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Author: Sadie Osborne

  • My Challenging Co-op Experience: Trying to Balance it All

    My Challenging Co-op Experience: Trying to Balance it All

    Hi, my name is Mercedes and I don’t have my wisdom teeth or tonsils, but I do have anxiety.

    Last semester was my first time trying co-op education, and I had two periods in the morning along with one at the end of the day. Although I was anxious, it was relieving to know my boyfriend was also taking morning co-op and that I already knew my teacher, Mrs. Thomson, fairly well.

    The first few weeks of co-op, classes are spent learning about and reviewing things like workplace safety and doing resumes. And of course looking for a placement, or in my case, two placements. When it came to deciding on the placements, I knew I wanted to work at the library or at a newspaper. Looking back, I am kind of glad those options did not work out.

    The library did not need any help and we never heard back from any newspapers we contacted. I ended up doing my morning placement in a CPP (Community Pathways Program) co-op class, helping the students with their work and eventually attending their placements with them. Things were going really well and I enjoyed my placement. During this time Mrs. Thomson and I were working on contacting Goodwill for my afternoon placement and best of all, my anxiety had not been a problem. Yet.

    On October 9th I had a doctor’s appointment. At that appointment it was decided that three days later I would be going to the hospital to have a tonsillectomy (tonsils removed). Which did not seem too bad, except for the fact that I needed to stay home from school for two weeks to recover.

    The tonsillectomy and recovery went well. However, when I came back to my co-op placement, I had lost all motivation. I was very upset that while I was away, I missed seeing all the students I worked with start their placements. I did not want to admit that I felt differently, but it was clear something changed. I was not taking my co-op as seriously as I was before. Both Mrs. Thomson and the teacher whose class I was working in noticed the change.

    Around this time, I was also preparing to start my afternoon co-op at Goodwill. For around a week I was supposed to take a bus to Goodwill and start my co-op, but every time the bus neared my stop, I’d begin to panic and my body would freeze and I’d ride right past it, all the way home. Although it took some time, I was able to be honest with Mrs. Thomson about how I was feeling, about Goodwill and my morning placement, and we decided that until I was comfortable, she would come with me to Goodwill for at least the first 10 minutes. This small change boosted my motivation to continue doing the co-op placement again. I felt like I was back or track.

    This was working really well for me, for about a week and a half. I needed to have my wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible. Which meant another week out of school for recovery. I became unmotivated again. I didn’t think things could get much worse, but soon after I came back to school, I was let go from both of my co-op placements. Luckily, Mrs. Thomson was really understanding and we quickly got a new placement for both mornings and afternoons.

    In the end everything worked out; I got my co-op credits and learned that tough situations aren’t always as bad as they seem. Especially when you have people who want to see you succeed!

  • Career Profile: Network Cabling Specialist

    Career Profile: Network Cabling Specialist

    Every day, people use computers, televisions, phones, and other devices for work or entertainment, or to communicate with each other. Without the work of network cabling specialists, none of that would be possible.

    When you use a cell phone, you see only a small part of the structure behind the technology. Cell phone towers, cables for landlines, and wires for Internet connections, and many other cables and wires are part of what makes it possible to use all of these machines. Network cabling specialists install wires and cables that these systems need to function.

    Becoming a network cabling specialist takes a combination of training and work experience. A high school education is a requirement for many jobs, and courses are also available at post-secondary schools like the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Ontario’s Humber College.

    An apprenticeship takes about two and a half years, with four thousand hours of on-the-job training and another six hundred hours of classroom study. Through this training, aspiring network cabling specialists learn to install cables and the infrastructure necessary for keeping the systems working. Sometimes this involves splicing cables together and troubleshooting when things go wrong.

    Working as a network cabling specialist requires the use of both hand and power tools. People in this field label the cables, test them, and record their findings. Often, people find employers willing to train them, and once they are ready, they take a certification test to get their journeyperson status. Salaries in this field can vary widely, but generally they start at about $44,000 per year and can rise to about $85,000.

    Network cabling specialist jobs are available in almost every part of the country. More jobs are likely to be available in large cities than in small towns, but even towns and rural communities need network connections, and jobs are likely to be available there, as well. Making connections with companies that do this kind of work can be good for taking care of the future. Taking courses in mathematics or business methods can help, especially for people who want to start their own companies.

