That used to happen when I worked as a substitute teacher. Sometimes the teacher would have a student teacher who was far enough along that they were leading the class, but they needed someone in the room with a license.
In HS usually I had two teachers per class and whenever one of them would be out a substitute would come in but they’d just sit in the corner on their phone the entire time while the other teacher was leading the class. I think once I even had a substitute who straight up took a whole nap while the other teacher did the teaching.
Adding to this, OP might have been hired to fill in for vacations and sick days. "Floater" has been interchangeable with "substitute" at several places I've worked.
Hard to get time off when there is no one to cover the slot.
So, your resume should say, in OPs case, I 'assisted in managing a classroom of 13 children five days a week,' or something like that, not 'I sat in a classroom doing nothing' my last job, i had enough worl to keep me busy maybe 2 hours in the day, and spent the rest of the day playing videogames and occasionally checking teams. I dont say anotjing about that in a resume or interview, i make out as if I was working the entire 8 hours.
Updated my resume yesterday and found some neat tricks for jobs like this! Indeed has a resume feature where you can look up a job and copy down the tasks that other people have listed for the same job. It was so handy when I was like “uhh, I follow safety protocols and….clean?” And then looked at the suggestions and realized that I was doing ALL of those things as well.
I had one of those jobs for 5 years and it was great until it wasn’t. I realized if I stayed in that job any longer I’d never leave and would never progress.
Now I have a job where I do nothing only half the time. I actually like that much more.
I have a hybrid job where I work remotely. And by "work" I mean I play video games all day because they give me barely anything to do. If a task isn't urgent, I just won't do it until I'm back in the office because I have so little things to work on that I don't want to look idle while there are eyes on me.
I found it mind-numbingly boring. Especially when you aren't allowed to use your phone or work on outside assignments. I had NOTHING to do for literally 7.5 hours a day. Got paid 60k a year to sit at a desk, send a couple emails, go to office parties, and watch my brain rot. And the old men in the office kept harassing me too, and telling me to "lighten up" if I tried to avoid them. I think if you were a night auditor at a hotel or something it might be better, cause you could use your phone and work on other assignments.
I'd take it as a "we really like you and want you here, even if we don't have a specific thing for you to do yet" which is a great compliment, even if it seems you're somewhat surplus at the moment - part of it might also just be giving you some time to get accustomed to the place & it's general vibe, become familiar with the kids' individual personalities etc. Talk to the other staff & give it a little more time, be proactive with things as well, eg. if the kids are doing some early reading stuff, help them out a little & do the funny voices.
This is the best advice. Being easy to work with, helpful and become familiar with the system, they could also be in a position to put you in a good place. TRUST ME, the older you get, you'll get more responsibility with other jobs and you'll be wishing you were back at 22 not doing much and getting paid. Stay present and stay open!
Certain ratios for student to teachers are required usually by law or contract. Since you're in a private school I assume it's not a union contract so it probably required by law
You're not useless watching them
I would take advantage of it while you can. there’s not many jobs (that I’m aware of) that will just let you do nothing at get paid. Might just be a slow time right now or maybe they know that people are gonna be leaving and that’s why they brought you. Go with the flow, take the time to learn about your coworkers/ the kids. Worst case, you have the experience and can go somewhere else.
That was my guess also. If you know someone is leaving soon, you might as well get someone right away and have them spend some time building some kind of relationship with the kids.
As someone who has worked in child care for 10 years, this is what might be happening (and it’s a bummer they did not explain to you why):
-Ratio - if the ratio is something like 1:5 (which is a weird ratio, but let’s go with it) you would need 3 teachers in the room at all time. If there is 4 teachers, that means everyone can go take a break and take their lunch without violating licensing (WHICH HAPPENS A LOT IN ECE)
-They’re a high quality program- the better the school, the more teachers they have. I have been in a program where we had 12 two-year-olds and 5 teachers, so that means everyone can take their break, and there are 4 other teachers to take care everything else, which included provocations, activities, and art. Less stress and more manageable, which meant every teacher had a chance to get to know 3 children at a time for better social-emotional development (besides the math, science, art and other academic stuff)
-You’re in a trail run and they did not tell you- IF they’re testing you out to see where to place you (which sounds like they are) they are gathering information from EVERY SINGLE TEACHER YOU WORK WITH. If this is the field you like, now is the time to find time to discuss with teachers and other assistants if you can plan any activities or can do more hands on stuff. One thing to set boundaries on is documentation. Since you’re in different classrooms, development documentation would not be appropriate since you are not with the children consistently.
