The worksite operates on a consistent schedule with flexibility on the specific activities that take place from day to day. Opening staff communicate who is leading certain activities throughout the shift and collaborate on how the day will run. Staff that comes in later in the shift communicate with opening staff and adopt roles depending on the daily activities. Communication throughout the day is essential, and staff spend most of their time working in pairs or groups.

The structure of the workplace is similar to my ideal workplace culture, wherein I can operate independently and make decisions based off of my own judgement without prior approval. Additionally, the environment is very relaxed, despite being alert to situations that may be occuring around us. Coworkers have chances to chat and get to know each other whilst monitoring students and leading events. Contrastingly, I prefer a structure with specific daily tasks to be completed. With such flexibility, there can be times where the pressure of creativity and problem-solving on the spot can be overwhelming. Having a specific set of tasks to be done by end of day whilst maintaining and open, inviting environment would be ideal for me.

I was surprised by the flexibility of my workplace. Responding to the criticisms and desires of the students while maintaining an enriching, safe activity is very rewarding. I enjoy being able to get to know the students naturally and can better complete my work by knowing more about the children that I look over. Considering that after-school care tends to have many regulations to abide by, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the worksite is not rigid or stuffy.

Teamwork

Employees work together everyday to complete tasks. Staff has to collaborate and communicate during each transition throughout the program, in order to ensure safe transportation of the students and efficient management. Individual schedules remain consistent. Staff that work at open and the staff that come in later work with each other, despite differentiating start times.

Employees work together in groups every shift to complete tasks. Individual work can be assigned, but most employees work in pairs at minimum. Some staff lead activities alone, but oftentimes work in pairs. Personally, I had both on-the-floor and in the office to complete work for both the ESE program and the SCS program.

Every employee has the opportunity to suggest/revise/collaborate with other coworkers or supervisors. Opportunities arise multiple times a shift. Staff meetings also take place to ensure staff are receiving constructive criticism and have a space to workshop aspects of the program to make it better for employees and students.

I feel very enveloped in the team and the current team dynamics. In the few months that I have been a part of the team, I have built some long-lasting, genuine connections with multiple coworkers. I feel that my ideas are supported. My coworkers helped develop my ideas into clubs that I personally run. They have been very welcoming and inclusive.