Pros
Working with the kids is great, usually. They will always have hours for you as they are typically understaffed. You will learn time management and a bit about how a normal school routine works. If you’re looking for a lead role, you’ll learn to manage time, manage behaviors, and plan engaging lessons.
Cons
This place is 98% money driven. It is a business not a school. It is almost impossible to put vacation time in as they will always need you around. Depending on the center, they will not pay any vacation or sick time you've accrued if you quit before using it. They will low ball your salary and make you feel like they’re giving you a great deal, so tell them you’re currently getting paid more than what you need. The health benefits are expensive and there will still be a copay. There is no space for teachers to express how they are doing, and rarely is there any guidance. They expect you to lesson plan the following week of lessons while the kids are around. They will put you at the max legal capacity. Although training is required, they would much prefer you complete it on your own time and throw you in a room to figure it out. You are essentially a body in the room to meet the legal ratio. Zero professional development. Unempathic about personal life. Did not pay me for overtime or trainings I completed from home unless I “reminded” them. No reimbursement for things you need in your room for activities, and lots of broken toys that probably won’t be replaced. Also one front desk person in particular talks down to younger staff OFTEN and publicly, with no shame. Overall hostile environment and no one who works there wants to be there. Several teachers (around 6) have quit or made an attempt to quit. If it were legal to hire the children themselves, they would do so to make more money.