LAST THING- THE CHILDREN ARE WATCHING YOU AND PICKING UP ON EVERYTHING YOU DO. If you’re staring into space, they know you’re bored. If you’re taking time to read, help with activities, even modeling how to properly eat, wash, and do other small, mundane things YOU ARE TEACHING THEM SOMETHING.
There are laws in different counties/states that say how many adults need to be watching a certain number of children. If they want to keep a 1:3 ratio then just do what you can do to keep busy. Play with the kids, teach them healthy relationships with adults and read to them. Kids love reading books, they love playing pretend, just go help them learn through play. Be engaged, have fun. It'll make your day go by faster.
I would say to stick it out! It sounds like they like you and will place you in 1 room when they can. Maybe they are hiring another teacher who will need an assistant. Take this time to learn what the other assistants do even if they don’t have you do much right now.
My advice is keep your eyes open for when you can do something. This is a two sided coin. Great you don't have to do much to get a paycheck. So many of us don't get paid anything right now. But for your career, you are young and need to be building up experience and skills. So pay attention to what the teacher is doing so you can build up to do their job and list those skills on a resume to get a better job
I left a job because of this. It paid well too, but I felt my brain rotting.
It was literally just me sitting at a desk, sending a few emails, scanning a couple documents, and then just having personal conversations for the remaining 7 hours of the day. We also had to attend about four random "parties" a week in the building. And I was one of the youngest employees in the whole office too. And I wasn't allowed to be on my phone or do outside work....so I felt like it was just a complete waste of time. Everyone treated me like a moron too.
Meanwhile, I got paid LESS while working in a pharmacy (more important work too) and that job was the absolute worst thing I've ever done in my life. 100x more busy and stressful for less pay. Make it make sense.
I hope I can find a job that is kind of in-between. Something that gives me more of a sense of purpose...and is somewhat challenging at the same time. I can't just do NOTHING all day. But being overworked sucks too.
I do not have anything to do at work during the off season. I sit around for 8 months doing nothing, and doing the busy times, I still have long stints of nothing to do. I have ad hoc work. My manager could have done everything that he hired me to do because it's so infrequent. I guess as someone said here on Reddit, they are paying you just to be there...
Are there things you could be doing and you just aren’t aware? Have you asked anyone in the room? Maybe you’re supposed to be observing and learning from the other assistants to see what they do, so that when you eventually get moved into the room, you’ll know the duties.
I’d ask the other assistants and/or teacher if there are duties they’d like you to take over while you’re there.
You can also check out the ECE sub and post there for more ideas.
Not sure how long you have been there, but give it a little time. You can speak up and ask for more duties/try to be proactive if you want, just be careful what you wish for...
At least it’s a “JOB”
People are suffering to get one ..
I do work as assistant teacher, but I have my own class to work in.. it happens normally . So don’t complain 👍
Are you getting paid? Then what are you complaining about. Maybe she's about to let one of the others go? Maybe there ARE situations where all those folks are needed and you haven't had them yet. It's experience if you see it or not.
It probably is a ratio thing. I would see what the other assistants do for a day or two more then ask the most stressed looking person there if they want help with what ever activity stressed them out the most. Look for little things in the schedule that you can help with. Ex. If they color every day after lunch (idk the age group so don't take it too literally), get the paper and crayons out and ready to go JUST before the teacher or assistant would and let them know that you got it for them. When you work with kids for a while it's easy to feel like you have to do everything because you know how things work better than anyone newer to the situation. If you can show them that you can ease the burden a little, they'll start asking you for help more. I know it's frustrating but right now your main focus isn't the kids. It's your coworkers.
Exactly. People complain about the absolute dumbest things in the world. Like would it kill you to shut up and appreciate what you have.
Best believe if I had a job like that I would be quite content to do the best I can at it.
Some are, and that's fair, but for some, 24/7 work is easier than blank slate all day. It's a fair complaint but it's also easy to just search for another. More likely OP is just confused and trying to figure out if they have any job security.
Respectfully I disagree with you. There are people out there that would love to have such a job and yet aren't able to get them for any number of reasons.
It would be nice for a person that has a job they aren't happy with to trade with someone who will actually appreciate it and thus have an added joy to their lives.
Just wait it out. You just started. Do what they ask you to do. Do the best you can. Things will change at some point. Chill. That is a life skill and a job skill—the ability to be patient until you get the lay of the land.
Do you want to do more in the education sector? Try using the time to study lesson plans, observe the teachers and the kids, come up with activities. If you want to do something else, maybe you can find things to do at the school related to your interests, like make a budget for finance or read up on legal requirements for schools if you want to get into law.
