#certificate 3 in childcare

[skillaustraliame]

The best Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care course in Adelaide can boost your career.

It's best to enrol in a certificate III in early childhood education and care at Skills Australia. In this course, students will examine the roles and responsibilities of workers in a range of early childhood education settings who work within the National Regulations for Education and Care Services and the National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education. Visit one of the best colleges in Adelaide to learn more about this course.

[sweetreveriee]

WILDFIRE AID RESOURCES MASTERLIST

these are all the places ive found helping those affected by the la fires. please stay safe everyone <3

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FREE THINGS:

Planet Fitness Offers Free Things (ends January 15)

Form To Get Free Temporary Housing From AirBnB (space limited, eligibility criteria required)

List of Restaurants Offering Free Meals (updated January 9)

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UPDATED MAPS:

CalFire

Watch Duty

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INFORMATION:

List of Updated Info

Spreadsheet of Resources (by location and type of aid)

If you have anything to add to the list linked above, comment here

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SHELTER:

If you need shelter, text "SHELTER" and your zip code to 43362 for nearest open shelters

open shelters:

Arcadia Community Center – 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007

Ritchie Valens Recreation Center – 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331

Pan Pacific Recreational Center – 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Westwood Recreation Center – 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025

El Camino Real Charter High School – 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Pasadena Civic Center – 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101

Pomona Fairplex – 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles - locations unaffected by fire are open and providing free childcare to those who need it. also offering evacuation sites, temporary shelter, basic amenities, and showers.

for updates and locations click here

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TRANSPORTATION:

CalTrans Updated Road Closure List

Fare collection suspended at Metro through January 9. A list of updates and changes that occurred because of the fires and winds can be found here.

Lyft is offering two free rides of 25$ each (50$ total) for 500 riders using code CAFIRERELIEF25. offer ends January 15.

Uber is offering a free ride of up to 40$ for those who use code WILFIRE25 in the wallet section of the app

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ANIMAL CARE:

List of Shelters (check capacity and availability)

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MENTAL HEALTH:

LA County set up a 24/7 hotline to help with anxiety, distress, and grief. Call (800) 854-7771.

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WHAT TO PACK:

remember the six p's:

people and pets

papers, phone numbers and important documents

prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses

pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia

personal computer, hard drive, and disks

plastic (debit, credit, ATM cards) and cash

what to put in your "go bag":

face masks/face coverings

three-day food supply (nonperishable)

three gallons of bottled water per person

map marked with AT LEAST two evacuation routes

basic first aid and medical supplies

sanitation supplies

toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brush, deodorant

period products

prescriptions and medications

a change of clothes (bring AT LEAST one warm coat)

spare eyeglasses or contacts (if needed)

extra set of car keys

chargers for your devices

cash, credit/debit cards, traveler's checks

flashlight

battery powered radio

EXTRA BATTERIES

(copies of) important documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance, a list of emergency contacts and phone numbers

your wallet (ID CARD)

food, water, and meds for your pets (checklist here)

a can opener

not necessary but you might want to bring:

valuable items that can be easily carried

family pictures that cannot be replaced

blankets

more than a day's worth of clothes

important school supplies (for students)

books

trophies, medals, certificates, awards

pens and paper

self defense tools (pepper spray, pocket knives, etc) (NOT ENCOURAGING VIOLENCE. FOR SELF DEFENSE ONLY)

extra shoes

fuzzy socks

non-essential hygiene products

gum/breath mints

ALWAYS PREPARE BEFOREHAND. EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT DIRECTLY IMPACTED, THE FIRES CAN GROW. KEEP YOUR BAGS IN THE CAR SO YOU CAN EVACUATE QUICKLY IF NEEDED.

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WANT TO HELP?

Best Friends Animal Society

LA Fire Department (donations sent directly to first responders)

LA Food Bank

LA Works

MusiCares

Salvation Army

Santa D'Or (in need of fosters for displaced cats)

Silverlake Lounge (also offering a communal gathering place)

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund

Dream Center (in need of volunteers + non-perishable food items)

The Red Cross

We Are Moving the Needle

World Central Kitchen

United Way of Greater LA

As of January 9, the Westwood Recreation Center and Pan Pacific Park are at full capacity and not accepting additional donations. Check with all organizations by phone, text, or email before donating if possible.