    Working conditions depend on many factors, including the size of the company where people work. Working alone is a possibility, but many people work in an established company. Both indoor and outdoor work are part of the job, and people in this field should be prepared for dealing with bad weather, possibly even snow, cold, or rain. Working hours in this field can be unpredictable, although customers generally make appointments except in emergencies. When these emergencies happen or when many people need new connections, network cabling specialists might need to work in the evenings or on weekends.

    Generally, the work of a network cabling specialist is not very physically difficult, but it can be tiring. Often, it involves bending down to work with small wires while trying to avoid breaking or tearing anything. Network cabling specialists have to work carefully to make sure that they make as few mistakes as possible. Being able to work with others is important, as well as dealing with the public. If that describes you, why not check it out?

    Bibliography:

    College of Trades. “Network Cabling Specialist.” https://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/TFS_Network_Cabling_Specialist-_Oct2015.pdf.

    Humber College. “Network Cabling Specialist Apprenticeship.”

    https://appliedtechnology.humber.ca/programs/network-cabling-specialist-apprenticeship.html.

    Network Telecom. “What Do Network Cabling Specialists Do & How to Become One.” http://network-telecom.com/what-do-network-cabling-specialists-do-how-to-become-one/.

    Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. “Network Wiring and Troubleshooting.” http://www.nait.ca/course_cctm116.htm.

  • Important Lessons I learned in School This Year

    Important Lessons I learned in School This Year

    Over the course of my school year so far, I have learned a lot. I learned a lot about politics, history, art, English and math, but the most important lessons I’ve learned has not come from any textbook. The most important lessons I’ve learned has come from the teachers, staff, my friends, and even things that I have had to figure out for myself:

    I had to teach myself was how to prioritize. I realized within the first week of high school that I had to learn this skill because without it, I would never finish my assignments, homework or projects. Not to mention all of my extracurricular activities. I discovered that the best way to prioritize, is to write down your homework, activities, due dates and appointments all in one place. Remember that it is important to keep a balance of school, life and relationships, so make sure to include all of these things in your notebook or calendar. After school, I suggest making a list in order of the things that you have to do from most to least important. That way, you do the most important things first, and then have time for the rest of your activities, later.

    I learned from my guidance counsellors and teachers about all of the options there are for post-secondary. I learned not to tie yourself down to one subject or career path because there’s always a chance that you find something you love even more. Keep your options open and try new things because you might discover another career path you want instead. My school had many presentations available to the students where professionals came into our school to talk about their post secondary education and career. Always take these opportunities and listen to them speak about what their interests and career pathways are.

    Perhaps the most important lesson I learned this year was to join activities. Education is extremely important, but in order to lead a healthy lifestyle, you will want to have a life outside of school as well. If you ask anybody who has been to high school, they will almost always say that the most important thing they wish they did was to get more involved. Join clubs, teams, make new friends, and participate in the events that your school hosts. This is a great way to have more fun, have a balanced life, and it looks great on postsecondary applications. You will learn a lot about yourself by participating in these events. You will learn about interests you never knew you had, and it will also help you to decide what career you want to go into. There are many different options for clubs, teams, and sports that are involved with career pathways such as art, English, sports, physical education, and more. Get involved with your school, and there will be many positive outcomes.

    Overall, the most important lessons that I learned in school this year was to: prioritize my life in order to create a healthy balance, keep my options open about post secondary and my future career path, and to become involved in my school. By doing these things, I was able to have the most educated and fun high school experience possible.

    Sources:

    https://fedena.com/blog/2016/05/10-life-lessons-you-can-learn-from-teachers.html

    https://asiasociety.org/education/seven-skills-students-need-their-future

    https://www.realsimple.com/magazine-more/inside-magazine/your-words/most-important-thing-learned-school

  • The Importance of STEM Organizations: My Experience

    The Importance of STEM Organizations: My Experience

    Article by Maryam Sheikh

    For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had an interest in science and technology. While these interests stemmed from all the science classes I took throughout elementary and middle school, a lot of my STEM learning came from external sources. There have been many experiences and organizations that have promoted my involvement in STEM, two of which I’ve highlighted below.

    Let’s Talk Science

    Some of my fondest memories of middle school include the Let’s Talk Science Challenge that took place annually for Grade 6-8. Each year, my school would recruit a group of students who would study topics ranging from earth sciences to space sciences in preparation to compete against other schools in the GTA. This team based challenge event was enriching and informative, all while fostering a safe and welcoming learning environment. Not only was I able to learn high school level science during middle school, but I was also put into a setting where I developed my collaboration and teamwork skills. On the day of the competition, I was able to make friends with students from other schools and gain a glimpse of a typical university campus, as the competition took place at the University of Toronto Mississauga Campus. Being able to participate in such a unique program really did prepare me for high school and quickly became a highlight of my middle school experience.

