u/SuspectThin7888

So for context, it was my first day as a supply ECA at YMCA after school program and they gave me like 13 kindergarten kids to handle completely alone.

I don’t really have much experience actually being responsible for a whole group like that. I did do an internship at an after school program before, but I wasn’t really in charge, I mostly just interacted with the kids and helped with setting up activities while the other staff handled routines and attendance stuff. Thats why I applied to this position because the job requirements were just to have 6 months experience working with children and a high school diploma, so I thought I would be be starting out with more guidance and support.

So when I was suddenly expected to manage everything myself I got anxious. The kids were moving around a lot and I couldn’t properly control the group because I didn’t know any of their names so it was hard to get their attention. At the same time, I felt really out of place because most of the other staff seem to have Early Childhood Education backgrounds, while I’m in social work. One of the educator who took the other half of the kindergarteners was a bit annoyed when I said it was my first day, she reacted like I should already know what I’m doing, which made me feel even worse. I felt so overwhelmed and kind of like I messed everything up.

I genuinely felt like I was about to cry at some points because I was so overwhelmed and didn’t know what I was doing. I thought I would be assisting educators and have more guidance not be alone with that many kindergarteners on my first shift.

Now I keep wondering if this is just normal first day experience or if I was put in a situation that’s actually not set up well for beginners?

Is it normal to be given that many kids alone on your first day as a supply? And does anyone have tips for managing a group like this when you’re still learning everything and don’t know the routine yet?

Any advice would really help because I feel pretty lost right now.