Work is Play at Ocracoke Child Care

It seems to be fairly common knowledge that Ocracoke Child Care is looking for new employees as of several weeks ago.  While we have posters and ads placed throughout the community and online, there’s a lot more that can be said about being a part of our day care family that cannot not be included in a “help wanted” advertisement. For starters, we come to work and play with children all day. 

We build with them using blocks, dress-up, and make meals out of plastic foods, read, sing, play music, dance, create art, and are a source of comfort to our wonderful children.  Each day we follow a schedule that allows the children to learn through free play, teacher-led activities, art, and outdoor exploration. We play instruments, drive toy cars, and bring our imaginations to life. 

Day care is by no means a “free for all,” and we do more than “babysit” the children in our classes.  We follow the Creative Curriculum, which allows for 100% creativity and embraces how the young mind thinks and learns.  As teachers, we get to observe our children start from infancy, and grow into charming, hilarious, intelligent young people ready to start at “the big school.” Plus, we work in a beach-house style building…on an island…where the commute to and from work might, might be ten-minutes. And that’s if there are ducks crossing the road. 

OCC employs people with a wide range of talents.  We are storm chasers (of “tiny tornados” in the Green Room), musicians, story-tellers, magicians (yes, we do work magic), super-heroes (the Purple Room teachers), stand-up comedians, cryptologists (children do, after all, have their own, unique language), and advanced problem solvers.  We come from different backgrounds, different places, have experienced different things in our lives, and are different ages; however, here at OCC we come together, love the children, form friendships with each other, and have been given the opportunity to work in a truly unique and fantastic place. 

We would love to welcome more people into our day care family, and look forward to expanding our already happy, fun, wonderful center with new teachers, and more kids.  On top of the benefits of working in this positive, fun atmosphere, we also have medical coverage for our full-time employees through Blue Cross/Blue Shield, we can earn up to 40 hours of paid-time-off a year, and we are able to enroll in college courses which are paid for by OCC. 

Interested in applying and joining our family? A high school diploma is required, and if you don’t have any experience teaching or working with children, do not fear.  There are plenty of learning opportunities provided every day, in seminars throughout the year, and through online college courses. Listen to that voice in your head that is encouraging you to work here. 

Crystal Halcomb is a teacher at Ocracoke Child Care and trombonist in Lou Castro's Mighty Jazzcasters band.