    LEAP Academy

    Last summer, I had the opportunity to attend the Learning Enrichment Advancement Program at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. LEAP was established in 2005 and has since attracted many students interested in the various fields of science, technology and engineering. Run by the faculty of Engineering, the summer program has various streams that appeal to a wide range of students. From Science 101 to Computer Science & Software Engineering, there is bound to be a stream that will interest incoming participants.

    For students curious about campus life, there is an option to live on residence for the duration of the program. Also, the program encourages female participation by offering full scholarships which can be applied for through their website.

    During my time at McMaster, I participated in the Science 101 stream. Each day, I was able to learn about biology, chemistry, and physics through a variety of ways. I had the chance to participate in workshops led by professors, go tours at the campus greenhouse, and perform experiments in the laboratories. Additionally, I was mentored by current McMaster students and was able to gain insight on university life.

    Overall, the program furthered my interest and love for science- it was a beneficial 2 weeks and I walked away with a deeper desire to learn more about the world around me.

    I would highly recommend this program to any high school student looking for a fun and educational summer experience!

    I can safely say that my experiences with Let’s Talk Science and LEAP were both key learning opportunities that motivated me to take senior level math and science courses in high school and have also contributed to me heavily considering a future career in science. It’s integral for young students to be exposed to STEM fields early on in their lives so that they get opportunities to explore all that is included in these vast and fascinating fields. These are just two organizations that make STEM learning accessible within the GTHA; there is an infinite amount of knowledge out there and there are numerous ways to get involved in different communities.

  • Too much at once- When to Know it is Time to Slow Down

    Too much at once- When to Know it is Time to Slow Down

    You know the feeling. You’re overwhelmed, anxious, and feel like your drowning. You dread the following day because you know it’s going to be another busy day fueled by 4 hours of sleep and a granola bar. That’s when you know it’s time to slow down. There are many ways that you can slow down your pace in life, even if you think it’s impossible. The bottom line is that you must make compromises with your activities so you don’t compromise your well being, mental and physical health. You are the priority. Take care of yourself before anything else. Here are a couple ways to slow down your busy life and take care of yourself:

    Consider taking some time for yourself. Join a yoga studio, be creative, try meditation, sleep-in, or do any of the things you love. By taking time for yourself you allow your brain and body to relax and refocus. You will become more alert, you will have less stress, and you will quickly become much more happy. It’s very important to incorporate time for yourself in your busy schedule in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

    The best way to slow down is by removing something from your routine. For example, if you do track and field, swimming, art classes and have a job, perhaps think about taking time off from one of those activities. Be aware of your goals and the things you enjoy most. If you realize parts of your day-to-day routine are making you feel worse and overwhelmed, eliminate it from your schedule. You will have more time to do things you love and to be yourself. You will also see a number of positive impacts due to the fact that your mind will be much more clear, and you have room to improve on other parts of your life.

    If the problem is at school, the best way to slow down is by prioritizing your time. Time-management is a very important skill in school, work, and in life in general. You can do this many ways, one of which includes creating a schedule for yourself. By making a schedule and sticking to it, you make enough time for everything you wish to accomplish. It’s important to stick to your schedule in order to complete it. Also, it’s very important to include breaks when you are planning your time. If you don’t give your brain and body a chance to rest and reset, you won’t be able to focus or complete the tasks to the best of your ability.

    By doing any of these things to slow down, you will feel much more calm and focused. It’s so important in this time and day to remain as happy as you can. Our day-to-day lives have become so crammed with activities and work that it is incredibly important to make time for yourself to rest- your future health depends on it!

    Resources:

    https://moodsmith.com/too-much-to-do/

    https://quickbooks.intuit.com/r/employees/8-tips-for-effective-time-management/

    https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/careers/soft-skills/time-management-list-tips/

  • An Unconventional Classroom: Lessons from a Hospital Co-op Student

    An Unconventional Classroom: Lessons from a Hospital Co-op Student

    Article by Maryam Sheikh

    One of my close friends, Sakina, recently completed a semester of Grade 11- working at a hospital. An Oakville student interested in pursuing medicine, she is part of her school’s Health and Wellness SHSM Program and was one of the few students to do a placement at St. Michael’s Hospital’s Breast Centre. I was able to ask her a few questions and really value her insight!

    What did your position entail?

