If you are thinking of a career change, be prepared to struggle to find work if you have no previous experience of working with children. The level and quality of your childcare qualification does not always mean you are going to find the right role. People who have no qualifications but have done lots of supply and temporary work are seen as much more employable than those with high qualifications. Friends and I who have left university with an early years degree constantly face negative comments due to the fact that we have little experience.
Timmylums - qualifications?
I work in the nursery attended by two of my children. As staff are not set to any particular room, it can be really hard to stay professional around them. My three-year-old knows I can't take her up to her bedroom if she is having a full-scale tantrum! To offer a bit of moral support to those who also work alongside your own children, be patient, reinforce your setting's behaviour-management policy consistently with all children and above all, if you find you are struggling, ask for support.
Kalual - Working with your own children
We have had to stop staff bringing their own children to nursery because of the problems it can cause, despite the fact that the children are split up into different rooms.
Maestro - Working with your own children.
