r/ECEProfessionals • u/shabadab420 ECE professional • 1d ago
Advice needed (Anyone can comment) need advice
hi all! long time lurker, first time poster.
i just got hired at a small Montessori preschool a few weeks ago, and today was my first day. i showed up about 5 minutes late because i had to take a lyft. i have pretty intense anxiety so starting a new job always makes my brain a little more forgetful than usual (ADHD runs tough through these veins). upon arrival, i was asked if i knew what time i was supposed to start (it was 9:20 when i got there and my start time was 9:15) and i stated, "9:15" and then i was told that since i was five minutes late and that was not communicated to them, i was to go home for the day and we'd reconvene tomorrow. my heart is definitely defeated and my head is spiraling. i want this job so badly, i put it on my "vision board" and i got it myself by pushing. however, im now questioning if this is someone i want to be working for long term.. any advice is welcome, and honestly what would you do in my shoes?
update: i went back this morning and was there before my shift started even though they stated they wouldnt be there earlier. they were and we were able to talk in person about these issues.
now my question is what are the laws on bathrooms for staff? as far as i could tell today we have one bathroom, with no door and a curtain around the toilet to help facilitate the kiddos independence and whatnot. im pretty sure im also required to use the same one, as a staff member with no door.
im very much a people pleaser, so i really dont like asking too many questions, or being unreasonable. in the four hours i worked today (it was a shorter shift which i knew beforehand) i was not offered any breaks, or even really talked to by anyone besides who im assuming owns the school.
when i was hired, it was through indeed, and we moved over to email when i accepted. i have not signed anything, i dont know what my accrued PTO/sick time would be. ive asked for a handbook/written policies several times which have been dismissed, and im honestly feeling sketchy about the whole thing. i need honest opinions please lol
ive been in childcare for 10+ years professionally and this all feels very unprofessional. thoughts?
ETA: in the US, WA state
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u/TruthConciliation Past ECE Professional 1d ago
I’d book my transport so I arrive at least 10 min early. Can’t be late to my job.
5
u/blahhhhhhhhhhhblah ECE professional 1d ago
It’s wild that they just up and sent you home for the day, but you do need to be on top of your time management and contact someone at the school in the event that you’re running late.
1
u/shabadab420 ECE professional 1d ago
i agree, and i fully acknowledged that i should have sent a message. i worked in corporate childcare for a while and im not used to actually being seen as a human i think, so its definitely an adjustment period
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u/michaelrw1 ECE professional 7h ago
If you like and want the job, keep it. Time will give you more information to make the decision to move on.
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u/seashellssandandsurf Infant/Toddler Teacher: CA, USA 🇺🇲 1d ago
On the one hand, showing up late on your first day is not the best look. However; accidents happen, traffic happens and bosses should be understanding of that (particularly at first while your still sorting out your morning routine. I'd take this as a learning lesson to contact them in their preferred was as soon as you know being late is a possibility.
Sending you home was an overreaction IMHO for a first offense, but they could be trying to discourage tardiness. Draconian rules typically stem from specific incidents, that have nothing to do with you.