The below question was received on the former website After-School-Care.com. The following are the responses that were received. I hope one of the comments will help you if you are having similar problems.
QUESTION
I'm a new Out of School Time worker.
I was excited about this job, but all I was given were some things to read and sent to work. When I got there no one told me anything because it was so BUSY!
I just read a couple articles here and will read them again. The one on self esteem and transitions helped me as far as the kids go.
How can they expect us to do a good job if they don't tell us what to do? I'm in college to be a teacher and I've only been working a few days. I like the kids but this wasn't what I expected.
I guess I'm just disappointed.
___________________
From Penguin
Hang in there! It'll get easier as you get to know the kids and routine.
I'm also going to be a teacher and this work is the greatest in preparation for that! Penguin
________________
From Barb
Dear Disappointed (Although I hope your name soon changes)
Welcome to the world of school-age care!!!
I'm sorry that you haven't been prepared for your position. It's important to feel both comfortable and productive. That you want to be the best you can be is a good thing! For now-- here is New Caregiver Orientation 101
Ask! Ask! Ask!
Don't be afraid to ask questions such as,
"Can you talk to me about _____ so I can better understand?"
"I'm all done with_____. What would you like me to do now?"
Additionally, build relationships with the kids, parents and key personnel of your building; learn about kids and get to know them (both as a group and individually). Learn children's names and learn their rules! Who knows? Maybe you'll be modeling behavior that your fellow staff will notice and emulate?!
Additionally, subscribe to the free daily E-mail to Child Exchange and School-Age Notes. They both offer tips, information and ideas that go out daily--A great tool for all in Child Care! Just go to their site and provide your e-mail address. Good Luck!
________________________
From Glitz
Wow! I guess I'm really lucky.
I'm new to this year and I really like our director. She's been fantastic in letting me know exactly what to do. Training was good; it lasted an entire day -- and it was fun! Love the kids!
My friends are all jealous because I get paid to play with kids! I do wish we were paid more-but it's good experience for my future in teaching.
___________________________
From Disappointed in Taylor
Well, just want you to know, it's a six weeks later and I've left my job and will be starting at a new center next week. Sadly the first never got better (lack of organization, crabby with the kids, lack of routine and inconsistency and overly busy because they don't have their act together) They had nothing like the wonderful things I've been reading on here. Actually I've learned more from this site then all the time at work.
This time I observed the program for the entire time. It's a center that goes all day with Pre-K and then has about 15 kids that come after school.
It was GREAT compared to where I've just been. The woman that runs the older kids' program is wonderful and the kids were having so much fun!!! The parents also seemed friendly and nice. I can't wait to start and will be back to visit here and take your ideas with me! Thank you for the advice!
NOT disapointed anymore...call me KL
______________________
From Penguin
KL, Sorry you had to leave the first program. It's sad to hear that there are still school-age care programs that aren't providing what the children need. It was smart of you to observe the new program you'll be starting. It sound as if they'll be very lucky to have you! Good Luck and have fun! Penguin
______________________
Posted: 6/11/2009 7:27:56 PM
From Sandy in Michigan
Last year was my first day camp job (first job working with kids). We only had a half day of staff training and that was for CPR and First Aid-nothing else! The director didn't tell us anything. I was totally clueless and had to learn on my own by watching others that had been around kids before. It was not a good summer-most of us didn't know what we were doing. Needless to say, there were a lot of behavior problems and not much fun 
The district I'm working in this year had a Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday training session. It doesn't matter if you've been on staff before, you still go. We're all very prepared and I can already tell it's going to be a very different experience. The room leaders have a full day of training before the regular staff training too.
I'm writing this to say to directors, train your staff! It really makes a difference in both performance and retention. There is no way I'd go back to the district I worked in last year!
By the way, GREAT WEBSITE!!! 
Any comments for this thread? Your welcome to leave your thoughts below in the Comment Box or via the Contact Page!