    I was extremely lucky with my placement because my unit dealt with many aspects of the hospital environment; we did patient consults, labs and surgeries. I also dealt a lot with patient appointments, which means that I took care of everything from creating and processing the appointment in the hospital’s digital system, informing the patient, giving them instructions and confirming the dates with them.

    However, I was lucky in the fact that I had an amazing supervisor; she let me do many unconventional tasks including running hospital events and picking up specimens from pathology and sending them to various labs around the world.

    Of course, the hospital’s program also offered us the chance to go on tours of various different parts of the hospital. Aside from this, I participated in job shadowing and interviewing various employees as well.

    Did your placement help you decide what you want to pursue after high school?

    Definitely! I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field and was keen on becoming an emergency physician and trauma surgeon, but I was unsure if I would be suited to the job. My placement allowed me to experience the implications of working in the hospital environment and helped me identify what type of worker I am.

    What were the pros/cons of working at a hospital?

    One thing I absolutely loved about working at a hospital was the close-knit environment between all the staff. They’re constantly performing critical tasks, and I have found that they have high levels of respect and cooperation for each other.

    Another thing I loved about the hospital was the general unpredictability surrounding it. Every day, there were new patients and new situations, so I never got bored. Personally, I thrive in fast-paced environments, so working at the hospital was one of the best experiences of my life.

    On the flip side, however, there is no denying that working anywhere in a hospital can take an emotional toll on you. It was hard to connect with patients, only to learn that they were experiencing some kind of hardship. It’s definitely critical to maintain an optimistic mindset in this environment-even just thinking of the hospital as a place of healing rather than a place of sickness makes all the difference!

    What is the most important thing you learned during your semester at the hospital?

    I learned many things during my time at St. Mikes, but one thing that really stood out to me was the weight of passion, work ethic, and the love for learning in achieving success. Working in a hospital is difficult; becoming a doctor is difficult. If you want to succeed in this environment, you need to love and breathe what you do, but you also need to work hard.

    How did you manage your time between co-op, school courses, and extra curriculars?

    A lot of people discount co-op as a course because it’s essentially just working for half the day. However, there are assignments you need to deal with for co-op as well, and the job is physically and mentally exhausting. Time management is key! You need to be able to work smart and stick to your schedule. Be productive and remember to take breaks. Burn-out is real, so organize your tasks and time wisely.

    What advice/tips would you give to students considering a co-op placement?

    • Don’t hesitate to apply! Co-op is a valuable experience.
    • Work hard on your application, but remember that as a student, employers don’t have unrealistic expectations of you. Be confident in your abilities and present yourself well.
    • If you do get the position, congratulations! Use this amazing opportunity and show initiative, express your interests and ask questions. Putting in extra effort will make your time really worth it!
  • Letting Go of the Past and Moving Forward

    Letting Go of the Past and Moving Forward

    Letting things go is a tough task. Whether it involves relationships, a habit you’re trying to break, or a decision you wish you had made, letting go is a hard thing for anyone to do.

    In order to “let go”, you must first make that decision. Forgiveness and rebuilding trust takes time. Allow yourself to take that; there’s no rush. Realize what it is that’s making you feel this way, and choose to let that go. Allow yourself to forgive the situation or person that is putting this pressure on you. It may be hard for you to let go, or it might be easy; be okay with either of these. Making the decision to let go is the first step to moving on.

    Try to bring yourself to the present. Notice that the tension you’re feeling is not caused by an event that is occurring right at this moment and that’s it’s in the past. Think about the place you’re in, the people near you, the objects that you’re surrounded by. If you are having trouble doing this, practice the 5 senses meditation technique: Think or say out loud 5 objects or people that you can see, touch 4 objects and describe them, think or say 3 things that you can hear, 2 things that you can smell, and 1 thing that you can taste. Doing meditations like these help you to be grounded instead of holding on to regrets, and therefore makes you unable to let go of what you’re holding onto.

    An important part of moving on is not to blame anyone. Try not to blame yourself or others for the pain you’re going through. This can be the most challenging part of letting things go, and can be the reason that blocks people from doing so. It’s an important part of forgiveness to realize that the pain you’re going through is not caused by you or by anyone else. One way of practicing this is by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. Imagine how others around you or those involved in the situation that you’re holding onto were feeling. Challenge the thought that’s making it feel like your fault, or someone else’s. Try not to give into the thoughts that are blaming these people because it’s a very strenuous task to move on while experiencing this feeling of blame.