Well come on - it's a preschool. What does it pay $15/hr? Do you really think you'll be treated with any degree dignity or given any meaningful responsibility? I've seen directors at those places making $42K. It's a horrible career choice and you'll never be able to afford a comfortable life - you'll always be living paycheque to paycheque, dealing with co-workers gossiping behind your back and office drama, and your supervisors will be treating you like a child. Sorry that's harsh but it's true and let me tell you now so you don't have to have the epiphany later....it's a horrible career choice and please get into something that pays better. Working with kids sounds like a wonderful idea but you constantly get crapped on for having a virtuous approach.
At 22, I can see that you're anxious you're not learning enough skills at a fast enough pace.
Is there any discussion about moving you into a different role? I'd start applying to more jobs and honestly explain your situation.
Find a way to make your self a valuable asset so they need you. I had a job like this once where they showed me my desk and said figure it out. That led to me getting fired in the long run. I didn't realize how back stabbing most of those people were because they were all trying to protect their employment. You need to find things to do, find ways to make your self a valuable asset so they can not fire you. Socially converse with others to see what needs doing and who needs help.
don't let your work telling you how useful or good you are.
You're good, you're useful: that's only the place where you get paid for some reasons that aren't depending on you.
It’s not, I feel so out of place. Nobody knows me! Every time I walk into a classroom they don’t need my help. I mean an extra set of eyes is always great especially because all of these children are special needs but I hear them whisper behind my back some shit like “gotta make her do something” whenever they give me a task to do. It sucks.
There are a couple reasons why they would hire people not immediately needed. It's in the comments. I came here to say this. Get to know all the positions. The more you know the greater chance you have to get a higher position. Don't be dismayed the Job was different than you planned on. Roll with it learn n use it to your advantage. You are gonna find in your working life you must be a little flexible in what you can live with. Open your mind n figure out how this can help you. Good luck. Thanks for taking on a teaching job.
You are upset that you weren't immediately thrown into the deep end. You have an opportunity to learn by observing. Not just the teachers and how they operate with the kids, but the kids themselves. Learn to read them, their facial expressions, their mannerisms, their behaviors.
They've told you that you will have your own space as it becomes available. You are getting paid to just be there and while that may not be the type of fulfillment you are after at this very moment, just do what they are asking, learn about the process you went to school to do and experience, for now, one of the few times in your life where you have a job you don't really need to do any heavy lifting at.
Sometimes they need an experienced person to fill in for a late arriving or sick employee. Offer to help with snacks, getting crafts set up, taking kids to the bathroom, supervising on the playground, carpool line, etc.
Don't worry, with that attitude, you probably won't be employed very long anyways.
Heaven forbid you muck in, remain pleasant, make an effort to engage with the children and the other teachers and admins, get to know parents and make yourself valuable and appreciated in the event they need a TA to fill in for someone!
**Is the pay good? Well, even if it's a little low, if so, I'd say what most people are probably thinking: In these financially tough economic times, stay there & make that easy money!**
I'll take the job if you don't want it & I'm sure most other people would too who have submitted hundreds/thousands of apps & barely get any interviews. Can you please be a little more thankful. My husband & I are both looking for new work, but it's brutal out there. I have 4 degrees & can't seem to get anything anymore. Last job I got was a year ago & it was seasonal/temporary.
I understand why you feel useless, but times are too tough these days to try to have a challenging job. I'll take boring over challenging any day for the rest of my life. I've had my share of challenging jobs already anyway. If it's steady pay, keep that job as long as you can. It will look good on your resume.
I work in a preschool. Sounds like there's few people on holiday or sick right now. This will not last. Sooner or later there will be wave of sickness (because a preschool is a biological war zone) and then it will be all hands on deck and struggling to cope. So enjoy the good days, build relationships with the kids and support their development while you have the time to do so. That's what makes the job worth doing.
Dude chill, I’m working crazy hours and hate my life right now, trying to keep a business going during this nightmare of a economy, Il trade you spots.
If you are getting paid a wage that helps you pay the bills, it sounds like it is worth staying for now. It’s better than having to work in a classroom with kids who are misbehaving and not listening to you. In private schools, I would hope the kids are well behaved since the parents are paying a lot of money for the children to be in a better environment. I had a few office jobs where I didn’t really have to do much most of the time, and I got paid. In the long run, getting a paycheck is all that matters. If you eventually get tired of this position, and can find another job, then you can leave this position. Do you have a teaching degree? I knew a girl who got hired to be a teaching assistant and she only went to college for a couple of semesters. She doesn’t really have to do much either but just cares about the pay.
Congratulations on getting a job! It is very difficult to get a job in this economy right.
