Rene Said:

Need experience of working with children - but it's summer hols! Where else could I do some work experience?

We Answered:

Up here in Aberdeenshire they have the Active Schools, which is basically trying to get primary aged children to exercise more, my niece is a Co-coordinator for the scheme, and they run a lot of groups and play schemes through the holidays. Try contacting your local Education Authority to find out if something similar is running in your area, and see if you can volunteer.

I know my niece struggles at times to get adult(over 16's) volunteers to help with the schemes.

Ricky Said:

Is having any experience with children compulsary to becoming a teacher?

We Answered:

It's not essential but competition for entry into teaching is fierce at some universities so the more you can add to your personal profile the better. If you can show you have an ongoing interest in children and can interact with them, you will have something to show you are really serious about teaching. To work in out of school clubs or children's groups you will need to go through disclosure process and that can take a bit of time. Can I suggest that basing your future career on one week's experience might not persuade the assessors that you are really committed to teaching. Get some other experience and show you have staying power - children are demanding and teaching is not an easy life. Don't mean to be rude but I'd also tidy up your grammar and spelling if you want to teach!!!

Ross Said:

what kind of difficulties could you encounted if you were on work experience with children?

We Answered:

if your on work experience you will not be asked to do anything on your own or be left alone with the children. you will not be aloud to change bums ect. just play with the children and ask the adults ther if ther is anything that they would like you to do. ( i work at a nursery 3months-4years and thats what hapens at mine)

Kevin Said:

What would be a good way to get experience working with children before becoming a special education teacher?

We Answered:

Call up a school you like and go visit the Principal. To be hired, you have to go through the Admin. You can volunteer your time to work with Special Ed. Kids. If you are starting your certification, you can automatically work in a classroom since it is required for part of the process.

Don't give up about being a teacher's aide, try another school district. You can also sign up as a sub. teacher and request to sub for only Special Ed. kids.

There are different levels of Special Ed. teachers depending on which kids they teach. Lowest level will be kids in wheelchairs who need feeding and diaper changing up to Higher level Autistic, and Mentally Challenged. They are able to stay in a Resource room, or be in both Resource or Inclusion.

Figure out what type of Special Ed. teacher you want to be and go for it!
Good luck!

Bobbie Said:

Places to do work experience with children..?

We Answered:

A Day Nursery.
A Nursery Assistant doesn't have to have any qualifications but just have a CRB check.