Changes

Many things have been happening lately that I have been kind of mum about. I didn't want to say anything too early in case it fell through but now I can finally say: I started my new job!

My first day was May 14th and if you read the previous blog then you would know it was a bittersweet day for me. I know seems like sad timing but I pulled it together and moved forward, as I know my Grams would have wanted me to do.

First I should start off by telling you why I have a new job. I don't know if many of you know but a little while ago I quit my job at the daycare. To sum up why: I was terribly unhappy with the administration, their lack of care or concern for their staff's opinions or happiness, their lack of care to follow state regulations (unless they had to, such as a state person being there or a complaint from a parent), and basically feeling completely under valued as a teacher. Many of you know how much I love my kids, with that being said it is an understatement to say I simply miss them. But I just couldn't sit by and be a part of something I felt was wrong. I did, in case you are wondering, vent my frustrations and disappointments to the "right" people but on several occasions was told if the parents weren't complaining then they didn't see an issue. Any of you out there who as worked in a school or even as a parent can understand why this is the wrong attitude to have. First of all it makes you feel, as a teacher, that you simply don't matter and that your opinions are a waste of time. And second of all, if there is an issue it should be taken care of right away, it should NOT take the complaint of a parent to change things. In my opinion if it gets to the point that the parents are complaining then we (I) am not doing my job right. Parents don't realize (maybe some do) how much behind the scene work it takes to make sure their children are not only safe but also are learning in the environment we create for them. And in order to do that the staff need to be happy and feel supported by their administration. I would like to say that I feel like I was a good teacher and many many parents have expressed that same feeling towards me (especially after I left), so for a good teacher to get to this point, it just seems very sad to me.

With that being explained, I'll now tell you about the new adventure I am on. I decided after I left that for a while at least I wanted to stay away from schools, still having a sour taste in my mouth from my previous experience. I also knew I still wanted to work with children, so I decided to try being a nanny. I know it can be very demanding and have been reminded that you are by yourself a lot, but I feel I need that right now. So I began my hunt, I signed up to about 6 different nanny sites and sent my resume to countless families. I did get a few calls and a few interviews, each time feeling very hopeful. They all fell through much to my disappointment. I decided to take a risk and put an ad on craigslist.com. I tried to stay very anonymous, as you know there are a lot of crazy people out there. But I have to say I am very happy I did it because that is where my new employer found me! Mrs. J works at a school and we hit it off right away. She really understood and appreciated my feelings about my former job. We talked a lot and both felt that this was meant to be and that we both got really lucky. Her nanny is pregnant and needs to leave soon because she is having a hard time getting up and down the stairs with both kids (one is the nanny's and one Mrs. J's). It just seems great! The little girl is 13 months old (perfect for me! i worked with the 12 month-24 month olds at the daycare) and so far seems pretty easy! Her living room is a great environment for little C, she even has a mirror on the wall and shelves of age appropriate toys. There are plenty of parks around the area (which funny enough, they live very close to my old work) and lots of places to walk to. Right now I am part time, kind of a transition period for little C and the other nanny. The other nanny is getting me comfortable with the routine and the house. Little C and I hit it off the first day! She thinks I am a new giant toy and she loves climbing all over me! By the beginning of June I will be full time and am super excited for all the adventures little C and I will take!

Well that's pretty much it! We have a lot more coming up in the next week but I have been blogging for a while now and need to go to other things! I promise to give you the rest (it does have something to do with the background change!) very soon!
Until then....

XOXO
Amber