Answered Prayer

I am now done with training and am ready to work with the kids ALL BY MYSELF.   Yes, it is a little scary to be alone and unsupervised, especially when working with kids and parents I did not meet during my training period. Last week, I met with two childcare providers.  Jackie Inman is the lady that provides childcare near our neighborhood, and lives about 2 minutes away (by car).  I was drawn to Jackie, mainly because of her calm personality.  She cares for 6 children, including one of her own–the only girl in the bunch, between the ages of 6 months to 3 years old.  She has one whole room devoted to the kids, a play area outside, and a nap room.  I loved the location the most, and that she cooked the meals for the kids.  Unfortunately, her rate was $100 per week.  It was too much for us, especially for just basic childcare. 

The other lady I met is Laura Barajas.  She is a teacher, and runs a daycare at home.  Robert and I chose to put Savannah in her care mainly for the fact that she has the best rate ($35/day) and runs her daycare closely to a pre-preschool program.  Savannah loves to learn, do crafts, and play with other children–all of which she’ll be getting at Laura’s daycare.  It might also help her transition from going to Gramma’s and Grampa’s thinking that she is going to “school”. 

Also, having been an educator for children with special needs, I am glad that Savannah will get to know and learn to be friends with Laura’s 10-year-old daughter, Clara, who has Downe’s Syndrome, and another child who has autism. 

God is listening!

I GOT THE JOB!!

 Beth called me back today with the offer for the position, and a few questions regarding the next two weeks’ hours of training.  I had to make a few phone calls to make sure that Savannah would be taken care of–we never imagined the process would be this quick to make sure we covered childcare!

My training starts next Tuesday, with an orientation at the office followed by days of shadowing.  I should be getting my “TO HIRE” packet on Friday, along with my schedule.  They gave me between 10-15 hours a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and are actually starting me at $18/hour–THAT IS A TOTAL BLESSING!

Since all of this came about so quickly, Robert and I had to make a few calls to find help with the girls.  Next week is taken care of, and Wednesday and Thursday the following week is covered.  We just need help for Tuesday the 22nd. 

In making my phone calls, I found out that the lady who runs the childcare down the street no longer has openings.  I started my search for other local childcare facilities, including churches.  I got some referrals from Anne Hobbes and Jenni Ramsey.  I’m hoping one of them will work out.  When we started looking the first time, I was more focused on convenience.  During our wait, I started thinking about how much more important it is for Savannah to be in a Christian environment.  She learns things so quickly! I would rather she learns about God in addition to her numbers, letters, colors, shapes, etc.

God’s timing is perfect!

I got everything I was asking for, and even something I had forgotten I had wanted years ago–to work with children 5 and under.

Prayer Request:

To find a Christian childcare for Savannah

To be able to put Gaby in her crib during her nap times

For me to get over my cold before Tuesday

For Robert and I to be wise in handling our finances

Job Opportunity Update

My job interview went well.  We briefly talked about my current job and why I was leaving it, and also went over my past job experiences.  We talked about the type of skills I’ve worked on with other kids, and behaviors I’ve come across and how I’ve dealt with them.  She told me a little more about the company and the type of programs I would be working on with the kids.  Since they are 3 and under, I would be working more on eye contact, verbal and non-verbal immitation, labeling, some self-help skills, etc.–typical skills you would see from typical children in this age group.  We also looked at my available hours and their current need. 

I’ll be hearing back from Beth some time tomorrow.  I know I won’t be getting the amount I was getting at Footprints, but hopefully will still allow me to take home something to put in the bank.  There is a 90-day review, with a possibility for a raise.  The next review is at 9 months. 

The Counter

This is a great place to grab lunch after church!Custom-make your own burger…just the way you like it! Check out their website:

http://www.thecounterburger.com/irvine/

Job Opportunity

Even though I am still an employee with Footprints, I feel like I’ve been unemployed the last 3 months.  The last time I contacted my employers, I gave them an update of my availability and asked if anything has come up on their end.  So far, I am still waiting to hear from them.  At this point, the only reason I will accept any offers from them is because of the raise we briefly discussed in September.

 I was excited to find out from my friend, Sonia, that Nyansa was hiring.  I also feel encouraged to have had such quick responses for my resume and getting a request to meet with her boss this Wednesday at 12:30 pm.  I am praying that my availability and theirs match, and that my starting pay will be close to what I was getting at Footprints.

My friend loves her job, and I’m hoping that I will soon be able to say the same.  The position is for an early childhood interventionist, which means that I will not be working with children above 3 years old.  Also, I was told that they do not have to deal with the districts! Another plus is that they provide ways to pick up hours in case of cancellations.

If anyone is interested in finding out more about the company, here is a link to their website:

http://www.nyansalearning.com/indexnoflash.html 

It’s been such a blessing for us to have had me stay at home with the girls for this long.  I’ve enjoyed watching Gaby grow–slower for me this time than it was when I went back to work after Savannah was 4 months old–and Savannah go full-speed into toddlerhood.  I do feel sad at the thought that I will not be able to be home with them all day, every day. 

Pray for:

1.  Babysitting will be taken care of for Wednesday

2.  A perfect match

3.  Childcare for Savannah

4.  An easy transition for both the girls and myself