    Once you have done these, it’s time to distract yourself. Indulge yourself in doing the things you love. Being creative or active are great ways to do this. If you are having trouble letting go, it is likely that your thoughts are going in spirals. By distracting yourself, you are allowing that spiral to break.

    Letting go of the past is difficult, and these things might not all happen at once, and that’s okay. Give yourself the time to let go of the past and to move on. One day, you’ll wake up and realize that you are no longer clinging to the past, and that you have moved on. Be patient, that day will arrive.

    Sources:

    https://zenhabits.net/letting-go/

    https://psychcentral.com/blog/learning-to-let-go-of-past-hurts-5-ways-to-move-on/

    https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/7-ways-to-let-go-of-whats-ailing-you/

  • My Volunteer Experience with Toronto Humane Society

    My Volunteer Experience with Toronto Humane Society

    I have spent my whole life surrounded by cats and dogs- caring for them and loving them. I was an animal lover way before it became the norm as fostered by social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter where cuddly fur-babies have their own pages, gaining followers like celebrities and influencers.

    Thus, when I stumbled upon the Toronto Humane Society’s website and saw that they were looking for volunteers for an upcoming Mega-Adoption Event, which was slated for three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), I jumped at the chance, submitting my application on the same day. Apart from the fact that I adore animals, ultimately, I strongly believe in promoting awareness for the humane treatment of animals and giving pets the love and care they deserve; this was a good opportunity to volunteer for an organization that’s dedicated to the cause.

    A few weeks later, I received an email about the training for the various volunteer positions for the event, including greeters, checkout admin, retail, and dog loading. I was assigned to the checkout admin duties for Saturday and Sunday, which meant I was one of those who would verify the adoption documents and ensure everything is in place—the required forms are all complete and filled out properly, the adoption fee was duly paid, and others. I could not be more excited.

    In the streetcar on my way to the event, I overheard a couple talking about adopting a pet, and they were set on getting a dog. I had no idea how huge the event was going to be (although the Mega in the title should have tipped me off), so when I stepped into the Queen Elizabeth Building, I am sure my jaw dropped open. The volunteer coordinator welcomed me and I then proceeded to the checkout admin desk, wore my volunteer shirt, exchanged pleasantries with fellow volunteers, and went right to work. The first few minutes were not busy, and the idle time allowed us volunteers to exchange stories about our own pets.

    The chitchat was temporary though, as soon enough, there were hordes of people who could not wait to get home and spend time with their newly adopted adorable canines and felines. As they were headed out, I got to pet some the furry creatures before they go to their furever home. Some had interesting names like Galaxy, Luna, Fawzi, Panther, Monterey, and Chaplin. It was so heartwarming to see so many dogs and cats get adopted. When my shift was done and I had to leave, there were still a considerable number of cats waiting for their future pet parents, but I was hopeful they would find homes by the end of Sunday, and I couldn’t wait to help out again.

    By Saturday evening, I got a Thank You email from the Toronto Humane Society from the volunteer coordinators, who shared with us that the Mega Adoption Event was a huge success, and in a big way. It turned out that all of the 600 furry creatures up for adoption found loving homes to call their own. What was supposed to be a three-day event was cut down into two days because they ran out of animals up for adoption! It was heartwarming news indeed, and I feel proud that I got to help out in my own little way.

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Museum Technician and Conservator

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Museum Technician and Conservator

    Utter the word “museum,” and the initial reaction most likely would be complete silence or outright dislike. After all, thanks to films and TV shows, museums were always portrayed as the place where fascinating old stuff that you are forbidden to touch are showcased—artifacts and various objects with artistic, cultural, historical, or scientific relevance. However, much has changed in the landscape of museums, and while they still do put in display precious artifacts, they are much more than that in recent years.

    A great example is the current “Zuul” at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, ON. This exhibit features the actual dinosaur bones (including a skull) discovered by archeologists in Hill County, Montana in the United States. At the same time, they offer a plethora of interactive exhibits that focus on the wonderful discovery, including a video game where you can face off with other dinosaurs from that era.

    With museums integrating technology, the more need there is for museum technicians and conservators. If this is a career that you’re thinking of, read on below as we take a comprehensive look at this burgeoning career.

    Museums Technician and Conservators – What You Need to Know

    Museum technicians and conservators are primarily responsible for the classification and the cataloguing of artifacts and works of art. In addition, they take on the lead in constructing, installing, and maintaining displays, and when the need calls for it, they are also the key players in restoring of display items to support conservation efforts. Other duties may include taking inventory of museum items, conducting tours and assisting with the planning and development of exhibitions and special events should travelling be required.

