5 must-know tips for ECE students completing their placement
With updates from Tia Morrison on June 7, 2024
As an Early Childhood Education (ECE) student completing your placement at the YMCA of Greater Toronto — we support over 500 placements each year and work with 10 schools — you play an important role in our classrooms. We appreciate your unique talents and passion for working with children and want you to have the tools and resources you need to have a wonderful and meaningful experience.
With that in mind, here are five tips to help you bring your A game during your ECE student placement.
Tip #1: Think like an ECE
Be proactive! Instead of waiting to be told what to do, take the initiative to read the program plan and come up with your own ideas for games and activities.
Take your team educator’s lead and anticipate the support they may need during play experiences and transitions. Embrace leadership opportunities and the chance to bring your ideas to life with the group. Have fun!
Tip #2: Don’t be a giant
Get down to the children’s level when you’re playing. This makes you more approachable, helps you understand their needs and interests, and fosters a supportive and engaging play environment.
Tip #3: Build genuine relationships
Make sure children and families know who you are. Families will appreciate that you took the time to introduce yourself to them. After all, they are leaving their child with you!
Get to know your centre’s team and build rapport with them; you’ll quickly feel like part of the team. Introducing yourself to the children, families, and the team is the first step towards building genuine relationships.
Tip #4: Set and share your placement goals
Read your evaluation materials before your placement to understand what is expected, and ask questions if you have any doubts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get clarification. Share your placement goals with your placement mentor and the educators on your team as soon as possible. By presenting your goals, they’ll see you are taking charge of your learning. Continue communicating with the classroom educators, including discussing your experiences so far.
Tip #5: Have fun and apply
This is your chance to lead and embrace fun, quality play experiences. Be imaginative, resourceful, and spontaneous, and always look for opportunities to spread the spirit of fun and education. Be a leader that all children can look up to. Nothing is better than seeing children’s eyes light up when you walk into the room!
Remember to apply to work at the YMCA at the end of your placement. You can apply to be a supply staff while completing your program or if you have graduated, ignite your Early Childhood Educator career at our Y!
The YMCA provides hundreds of student placements each year. If you are a post-secondary student interested in completing your placement at the YMCA in Child Care, EarlyON, or Before and After School programs, complete the application.
