Working in child care has proved to be one of the most difficult jobs I have ever held in my life. There is one thing I know, however, which is that I love this job more than anything and it is the most rewarding four hours of my life every day. Working as an after school program worker faces many challenges that we are hit with on a daily basis. These are challenges that not only I have faced, but the same challenges of those before me and those that will come after. I have learned much throughout my work and if I could give advice to all that I come in contact with this would be it.

To the teachers of the students I care for - you are truly our greatest asset and I am sorry we do not tell you enough how much we value what you do for our students every day. You are the people who our student spends their entire day with and we can always see the love you have for them and their successes. Your job is very challenging but please understand that so is ours. We may not have the same education level and training as you, but some or most of us actually do. We work just as hard to take care of these children as you, so please do not look down on us as less than you or believe that we are incompetent. We are often stuck as a mediator between a multitude of sources, so please understand that we are trying our best to follow the lead that you set. Stay patient while we try our hardest to learn the material as the child does because sometimes we may not know how to help them in the way that they are taught. We will try our best to teach the way that you have because we will always have the same goal, which is to educate and mold these children so that they can grow and have a prosperous future.

To the parents we see at the end of the program - because of you, we are blessed with working with your child. We know that it is hard being away from them until late into the evening. We know that you face long days without seeing your children, often sometimes just to make ends meet. We love to see the joy in the children's eyes when they see you walk in the door. Just like you, their smiles bring joy to our days and we always love hearing them tell us that they love us and love the program. Please understand when we discuss your child's behavior and provide criticism, it is to better the life of your child and all those around them. We would like to see your child succeed just as much as you do and we will always try to be your child's biggest cheerleader, but we must take your child off the pedestal you have placed them on sometimes in order for them to grow as a person.

To the children we work with - thank you for bringing a joy into our lives every single day. Whether it is your smile when you are excited for an activity or a goodbye hug, your personalities bring love and happiness to all of us that come in contact with you. We know that you may have a bad day, that you may just want to go home, or that you want to just see your parents, but you still keep a smile on your face and brace through the day. We try our hardest not to yell or to scold you because we know that it will not help you. Do not argue with us and know that when we give a direction it is to make the program the best it can be. We only seek to help you so never fear about asking for help or talking to us if there is ever a problem. We may not always have the answer, but we will do whatever we can to guide you and make sure that you never lose your happiness and the light that twinkles in your eyes. You are the reason we do what we do. You are what gives us each purpose.

To future child care staff - value each and every moment that you get to spend with these children because they will teach you lessons that you will not receive anywhere else. They will show you an innocence that you may forget exists, let them show you it, let them recreate it in your life. When they are excited about something, show them that you can exhibit the same joy, show them that you care and that you can be more than their teacher. You will face many challenges whether it be a student, parent, or staff member, but always understand that you must stay calm and positive in order to create the best atmosphere for those who surround you. There will be instances when you feel you can no longer handle the pressure this job entails, but I promise if you keep holding on it will open up a world that you forgot existed. You will change at least one life while working with these kids, and at the end of the day, what could be a better reward than knowing that you touched and had an effect on someone's life? Someone who will one day be the voice of the future.