When you work as an early childhood educator at U-GRO Learning Centres, we focus on making sure you have the tools you need to excel in your new position. Our thorough orientation and training program is designed to support our team members and ensure that our students receive the care and enrichment they need. Here’s a look at what your first week is like in your new role as a teacher at one of our early learning centers.
Orientation and Training at U-GRO
Your first day at U-GRO includes a half-day orientation program where you’ll get to know U-GRO better, including meeting our president and other members of the leadership team. During this orientation, you’ll also get set up with tools like your work email address.
Importantly, your new hire orientation is the ideal time to ask any questions you have about your new position or the organization that you may not get to ask at your center.
In the afternoon when you’ve travelled to your center, your director will give you a complete tour of your early learning center and explain more about teacher expectations. You’ll also become familiar with our emergency procedures and other critical policies.
For the rest of your first week, you’ll engage in additional training to prepare you to excel in your classroom. This includes a mandatory online training program and opportunities to meet with the curriculum coordinator and team facilitator. You’ll work closely with individuals in these positions, but they will also be able to provide guidance and mentorship to you.
You’ll also spend time rotating through each classroom. This gives you a chance to get to know the other teachers and students who will likely be in your class one day. Understanding the early learning center and its operations will be valuable for growing your career at U-GRO.
Tips and Tricks for New Teachers
Whether you are teaching in early childhood education for the first time, or want to ensure you have a successful first week at U-GRO, here are four tips to keep in mind.
- Be ready for anything. When it comes to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, mishaps happen, from scrapes and spills to runny noses and homesickness. Talk with your supervisor and team facilitator about how to handle these situations as they arise.
- Ask questions! If you’re unsure of something, that’s okay! U-GRO has a wonderful, close-knit community where teachers can rely on other educators and support staff for questions and concerns. Utilize this support environment to reach your full potential.
- Lean on your co-teacher for help. A successful co-teaching relationship can enhance your classroom environment, but also helps you learn and grow as an educator.
- Be enthusiastic. This is such a rewarding career! Whether it’s with the friends in your classroom, families, or teachers, demonstrate enthusiasm and passion for what you do. Use the same curiosity your students have to grow in your position.
For more advice on how to make your first week a success, check out this post, which also features some words of wisdom from other U-GRO teachers!
If you are seeking a rewarding career where you can help young children meet their full potential, view current job openings at U-GRO. You can explore our openings and learn more about the benefits we provide our valued teaching staff.