Kaylie Umble – Early Childhood Education Internship

I was offered the opportunity to be able to participate in an internship at New Holland Early Learning Center. NHELC is located in the heart of New Holland, and only 10 minutes from Garden Spot! During my internship, I get to help take care of and watch children in a daycare setting. I work with ages from 1-5 years old and work closely with the staff there. I enjoy being able to interact with the children and teach them things about the world around them. I have many different things that I can help do throughout the day that I am there.

Usually, when I get to my internship, the classrooms are eating lunch or getting ready to eat lunch. During that time, I can help the children wash their hands, get them seated in their chairs, and pass out food to them. As they eat lunch I enjoy making conversation with them and listening to what they are talking about with their peers. I help them clean up after lunch and they are given time to play after everything is cleaned up. Sometimes we go outside and play on the playground and other times we stay inside and play with fun toys. I watch the students as they play to ensure they all stay safe and happy. I also try to talk and interact with them when they are playing to see where their imaginations take them. After they play for a sufficient amount of time, we get them ready for a nap and get them as comfortable as we can.

My job includes so much experience and hands-on learning with children. I am learning how to talk to them and thoughtfully work with them. One big part of what I do at my internship is help the children get past disagreements. I help them to talk to others respectfully and solve their problems that may come up. I work so closely with children and I get to see how their minds work at the different ages and learning levels they are at. I have gained strong bonds with so many children and I love getting to know each of their individual personalities.

This experience has given me skills in things that I would not have gained otherwise. I plan to go into pediatric nursing in the future, and this internship will help me get ready for my future interactions with children in the hospital setting. I will have more knowledge in how to help children navigate their world where they may not have their parent/caregiver present at all times. I have learned how to help children in calming their fears and in helping them to cope with their emotions. All children are so varied in their personalities and it is a pleasure assisting them in their everyday life and learning how to best interact. The experience of working in this internship has also provided me with an invaluable learning experience that will improve my future endeavors.

Not only have I also gotten experience with children, but I have also learned how to work with the staff. I have made great relationships with the people I work with and enjoy talking with them. I learned how to work with other people well and delegate responsibilities to make the day run as smoothly as possible. I am very thankful for the opportunity I have to work in childcare before I even hit college. I am very excited for the rest of my time at my internship and thank Garden Spot and the NHELC staff for allowing me to participate in this internship.