    While their main work environment is a museum, they can also be employed in art galleries, archives, science centres, parks, aquariums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, cultural centres, and other historic or heritage sites.

    To succeed in this industry, museum technicians and conservators need to have excellent attention to detail, time management, and organization skills. It’s also a given that they need to be well-versed in arts and culture trends, and  it helps to keep themselves up to date on prominent artists or exhibits around the world. Most of the time, they need to conduct their own research and therefore need to have research and analysis strengths.

    Salary

    According to Neuvoo.ca, museum technicians and conservators can earn from $42,000 per year up to $72,930 and beyond.

    Skills

    If you are looking at a career as a museum technician and conservator, you can opt for degrees or certificates in History, Archaelogy, Museum Studies, Anthropology, as well as Library, Archival, or Information Studies.

    Professional affiliations and connections will also be an advantage for those who aspire for high-level positions in the future. For example, the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) is a national organization dedicated to the continuous growth of the Canadian museum sector and provides training and support for any professional in the industry via development programs, conferences, publications, and networking opportunities.

    Pros and Cons

    For those who are truly passionate about arts and culture and history, being involved in a field that encompasses all these things is a benefit enough. Plus, museum technicians and conservators have the advantage of seeing exhibits or art works before anyone else and therefore they are frontline in the excitement.

    However, the job comes with disadvantages too, and one of those is working long hours and being available for all types of events. It can also be extremely taxing especially when traveling is required. On the plus side, travelling is certainly something to look forward to by those who don’t want to be confined in an office space most of the day.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/16240/ca;jsessionid=227494E917D54F3B7050A4928217B0A9.jobsearch74

    https://www.rom.on.ca/en/collections-research/research-community-projects/zuul

    http://www.museums.ca/

    https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=conservator

  • A Closer Look at a Career as a Child Development Practitioner

    A Closer Look at a Career as a Child Development Practitioner

    Let’s face it, when people say they aspire for fulfilling careers, they usually mean tremendous financial success or popularity or both. However, for some people, career fulfillment does not necessary mean five- or six-figure monthly salaries and a monthly luxurious vacation at obscure islands that you need a private jet to reach.  They are contented to have a career that allows them with the opportunity to do something they are passionate about or a chance to pursue continuous professional development. Others are more concerned about a career that gives them the chance to make a lasting impact. Such is the role of a child development practitioner. As with all professions that involve kids, these professionals have the distinction of helping mold these young ones, preparing them for the future ahead.

    Child Development Practitioners– What You Need to Know

    Perhaps child development practitioners are often associated with child caretakers or nannies, but they are so much more than that. In fact, they actually take on the responsibility of paving the educational path of kids, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged kids up to third grade.

    Childhood development practitioners must provide a healthy and safe environment for the children, as well as ensure it is inclusive and engaging. They must also be observant and capable of interpreting a child’s development in order to plan programs that foster further development as necessary. In addition, they track the children’s progress and be keen on any difficulties in cognitive and behavioural functions. They must then be able to create programs that that are appropriate to each kid’s learning capacity.

    Salary

    According to Neuvoo.ca, a childhood development practitioner earns $45,513 a year on average.

    Skills

    If you are contemplating a career as a childhood development practitioner, enrolling in a Child Development Practitioner or Early Childhood Education is recommended.

    Through these programs, you will be able to learn practice and theory pertaining to childcare and the instructional methods used to enhance physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Of course, other essential points of learning are ensuring you provide a safe, inclusive, caring, clean, and stimulating environment for the children, as well as monitoring and tracking their progress, and being aware of any challenges kids have that affect their development.

    Childhood development practitioners are often enrolled in schools and daycare centers , as well as community centers which offer free daycare.

    In this profession, you are expected to work exceptionally well with kids and must innately have a nurturing and caring attitude to them. Advanced to expert knowledge in behaviour management strategies, as well as in childhood development and overall psychology of children is also an advantage.

    Pros and Cons

    Being a childhood development practitioner means you have the privilege of being in a position that makes a positive impact in the lives of kids. It’s a profession that is emotionally satisfying and fulfilling.

    A disadvantage is that the work environment can be unpredictable at times as kids’ moods and attitudes constantly change. Of course, for those with a genuine passion for kids, this is barely a stumbling block. After all, they know they area big part of a kids’ life and has the potential to make a difference.

    SOURCES:

    https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=childhood+development

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