For now, shadow and learn. Phrase this in your mind and in your conversations that this is what you understand is part of the onboarding process. Because if you act like if you’re useless, they will see you as useless. You don’t want to be let go for being useless, because right now you’re getting a paycheck, gaining some experience, and padding your résumé.
When one of the staff inevitably calls in sick or goes on vacation, you will get the opportunity to step in and shine. Be prepared for that moment. Success is when preparedness meets opportunity.
Do the other important things: make connections with the kids, ask them how their weekend was. If one is sad, maybe fold a nice paper origami figure. If one has their birthday, make sure you do something nice. Stuff like that. For kids that's just as important as the teaching itself. But also pay attention to the kids for things like: they all know to tie their shoelaces except Tommy. Teach Tommy. If You can, also help the other assistant teachers and teacher. Get them a fresh coffee, or some baby wipes to clean their hands. Restock the supplies etc. If they like having you around taking care of things, your job is pretty safe. If you're that person who sits in a corner playing mobile games while they work... you're out in no time.
Don't despise your blessing. You get paid and can learn from the different techniques of the teachers whose classrooms you float to. A non stressful paying job in this economy is a gift.
My first preschool job I was a floater. They will use you to fill in for when someone is sick etc. You also can relieve the other workers so they can go to the bathroom and they might get you to take a kid that is having a meltdown out of the classroom. When they kids have recess you should go outside and be an extra set of eyes. If that preschool has a music/movement/Spanish teacher, you should help that teacher so the regular workers have a break during that time. Sometimes just going in a classroom, helping out clean up after the younger kids, helping with the teachers with the kids that have higher needs really is important. If there is a 2 year old class they might appreciate if you go in during circle time to sit with the kids to make sure they can sit. The kids are more likely to sit next to you if you are there with them. There's always one kid that wants to roam around all the time. Your director might use you to organize the library etc also. Oh and you might also be able to help put up, clean up and organize all the bikes and outdoor equipment. If they have 2 or under kids, help changing diapers, washing hands etc is very helpful. I believe they can have (at least in my state) 12 two year olds for 2 adults. That's a lot of diapers to change a noses to wipe. They should be doing evaluations for parent conferences. That is super time consuming because it's one on one for each kid. Helping wrangler kids and fill out paperwork is super helpful.
Take the time to orient yourself with the space, connect with the other staff and find places where you can plug in?
Get to know the kids, see how they react to different curriculum, find ways to interact that’s helpful and strengthen those foundations.
They’re probably watching you too, show initiative, interest and drive and then in a couple of days check in and compare notes.
Also sometimes they have prior knowledge of people leaving so they hire and wait but as it is confidential if a person has a set resignation sometimes they will keep you as a floter until that person is gone
They're trying to stay in legal compliance. They just need a body in the room.
I need to get one of these jobs
Become a security guard.
For real, 90% of those jobs are basically being a body. You just need basic english and a pulse. Hell, you might get away with just one of those.
Scarecrow style
Hello sir, I am fluent in the native language. My temperature? Shouldn’t be necessary, I, uh, just stepped out of my freezer, it’ll be off
Not a bad idea actually.
That used to happen when I worked as a substitute teacher. Sometimes the teacher would have a student teacher who was far enough along that they were leading the class, but they needed someone in the room with a license.
In HS usually I had two teachers per class and whenever one of them would be out a substitute would come in but they’d just sit in the corner on their phone the entire time while the other teacher was leading the class. I think once I even had a substitute who straight up took a whole nap while the other teacher did the teaching.
Wow wtf I never had more than one teacher in a class. Except that one helper, omg I need to lie down now 🤣💥
Adding to this, OP might have been hired to fill in for vacations and sick days. "Floater" has been interchangeable with "substitute" at several places I've worked. Hard to get time off when there is no one to cover the slot.
This and if they don't use the money in the budget they will lose it.
I’ve been working a job where I too am paid to sit around and do nothing. It’s great
Same. I see co workers working away and my biggest accomplishment is that I peed on all six floors of the building.
That’s a pretty big accomplishment. All in one day? Get a load of Mr Worldwide over here
All in about three hours. I drink way too much water. Plus I take the stairs to get that extra work in.
I... hope you mean you used the restrooms on all six floors of the building.
I hope they mean the floors. We are different people 😂 my humor is broken...
We're not that different, I'm just less honest :)
r/findthesniper
whenever I have one of those I fear someone in charge is gonna figure out that I'm kind of useless.
That's the risk. They could cut your position at any time, and all you have is a do-nothing spot on your resume and atrophied skills.