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IF THERE'S ANYTHING I MISSED OR MESSED UP PLEASE ADD IT OR LET ME KNOW SO I CAN FIX IT. REBLOG TO SPREAD AWARENESS!!!!!!!! stay safe everyone

[gaytommykinard]

(this...got long. there's a lot of backstory and two OCs. bear with me)

ok i was brainstorming in the gc about this bucktommy different first meeting au thats canon divergence from s2 which would begin with buck as a single dad to a 4 year old

because one day he wakes up and social services is at his (abby's) door like surprise! you have a child! or at least that's what it feels like because buck never knew about the kid's existence because the kid's mom did not deem it worthy to let him know. it's not like she couldn't track him down, they were facebook friends. but she still kept this from him? which would cause him so much turmoil, like, that she didn't want her kid to know buck is her dad? local area man loses last shred of self esteem he already had a strenuous grasp on.

but now she's dead, so he can't even talk to her about it, and yeah, there's a 4 year old girl in his house who is missing her mom and not liking this new stranger at all. buck is trying so fucking hard to not break down in front of her but he comes close several times. like, is he ready to be a dad? hell no! he's not now (27) any more than he was when she was born (23) but the point is he IS a dad and he's trying so hard to be a good one. (listen, if you know more about the system and you think this is all wrong: i am sorry. this is a romcom and/or romdrama genre type of story. okay? cool!)

so this woman, someone he knew briefly, and they didn't exactly date, but it wasn't exactly a one-night-stand either, but this woman put him on the birth certificate because she was planning to tell the kid when she was old enough and let her decide if she wants to meet him. she wasn't planning on having kids this soon (28), but it happened, and she decided to keep it, she had a decent job and her own place and an adorable, grumpy old cat who stuck himself to her 24/7 when she was pregnant. her parents were well off and yes, of course they were disappointed, because they wanted better for her, but they got over it quickly. and she really liked evan, but he was three states over by the time she found out, and it seemed like a headache to try to coparent with the fuck buddy you hardly got to know for the month and a half you were together, anyway.

the tragedy is that buck will never really know that. this is very much a putting him in a jar and shaking it around scenario. the point is... buck is struggling. a lot.

and then he meets tommy one night. a rare night out (it's taken him a while to get everything sorted, get his daughter registered in a preschool, find a reliable babysitter (who knew childcare is so fucking hard to arrange when you're estranged from your family and your friends are either the people who work alongside you or your ex-(frat house)-roommates?) but he's getting a handle on things) and chimney invites him out one night because he's going stir-crazy at home recuperating from the near fatal stabbing and buck owes him for all the babysitting favours (there were like. 3 instances, if that. and chimney volunteered because he's actually good with kids, which totally surprises buck but he trusts chimney. and he trusts hen a little more)

anyway. he shows up at the bar and there's chimney and a total stranger. a very handsome stranger. a very funny, charming, handsome stranger.

and tommy. ten minutes into the conversation (work calls, chimney wanted to know, he has terrible fomo), chimes in with, "wait, you're the probie!" because he'd heard a thing or two from chimney, they kept in touch after he transferred, no one, not even canon, can take away my chimneytommy bestfriendsim from me, okay? like chimney would text tommy "can't believe you abandoned us. the probie just stole the ladder truck to get laid" so tommy does not expect this guy to be that guy from chimney's stories.

and yeah. buck had barely finished his probationary year before he got custody of his daughter. and it's been maybe half a year of trying to parent a grief-stricken 4-year-old with more energy than she knows what to do with (once she warms up to buck, she comes out of her shell, and quite literally wreaks havoc in the new house, which isn't in the best state to begin with anyway). and he's so tired. there's like permanent bags under his eyes and a preschool-slash-childcare calendar floating around in his brain 24/7. he maxes out at two beers and then switches to a glass of wine tommy recommends and nurses it for the rest of the night.

because the two of them stay and keep talking long after chimney heads home. tommy listens as buck rambles on about remy. offers to bring her around harbor and he'll give them both a tour. and buck lights up at that. he's totally enchanted by tommy (and he can't really figure out why just yet)

tommy gets a text from chimney the next day asking if he got lucky. and oh my god he fucking wishes he had gotten lucky. he was so tempted to ask if buck wanted to come over. have another drink with him at home. (if buck was into it, then yes, he'd be totally down to fuck. if he got awkward, tommy would have clarified that it was merely a friendly invitation. it's schrodinger's preposition). but he chickened out at the last minute, because yes, he's out now, but still not as confident as he'd like to be, not brave enough to ask out another firefighter, and definitely not a friend of a friend.

