Sonia is a newcomer who had originally settled in Montreal with her husband and child. She had been a teacher for 8 years back home in India and wanted to continue working with children in Canada. When she arrived in Montreal, it was quickly realized that it would be difficult for her family to stay there due to the extreme language barrier. Sonia and her husband worked in a manufacturing warehouse while in Montreal, and both were promoted very quickly. Multiple times! This type of work was not what they had in mind when coming to Canada so, they saved up to move to an English dominant city, Winnipeg, to pursue their careers.
Upon meeting with Sonia, it was obvious how passionate she was about working with children. With the assistance of Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES), they worked hard on updating her resume and writing tailored cover letters. These were then submitted to a few different daycares as she did not need additional credentials to gain this type of employment. Sonia did get a call for an interview and worked with her counsellor to prepare. A mock interview was arranged the day before the interview and the feedback received was very positive. Sonia was nervous but prepared. She advised her coordinator that the interview went “alright” and the coordinator then proceeded to contacted the daycare for feedback.
Ashley, the Daycare Assistant Director, who conducted the interview, provided very positive feedback, stating that Sonia would be a great fit. Additionally, she stated that it seemed Sonia was very knowledgeable on the different teaching/learning methods used in the centre. Ashley shared that she would be offering the position to Sonia the next day. Ashley was then informed about the REES Co-op subsidy program (RCP). A meeting was scheduled to discuss the details and subsequently sign the contract for the placement. REES also assisted Sonia with the completion of the necessary criminal and child abuse registry checks and proof of which was forwarded to the daycare.
Sonia commenced work on Monday, August 28, 2023, and connected with the RCP program coordinator. She stated that everything had been going great at the daycare, she is getting along with all the staff and children and truly is enjoying the work. Sonia will also be taking the 40-hour Childcare Assistant Certification course as a Canadian Educational supplement for her already acquired skills and knowledge from her teaching career.
