Name:Chyna Ayres

Internship, Co-op or Research Site:Columbia Academy Thunder Hill Preschool

Position Title: Preschool Teacher Aid

Major(s)/Minor(s):Psychology/English

Work Term:Spring 2018

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.

A typical day starts off with greeting the children and their parents as they are getting settled into the classroom. Once the parents leave, we interact with the children as they participate in activities with their classmates until breakfast time. During breakfast time, me and another co-teacher, help the children clean up and set the tables for breakfast. Once breakfast is over, one teacher helps with potty training and the other teacher helps with cleaning the tables and making sure the children have had enough to eat and drink. Throughout the day, we do art, we do circle time where we introduce new material and concepts to the children in creative ways, we take them outside to play when the weather is nice, we dance and sing to music, then we prepare for lunch and more potty training takes place. After lunch, the children take a nap that lasts up to two hours. After nap time,  the children use the bathroom and prepare for snack time. And after snack time, aftercare takes place.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I heard about an career event on campus and I decided to apply to the job because it was exactly in my career interests. I had to apply online with an attachment of a resume and a cover letter. I went to the Career Center to have someone help me create a cover letter and look over my resume. I found the service very helpful and helped me land this job. No more than a day later, I received a phone call from the company and they wanted me to come in for an interview and was hired soon after.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?

I have enjoyed the learning process of entering the career as a preschool teacher. Through the company, I have been able to gain training and receive certificates relating to child development in Maryland. I was even able to attend a conference this year as well. I also love the caring and supporting atmosphere I receive from the preschool center. I can't wait to see what will happen as I grow into my career and I find my niche working with children and parents.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I believe that I've been able to create an impact at my job by being a great team player when it comes to creating and participating in developmental activities with the children. I also help to create an impact on the children's lives and empowering them to become comfortable in their skills and abilities.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

If you love working with children, just know that you have to be skilled in working with the children's families as well. Also, having a lot of patience is key.

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