Your name and your background (where you are from and where you went to college)
My name is Alisha and I’m from Stein am Rhein, Switzerland. I have a Swiss, German and Italian background but unfortunately I only speak Swiss-German, German and English. I did my apprenticeship as an Educator in Schaffhausen and have been working at ISCC since.
How long have you been working at ISSH and why did you choose the Childcare Centre here?
I have been working at ISCC for 7 years now and I mainly chose it because I was interested in working in a bilingual environment and I felt very comfortable with the team and the parents that welcomed me warmly when I started my Internship back then.
What is your role in ISCC?
For the last 3 years I have been working as a group leader in the ISCC. I am responsible for the daily routine of the children, I offer different activities to challenge and foster them and I am also responsible for some of our parental work.
What does a typical day look like in ISCC?
The children arrive between 7.45 and 9.00 am and they have some time for free play. At 9.00 am we eat our small morning snack and after that we typically split the groups and make sure that at least one group can go and play outside. The others usually stay inside and engage in free play or some sort of activity. When the groups come back together we read a story and have an exciting sing circle before we sit at the table together and eat lunch at 11am. After eating and brushing teeth most of the children go to sleep in our upstairs sleeping area. We accompany them when they wake up and help them get dressed etc and they can play before we sit down for a snack at 3pm. Pick up time starts at around 3.30 to 4.00 pm and we offer them outdoor play or different activities again while they wait for their parents.
What, would you say, is the most important part of your job when working with young children?
Empathy and clear communication. I think it is very important for children to feel comfortable and understood but that they also need a clear line of communication when it comes to rules. That way they can learn and play and grow up in an environment that makes them feel safe and lets them build solid relationships and trust.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing how much those children trust me and the team everyday and seeing them smile and laugh with us.
Why do you think ISCC is a good Childcare Centre for children?
Because the whole team is very empathetic and professional. The well-being of the children is our first priority and we look at each family, parent and child as an individual and try to meet their specific needs as good as we can.
