburg, Illinois, Center. We asked her perspective on what it’s like to work here. Here’s what she had to say:
What made you interested in joining KinderCare?
I was working in a long- term care community. Through the process of COVID it was stressful and I was wearing full PPE in the healthcare wing. I have a young son and wanted to take him into consideration, so I started looking for a new position. I found KinderCare and saw that I would get a discount for my 16-month-old son. I was originally toying with the idea of being a stay-at-home mom, but I have always wanted to be a teacher so this popped up and was the best of both worlds. He was born in the midst of COVID so socialization was an important part of the decision. I applied, got a call from Lisa my Center Director. She made me feel welcome and offered me the position!
What have you found that’s been so enjoyable changing positions?
In my old job I worked the same position, but three different shifts. Some days I’d get off at 3 p.m., sometimes 5 p.m., sometimes 6 p.m. I enjoy having more structure in my schedule now. Learning a new career has been challenging, but fun. The kids make me laugh. They crack a smile and make a joke and it’s so rewarding.
What’s surprised you about this career change transition?
I’ve just felt so welcomed and feel at home. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a teacher and it just didn’t work out. Having absolutely no experience coming in, I was nervous that I would need a lot of assistance learning it all. I’ve been told by my boss that I’ve jumped in right away and have picked things up quickly. My director and boss have put faith in me to get the training I need.
What is the best part of your day?
Getting hugs from the kids or giving them hugs if they’re having a bad day. 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.
I also get to see my son daily. I can peek into his classroom window and see him smile back at me. He’s already learning and growing and it’s fun to be a part of that from afar.
What advice do you have for anyone considering a career change?
Take the chance and do it. What’s the worst that they can say? No?!
What’s next?
I love that there are plenty of opportunities for advancement. I’m doing the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification as soon as I can. My director has been talking about what I need to do to move to a teacher position. I’d love to get to a director position eventually where I can run a center. Since 2013 I’ve been a supervisor, and it’s nice to take a break from this as I focus on my family, but am excited to get back into it.
