MacLean kept busy at Midnight Sun Daycare
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Feb 02/01) - Megan MacLean rarely gets to sit down while on the job.
"It's a busy day," MacLean says. "The hour I get between 1 and 2 p.m. is the only time I ever sit."
But MacLean, who since Dec. 18 has been early childhood educator at Midnight Sun Daycare, isn't complaining.
"I've always loved kids, always."
MacLean explained she's known since she was young she wanted to go into this line of work.
"I don't think I could pinpoint one certain thing I like most about it. I just like the whole field," MacLean said.
"There's a quote I picked out to put in my grad writeup. It's 'choose a job you'll love and you'll never work a day in your life.' And I think that's what I've done."
There are 30 children enroled at the daycare, though MacLean said that about 15 will be present on an average day. Her job is to plan activities and to act as primary caregiver.
"There's a lot of one-on-one play. Teachers are expected to sit on the floor and get down onto the child's level and play with them.
"That's what I'm here to do, not so much to observe. I'm there to take part."
MacLean said a variety of activities are held, ranging from art and music to circles, as well as outdoor outings when weather permits.
Last May MacLean completed a two-year diploma program in early childhood education. A native of Truro, Nova Scotia, she left there just before Christmas to start her first job in her chosen field.
MacLean revealed that a sense of humour is essential for anyone in her line of work.
"You wish you had a camera every second of every day. It's quite funny."
MacLean also said that she has to be flexible when planning activities, as sometimes the weather won't cooperate or the children just aren't in the right mood.
"If you lose them, if they're not being busy, then that's when the trouble starts," she said with a laugh.