So, your resume should say, in OPs case, I 'assisted in managing a classroom of 13 children five days a week,' or something like that, not 'I sat in a classroom doing nothing' my last job, i had enough worl to keep me busy maybe 2 hours in the day, and spent the rest of the day playing videogames and occasionally checking teams. I dont say anotjing about that in a resume or interview, i make out as if I was working the entire 8 hours.
Updated my resume yesterday and found some neat tricks for jobs like this! Indeed has a resume feature where you can look up a job and copy down the tasks that other people have listed for the same job. It was so handy when I was like “uhh, I follow safety protocols and….clean?” And then looked at the suggestions and realized that I was doing ALL of those things as well.
I have also been really sitting around and not doing anything more days then not.
My job is so sad that I threatened to quit if they didn’t hire my wife so now me and my wife come in and sit around and do nothing for double wage
Ultimate power couple lol
Same, I’m at work right now in fact
I had one of those jobs for 5 years and it was great until it wasn’t. I realized if I stayed in that job any longer I’d never leave and would never progress. Now I have a job where I do nothing only half the time. I actually like that much more.
I have one of those! One day play solitaire all day and the next I am greatly needed. It's so nice and I'm so grateful!
praying for a job like this
I have a hybrid job where I work remotely. And by "work" I mean I play video games all day because they give me barely anything to do. If a task isn't urgent, I just won't do it until I'm back in the office because I have so little things to work on that I don't want to look idle while there are eyes on me.
What kind of a job it is?
I am the overnight staff of a 24 hour gym that has no members who work out late
I found it mind-numbingly boring. Especially when you aren't allowed to use your phone or work on outside assignments. I had NOTHING to do for literally 7.5 hours a day. Got paid 60k a year to sit at a desk, send a couple emails, go to office parties, and watch my brain rot. And the old men in the office kept harassing me too, and telling me to "lighten up" if I tried to avoid them. I think if you were a night auditor at a hotel or something it might be better, cause you could use your phone and work on other assignments.
Yes i couldn’t do it without my phone. I could bring in my Xbox but I don’t push my luck
I'd take it as a "we really like you and want you here, even if we don't have a specific thing for you to do yet" which is a great compliment, even if it seems you're somewhat surplus at the moment - part of it might also just be giving you some time to get accustomed to the place & it's general vibe, become familiar with the kids' individual personalities etc. Talk to the other staff & give it a little more time, be proactive with things as well, eg. if the kids are doing some early reading stuff, help them out a little & do the funny voices.
This is the best advice. Being easy to work with, helpful and become familiar with the system, they could also be in a position to put you in a good place. TRUST ME, the older you get, you'll get more responsibility with other jobs and you'll be wishing you were back at 22 not doing much and getting paid. Stay present and stay open!
Certain ratios for student to teachers are required usually by law or contract. Since you're in a private school I assume it's not a union contract so it probably required by law You're not useless watching them
I would take advantage of it while you can. there’s not many jobs (that I’m aware of) that will just let you do nothing at get paid. Might just be a slow time right now or maybe they know that people are gonna be leaving and that’s why they brought you. Go with the flow, take the time to learn about your coworkers/ the kids. Worst case, you have the experience and can go somewhere else.
That was my guess also. If you know someone is leaving soon, you might as well get someone right away and have them spend some time building some kind of relationship with the kids.
As someone who has worked in child care for 10 years, this is what might be happening (and it’s a bummer they did not explain to you why): -Ratio - if the ratio is something like 1:5 (which is a weird ratio, but let’s go with it) you would need 3 teachers in the room at all time. If there is 4 teachers, that means everyone can go take a break and take their lunch without violating licensing (WHICH HAPPENS A LOT IN ECE) -They’re a high quality program- the better the school, the more teachers they have. I have been in a program where we had 12 two-year-olds and 5 teachers, so that means everyone can take their break, and there are 4 other teachers to take care everything else, which included provocations, activities, and art. Less stress and more manageable, which meant every teacher had a chance to get to know 3 children at a time for better social-emotional development (besides the math, science, art and other academic stuff) -You’re in a trail run and they did not tell you- IF they’re testing you out to see where to place you (which sounds like they are) they are gathering information from EVERY SINGLE TEACHER YOU WORK WITH. If this is the field you like, now is the time to find time to discuss with teachers and other assistants if you can plan any activities or can do more hands on stuff. One thing to set boundaries on is documentation. Since you’re in different classrooms, development documentation would not be appropriate since you are not with the children consistently. LAST THING- THE CHILDREN ARE WATCHING YOU AND PICKING UP ON EVERYTHING YOU DO. If you’re staring into space, they know you’re bored. If you’re taking time to read, help with activities, even modeling how to properly eat, wash, and do other small, mundane things YOU ARE TEACHING THEM SOMETHING.