but buck calls him about that tour and tommy is more than happy to show them around. he talks to remy like she's his equal, and she warms up to him right around the end of the tour, finds her voice and asks tommy how high can he fly and tells him she can fly higher than that. tommy finds that adorable. (enough to buy her an RC helicopter for christmas. he "was at the shop buying stuff for the toy drive anyway, evan, it's not a big deal! you're the one who said she asked santa for a helicopter!")

it is absolutely a big deal. buck is like. a puddle on the floor. god help him. and yes at some point it occurred to him that he likes tommy. like-likes him. so buck invites him over on christmas eve eve when they're both off and accidentally-on-purpose catches him under the mistletoe and kisses him.

evan buckley started the year as a straight, single man and a probationary firefighter. and he's finishing it a bisexual dad to his 4 year old daughter, and a "we'll see how it goes but yeah i'll be your date for new years eve" man by his side. and i think that's hilarious.

[lillaydee]

The Arrangement Part 3

Pioneer! Joel Miller / Reader

Your life crumbled to nothing during a migration to Jackson, forcing you to agree to an arrangement just to survive.

NOTE: Possibly very inaccurate inheritance laws coming up.

Also, period-typical attitudes towards gender and single women.

I really know nothing, but I needed to put some stuff in for the sake of the story line, so please forgive me and take everything in the spirit of storytelling yeah?

WARNINGS: Protective Joel (The Last of Us), Ellie & Joel Bonding (The Last of Us), Good Parent Joel (The Last of Us), Parent Joel (The Last of Us), Soft Joel (The Last of Us), Joel is Bad at Feelings (The Last of Us), Joel Needs a Hug (The Last of Us), Hurt Joel (The Last of Us), Joel Has PTSD - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (The Last of Us), Jealousy, Mutual Pining, Fluff and Angst, Frontier Joel, Alternate Universe - No Cordyceps Outbreak (The Last of Us), Virgin Joel, Virgin Reader, Minor Character Death, Period-typical Misogyny, Marriage of Convenience

SERIES MASTERLIST

Part 2

You and Joel blinked at Maria, both speechless at the suggestion. Before you could help yourself, you burst out laughing. Joel stared at you for a split second, before throwing his head back and started laughing too. You laughed so loudly and heartily you almost fell off the log you were sitting on, earning you a disgruntled screech from Ellie, annoyed that her attempt to fall into a full-bellied slumber was interrupted. You placed one hand on her back, shushing her, while attempting, but miserably failing at toning down your laughter.

Sure, get married. That’ll solve everything. Oh, you’re all so hilarious.

Except, none of them were laughing. Even kooky Benny wasn’t laughing.

You and Joel stopped laughing so abruptly, your chests began heaving from unreleased laughter.

“You’re serious?” Joel looked disbelieving. “Marriage is nothing to joke about.”

“We know, but we think the two of you should do it.”

At this point, you weren’t even sure who was speaking.

“Why?”

Lee adjusted himself on his seat, placing his bowl on the ground, his elbows rested on his knees, his hands clasped in front of him.

“When we get to Jackson, I am required, by law, to report the death of your parents. The date of death will be listed as the date the report is made. If you arrive in Jackson a single woman, the land will be taken away from you. Even if you go back from whence you came, your late father spent a lot of money on that land. It shouldn’t go to waste. If, however, you arrived a married woman, the land will automatically go to your husband. You won’t lose the land, and you could live on it, work it, and benefit from it.”

You were quiet, this new information mulling in your head. Lee then looked at Joel.

“You have a baby with you. From what I have gathered, you have no experience in childcare. She does,” he tilted his head in your direction. “You both need help, her, with her land, and overall wellbeing in a new town, and you, with this sweet little baby here, and this way, there will be someone to care for your household. It’s a good plan.”

“But how would we even marry before we get to Jackson?” Joel still looked befuddled by everything he had just heard.

