Learning and working in childcare: Sefa's story

Sefa is currently enrolled in a work-study program to become a childcare worker at Topkids and works at the Sport BSO in Utrecht Elinkwijk. He's happy to share more about his story, motivation, and experiences. Interested in a paid work-study program to work in childcare? Then read on. here further, and contact me if you are interested.

How did you end up at Topkids?
I was looking for a new challenge when my sister-in-law asked me if working as a childcare worker might be something for me. I immediately started exploring the possibilities of learning and working in childcare, and I thought it sounded really interesting. Working at a sports after-school care center (BSO) was particularly appealing, and Topkids had an opportunity for that. First, I had an introductory meeting with the Topkids recruiter and then with the cooperating coordinator to see if we clicked. Then I spent a day shadowing a childcare worker to experience the practical side of things, and I was very impressed.

What is your experience with the training to become a pedagogical employee at Topkids?
It's a challenging program! When I started the work-study program a year and a half ago, I had one evening a week of mostly online classes, and there were many dropouts among the teachers, which sometimes meant the guidance wasn't as good. I'm originally from Turkey, but I've been living in the Netherlands for a few years now. Because Dutch isn't my native language, I sometimes found it harder than my fellow students to understand the assignments properly. I've now switched to the ROC (Regional Education Center), and the guidance there is much better and the program is much broader. In addition to the pedagogical subjects, we also have math, social studies, and career guidance, for example. It's fantastic to be able to put the assignments you get from school into practice right away.

Why did you decide to take a training course to become a pedagogical employee?
"I was actually more drawn to the Sports and Exercise program, and that's what I initially wanted to pursue. However, the Topkids Sports After-School Care program, where I was interested, needed a childcare worker. After the interviews and introductions, I realized the childcare worker program is very broad and that I could actually do so much more with it. Moreover, gaining more pedagogical knowledge would also be a valuable asset for raising my own daughter."

What does your future in childcare look like after you complete your training?
After completing this program, I'd like to continue with Level 4, a specialized pedagogical assistant. I'd also like to pursue the Sports and Exercise program, because in the distant future, I'd love to work with troubled youth or children with disabilities or special needs. I'd love to make those children happy and use sports and games to achieve that.

What advice would you give to others considering a work-study program?
Don't underestimate it; it's a demanding program. Many people think that working as a childcare worker is mostly about playing with the children. After-school care is also often seen as easy. It's certainly very different from daycare, and you're less involved in childcare, but even there, you have to pay close attention to the children's development, observe their behavior, and solve problems. It's also important to have a good supervisor who makes time for you to help with practical assignments or if you encounter any problems.

What do you like most about working in childcare?
The best thing about childcare is the interaction with the children. It's always a gift to see them happy to see me and to express that. I'm happy to provide a fun end to their day or holiday, and in my case, I can also combine that with sports and exercise, which I really enjoy and which also provides an outlet for the children!

Paid learning, working and growing!
Looking for a new challenge, just like Sefa? Start a work-study program with Topkids. We'll pay for your training, and you'll learn the ropes on the job. What are you waiting for? Read on! here Learn more and register without obligation for the online information meeting on Wednesday evening, June 5!