Back-up Care Associate Teacher
Pros
flexible, very flexible. Sometimes you do not get any hours. But they do work around your schedule. However, during busy days or months, they will ask you for more availability. offer children routines and activities during the day to create a fun and structured environment. Can ask teachers and directors for feedback or advice. "Open door policy"
Cons
hardly any hours to work. You should have or will need a second job. Associate Teachers are underpaid. They should make more than 10.00 per hour. Sometimes they function as Head Teachers. In back-up, you must dress professional as if you work in a bank. It's hard to keep up with the children with dressy shoes. The environment doesn't feel "relaxed". Since all the rooms are interconnected, children and teachers hear everything that is happening, even during nap time, which is not good for the children. For example, a child crying in a toddler room disturbs a preschoolers sleep. Or the school age room gets loud during quiet time and awake the sleeping toddlers or preschoolers. The rooms are small and there is not enough lighting in the place overrrall. Bright Horizons back-up needs some major improvements.
