Since I spent the year before coming to New Zealand serving in AmeriCorps, the amount I was able to save was less than desirable. Impressive, because I only received a stipend to live off of, but still left many zeros to be desired. Therefore, I knew I would eventually have to find some form of work in this great tiny country (FYI current population = 4,444,444).
I had my mind and bank account set on working with kids--I was over the days of customer and food service and ready to add something somewhat relevant to my resume. Within days of arriving I had an interview set up with a recruitment center that places ECE (early childhood education) teachers at locations throughout the city. After a lot of waiting in the office and then a pretty straight forward meeting proving that I was capable of handling small children, I was employed! I was also handed a jar of jelly beans for my patience, proving that New Zealand employment agencies were the best places ever.
I started work the following week. I am a substitute teacher, known as a 'Reliever', for preschool/day cares (called crèches here in NZ) throughout Wellington. My first day proved to be successful when, about thirty minutes after my arrival, a 3 year old curly haired blonde turned to me and said, "You're my best friend." And then gave me a high five. Needless to say, I was hooked!
So far, I've been to a few different sites but have mostly been placed at the same centers which has been great because it allows me to get to know the little rascals. I primarily work with the kids aged 3-5, but occasionally get placed in the "under 2" area which really can be wonderful simply because after they wake from their naps, they each require "cuddle time" and a teacher (me!) sits and soothes/cuddles with them anywhere from ten minutes to an hour! Also, since there are different health requirements at each place, the Relievers aren't allowed to change nappies (diapers)!
There are a lot of differences in supervision and activities compared to the ones I've experienced in the States. One day, it was pretty overcast and chilly but the teachers decided to bring the babies outside anyway and pour a bag of ice in a bowl for them to play with. Now, I'm all for inexpensive toys but......this one had me question a lot of the teaching degrees I saw on the wall. The ice was sharp and they were throwing it at each other, also their little baby hands were so frozen!
Since this work is all what they call "casual" it's not guaranteed hours each week, meaning I needed another job. Again, I knew I wanted to work with kids so I stalked a few After School Care companies online and they actually responded to my plea. I work for an After School Care company that is located in 3 different schools in Wellington. The kids that attend are ages 5-12, and each day we provide afternoon tea (fancy Kiwi way of saying snack) homework help and then usually an activity of sorts (cooking, arts & crafts, etc) Each of the three sites host about 30 kids a day, and boy do all of these 90 kids have some personality. Here are a few of my favorite conversations I've had:
"I like your earrings, they look like mermaid tears." - 11 year old boy
"Did you know Connor has a mom named Jane, and I have a mom named Jane?" - 6 year old girl
"Are you sure they aren't the same mom?" - me
"No! They aren't photocopied!"
"How old are you?"-10 year old boy
"23." -me
"No offense, but you look 18 or 19."
Once again, there are a lot of differences I have to deal with. As with all life in New Zealand, I have to learn to be much more laid back and relaxed. They are definitely not as concerned with safety issues (aka having parents sue them) as many schools/child care companies in the States. Also, Kiwi disorganization may be the death of me...but that's a topic for another post.
Summer time has just begun here, so we now have Holiday Programme to look forward to! And although my American sensibilities translate "holiday programme" into "holiday themed play" it actually means "Summer Vacation Day Care". Luckily, since I am a newbie to Wellington the manager has decided to schedule me on all trip days so that I can take in the sights of Wellington. First stop: Wellington Zoo!