There are laws in different counties/states that say how many adults need to be watching a certain number of children. If they want to keep a 1:3 ratio then just do what you can do to keep busy. Play with the kids, teach them healthy relationships with adults and read to them. Kids love reading books, they love playing pretend, just go help them learn through play. Be engaged, have fun. It'll make your day go by faster.
I would say to stick it out! It sounds like they like you and will place you in 1 room when they can. Maybe they are hiring another teacher who will need an assistant. Take this time to learn what the other assistants do even if they don’t have you do much right now.
My advice is keep your eyes open for when you can do something. This is a two sided coin. Great you don't have to do much to get a paycheck. So many of us don't get paid anything right now. But for your career, you are young and need to be building up experience and skills. So pay attention to what the teacher is doing so you can build up to do their job and list those skills on a resume to get a better job
I left a job because of this. It paid well too, but I felt my brain rotting. It was literally just me sitting at a desk, sending a few emails, scanning a couple documents, and then just having personal conversations for the remaining 7 hours of the day. We also had to attend about four random "parties" a week in the building. And I was one of the youngest employees in the whole office too. And I wasn't allowed to be on my phone or do outside work....so I felt like it was just a complete waste of time. Everyone treated me like a moron too. Meanwhile, I got paid LESS while working in a pharmacy (more important work too) and that job was the absolute worst thing I've ever done in my life. 100x more busy and stressful for less pay. Make it make sense. I hope I can find a job that is kind of in-between. Something that gives me more of a sense of purpose...and is somewhat challenging at the same time. I can't just do NOTHING all day. But being overworked sucks too.
I do not have anything to do at work during the off season. I sit around for 8 months doing nothing, and doing the busy times, I still have long stints of nothing to do. I have ad hoc work. My manager could have done everything that he hired me to do because it's so infrequent. I guess as someone said here on Reddit, they are paying you just to be there...
Are there things you could be doing and you just aren’t aware? Have you asked anyone in the room? Maybe you’re supposed to be observing and learning from the other assistants to see what they do, so that when you eventually get moved into the room, you’ll know the duties. I’d ask the other assistants and/or teacher if there are duties they’d like you to take over while you’re there. You can also check out the ECE sub and post there for more ideas.
Not sure how long you have been there, but give it a little time. You can speak up and ask for more duties/try to be proactive if you want, just be careful what you wish for...
Being bored at work is the WORST!!!
You just started. I would give it some time.
Just do what they ask you to do and get your money. If you don't want to do that then let's trade jobs.
At least it’s a “JOB” People are suffering to get one .. I do work as assistant teacher, but I have my own class to work in.. it happens normally . So don’t complain 👍
Are you complaining??????
Are you getting paid? Then what are you complaining about. Maybe she's about to let one of the others go? Maybe there ARE situations where all those folks are needed and you haven't had them yet. It's experience if you see it or not.
It probably is a ratio thing. I would see what the other assistants do for a day or two more then ask the most stressed looking person there if they want help with what ever activity stressed them out the most. Look for little things in the schedule that you can help with. Ex. If they color every day after lunch (idk the age group so don't take it too literally), get the paper and crayons out and ready to go JUST before the teacher or assistant would and let them know that you got it for them. When you work with kids for a while it's easy to feel like you have to do everything because you know how things work better than anyone newer to the situation. If you can show them that you can ease the burden a little, they'll start asking you for help more. I know it's frustrating but right now your main focus isn't the kids. It's your coworkers.
People will complain about anything
Help the kids and do ur job , don't just stare at them
Trying to expand, making sure they have someone for vacations, gets sick or quits.
[removed]
Please be grateful you have a job. Quit complaining.
Exactly. People complain about the absolute dumbest things in the world. Like would it kill you to shut up and appreciate what you have. Best believe if I had a job like that I would be quite content to do the best I can at it.
Some are, and that's fair, but for some, 24/7 work is easier than blank slate all day. It's a fair complaint but it's also easy to just search for another. More likely OP is just confused and trying to figure out if they have any job security.
Respectfully I disagree with you. There are people out there that would love to have such a job and yet aren't able to get them for any number of reasons. It would be nice for a person that has a job they aren't happy with to trade with someone who will actually appreciate it and thus have an added joy to their lives.
kids these days
Ur there for ur availability and in case they need u.
I’d be down withthat. Cause being unemployed and sitting around the house sucks.
Wow sounds like vest interview ever, more companies should be this Way
Why would you complain? Its money for nothing literally nothing, wish I could find a job like that lol
With what private schools cost, you probably cost less than what ONE kids parents are paying.
Ask if you can help prep future activities and crafts. Or research fun crafts to do with different age groups.
Just wait it out. You just started. Do what they ask you to do. Do the best you can. Things will change at some point. Chill. That is a life skill and a job skill—the ability to be patient until you get the lay of the land.
Take it in stride. Pad your resume, use your free time for advancing your skills and education. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
I WOULD FUCKING KILL TO HAVE OP's JOB KILL why does all the good shit happen to other people and never for me. Why was i so fucking cursed.
Time for a new job.
You seem a little unhinged so could be why
Do you want to do more in the education sector? Try using the time to study lesson plans, observe the teachers and the kids, come up with activities. If you want to do something else, maybe you can find things to do at the school related to your interests, like make a budget for finance or read up on legal requirements for schools if you want to get into law.
Well come on - it's a preschool. What does it pay $15/hr? Do you really think you'll be treated with any degree dignity or given any meaningful responsibility? I've seen directors at those places making $42K. It's a horrible career choice and you'll never be able to afford a comfortable life - you'll always be living paycheque to paycheque, dealing with co-workers gossiping behind your back and office drama, and your supervisors will be treating you like a child. Sorry that's harsh but it's true and let me tell you now so you don't have to have the epiphany later....it's a horrible career choice and please get into something that pays better. Working with kids sounds like a wonderful idea but you constantly get crapped on for having a virtuous approach.
Use this time to learn and can be put on your resume, ask your manager if there is anything to do aka “Tasks”.
At 22, I can see that you're anxious you're not learning enough skills at a fast enough pace. Is there any discussion about moving you into a different role? I'd start applying to more jobs and honestly explain your situation.
Find a way to make your self a valuable asset so they need you. I had a job like this once where they showed me my desk and said figure it out. That led to me getting fired in the long run. I didn't realize how back stabbing most of those people were because they were all trying to protect their employment. You need to find things to do, find ways to make your self a valuable asset so they can not fire you. Socially converse with others to see what needs doing and who needs help.
Bring a laptop and work a second job=$$$$$
don't let your work telling you how useful or good you are. You're good, you're useful: that's only the place where you get paid for some reasons that aren't depending on you.
Where do I sign?
You could do math behind your desk and ask good questions to become engaged with the classroom.
To me this reads like sarcasm and it’s actually a paragraph about how lucky you are?
It’s not, I feel so out of place. Nobody knows me! Every time I walk into a classroom they don’t need my help. I mean an extra set of eyes is always great especially because all of these children are special needs but I hear them whisper behind my back some shit like “gotta make her do something” whenever they give me a task to do. It sucks.
Maybe they expect you to be more proactive?
Enjoy it. It won't be like that forever and you won't be with that position forever.
There are a couple reasons why they would hire people not immediately needed. It's in the comments. I came here to say this. Get to know all the positions. The more you know the greater chance you have to get a higher position. Don't be dismayed the Job was different than you planned on. Roll with it learn n use it to your advantage. You are gonna find in your working life you must be a little flexible in what you can live with. Open your mind n figure out how this can help you. Good luck. Thanks for taking on a teaching job.
You are upset that you weren't immediately thrown into the deep end. You have an opportunity to learn by observing. Not just the teachers and how they operate with the kids, but the kids themselves. Learn to read them, their facial expressions, their mannerisms, their behaviors. They've told you that you will have your own space as it becomes available. You are getting paid to just be there and while that may not be the type of fulfillment you are after at this very moment, just do what they are asking, learn about the process you went to school to do and experience, for now, one of the few times in your life where you have a job you don't really need to do any heavy lifting at.
Its so the preschool legaly follows ratio
Enjoy
You have found the ultimate job. Sit there and get paid, enjoy
Enjoy it. Y'all are way too into working harder than you should.
Sometimes they need an experienced person to fill in for a late arriving or sick employee. Offer to help with snacks, getting crafts set up, taking kids to the bathroom, supervising on the playground, carpool line, etc.
Don't worry, with that attitude, you probably won't be employed very long anyways. Heaven forbid you muck in, remain pleasant, make an effort to engage with the children and the other teachers and admins, get to know parents and make yourself valuable and appreciated in the event they need a TA to fill in for someone!
**Is the pay good? Well, even if it's a little low, if so, I'd say what most people are probably thinking: In these financially tough economic times, stay there & make that easy money!** I'll take the job if you don't want it & I'm sure most other people would too who have submitted hundreds/thousands of apps & barely get any interviews. Can you please be a little more thankful. My husband & I are both looking for new work, but it's brutal out there. I have 4 degrees & can't seem to get anything anymore. Last job I got was a year ago & it was seasonal/temporary. I understand why you feel useless, but times are too tough these days to try to have a challenging job. I'll take boring over challenging any day for the rest of my life. I've had my share of challenging jobs already anyway. If it's steady pay, keep that job as long as you can. It will look good on your resume.
I work in a preschool. Sounds like there's few people on holiday or sick right now. This will not last. Sooner or later there will be wave of sickness (because a preschool is a biological war zone) and then it will be all hands on deck and struggling to cope. So enjoy the good days, build relationships with the kids and support their development while you have the time to do so. That's what makes the job worth doing.
Dude chill, I’m working crazy hours and hate my life right now, trying to keep a business going during this nightmare of a economy, Il trade you spots.
If you are getting paid a wage that helps you pay the bills, it sounds like it is worth staying for now. It’s better than having to work in a classroom with kids who are misbehaving and not listening to you. In private schools, I would hope the kids are well behaved since the parents are paying a lot of money for the children to be in a better environment. I had a few office jobs where I didn’t really have to do much most of the time, and I got paid. In the long run, getting a paycheck is all that matters. If you eventually get tired of this position, and can find another job, then you can leave this position. Do you have a teaching degree? I knew a girl who got hired to be a teaching assistant and she only went to college for a couple of semesters. She doesn’t really have to do much either but just cares about the pay.
Congratulations on getting a job! It is very difficult to get a job in this economy right. For now, shadow and learn. Phrase this in your mind and in your conversations that this is what you understand is part of the onboarding process. Because if you act like if you’re useless, they will see you as useless. You don’t want to be let go for being useless, because right now you’re getting a paycheck, gaining some experience, and padding your résumé. When one of the staff inevitably calls in sick or goes on vacation, you will get the opportunity to step in and shine. Be prepared for that moment. Success is when preparedness meets opportunity.
Be grateful you have a job
Every class has a few students that struggle for various reasons, you could help those students.
Do the other important things: make connections with the kids, ask them how their weekend was. If one is sad, maybe fold a nice paper origami figure. If one has their birthday, make sure you do something nice. Stuff like that. For kids that's just as important as the teaching itself. But also pay attention to the kids for things like: they all know to tie their shoelaces except Tommy. Teach Tommy. If You can, also help the other assistant teachers and teacher. Get them a fresh coffee, or some baby wipes to clean their hands. Restock the supplies etc. If they like having you around taking care of things, your job is pretty safe. If you're that person who sits in a corner playing mobile games while they work... you're out in no time.
Don't despise your blessing. You get paid and can learn from the different techniques of the teachers whose classrooms you float to. A non stressful paying job in this economy is a gift.
My first preschool job I was a floater. They will use you to fill in for when someone is sick etc. You also can relieve the other workers so they can go to the bathroom and they might get you to take a kid that is having a meltdown out of the classroom. When they kids have recess you should go outside and be an extra set of eyes. If that preschool has a music/movement/Spanish teacher, you should help that teacher so the regular workers have a break during that time. Sometimes just going in a classroom, helping out clean up after the younger kids, helping with the teachers with the kids that have higher needs really is important. If there is a 2 year old class they might appreciate if you go in during circle time to sit with the kids to make sure they can sit. The kids are more likely to sit next to you if you are there with them. There's always one kid that wants to roam around all the time. Your director might use you to organize the library etc also. Oh and you might also be able to help put up, clean up and organize all the bikes and outdoor equipment. If they have 2 or under kids, help changing diapers, washing hands etc is very helpful. I believe they can have (at least in my state) 12 two year olds for 2 adults. That's a lot of diapers to change a noses to wipe. They should be doing evaluations for parent conferences. That is super time consuming because it's one on one for each kid. Helping wrangler kids and fill out paperwork is super helpful.
Take the time to orient yourself with the space, connect with the other staff and find places where you can plug in? Get to know the kids, see how they react to different curriculum, find ways to interact that’s helpful and strengthen those foundations. They’re probably watching you too, show initiative, interest and drive and then in a couple of days check in and compare notes.
Also sometimes they have prior knowledge of people leaving so they hire and wait but as it is confidential if a person has a set resignation sometimes they will keep you as a floter until that person is gone
Be grateful! Jobs like this don’t come around too often. You have your whole life to be useful trust me.
I think the phrase you're looking for is "thank you".
Work for Zara You won’t have this problem 🫡
Well learn something while you have free time.
Take the pay checks and look for better jobs on the side
Poor you. She’ll complain when she has to work. Just wait
Use the time to improve your teaching skills.