“I can marry the two of you. I am an ordained minister. I can give you the certificate and sign it. The date of the marriage will predate the date of her parents’ death. So you, as her husband, can claim the land on her behalf.”

Lee took a deep breath and stood up.

“We have two more days of travel. Talk about it, see what you decide.” He and his men picked up their bowls and headed to the nearby stream, intending to begin the preparations for departure.

You and Joel looked at Maria and the other Miller men in disbelief, expecting them to tell you what a ridiculous notion this was, but were met with no such thing. Will, the oldest of the four Miller men spoke first.

“I think you should do it. If nothing else, Joel, think of Ellie. Raising a kid is hard enough as a couple, but alone? We will all help, of course, but we don’t know how much we could help. Tommy and Maria, they might start their own family soon, and Benny and I intend to marry as soon as we get there.”

Maria took over, looking directly at you.

“Elena, you would be alone if you go back to town too, wouldn’t you? If you stay, we could all help you, we’ll help each other. This way, you have your land, you have a roof over your head, someone to take care of you, you won’t be treated like a single woman. Much as I hate to admit it, you know how the community will view you. And you’re so good with Ellie, she loves you,” she pointed at the little girl, now sound asleep, strapped to your chest.

You and Joel finished your breakfast in silence after that.

**********

As everyone was helping clear the camp, Tommy pulled his brother aside. The two of them walked a ways away from everyone else, talking, their heads close together. You watched, knowing that their talk was about the proposal Lee had given, Tommy seemingly doing most of the talking, Joel nodding every now and again. Tommy patted his brother on the shoulder, and instead of going back to his wagon, Joel went to your parents’ grave, standing with his head down in front of it.

Maria tapped you on your shoulder, a bouquet of wild flowers in her hands. She have them to you, tilting her head to the grave. You untied Ellie from your body and passed her to Maria, wanting to have this final moment with your parents alone.

As you approached the grave, you realized that Joel was talking to your parents. His low voice carrying in the wind. You made out an ‘I promise’ from him, before he turned and saw you, putting his hat back on, telling you he’ll give you some time alone.

You didn’t know how long you stood at their grave, but you did know that you didn’t say anything. Tears fell heavily from your eyes, wishing they were still with you in one way or another. You bent down and placed the flowers right at the base of the cross and gave it a kiss.

“Farewell, father, mother. I will see you again someday, I’m sure. I love both of you. Thank you… for giving me the best life I could ever wish for.”

You stood back up and turned to go back to the wagons. Joel was standing not far from where you were, Ellie in his arms. You walked to where he was, telling him you would take Ellie with you, she didn’t have to travel in her basket. He willingly passed her to you.

“Could you ride with me? We have things we need to talk about.” His gaze was averted slightly from you, but he did glance at you every few words.

You agreed, only because you felt the need to talk to him too. The idea had been planted, now the two of you needed to decide if you would go along with it. He helped you up first before climbing aboard himself, going inside his wagon and rummaged about for a while, before reappearing, a couple of thick blankets in his hands. Spring was starting to fully bloom but seeing as Ellie had never travelled out in the open before, he was worried she would be cold. You took one of the blankets and covered you legs and chest with it, making sure Ellie was fully covered from the oncoming wind. She wasn’t complaining, still asleep despite being passed around in the last few minutes.

When the lead wagon began moving, you turned around and chanced a final look at your parents’ grave. The reality of never seeing them again, the finality of it all becoming too real, and your tears fell, wetting your cheeks. Your shoulders began to shake with your involuntary sobs, which you tried to control as much as you could. 

A gentle, calloused hand wiped your tears off with a kerchief. You turned, Joel’s eyes gazing straight into yours, they themselves glistening with unshed tears. He gave you a soft smile, telling you that you will be alright, his hands taking yours into his own, squeezing them a little. You took comfort in his attempts and gave him a weak smile. You kept on turning around, until your parents’ grave slowly, but surely, disappeared from your view.

**********

The train had travelled for a good hour before you finally stopped crying properly, the time passed with intermittent sobbing and silent tears falling uncontrollably on your cheeks. Once you stopped crying, Joel kept up the silence for a bit before asking you about your life.

You told him you were an only child. Your parents met later in life, and your mother’s pregnancy with you was a difficult one, making your father wary of her safety to try for another child. Your mother was a seamstress, your father a carpenter, and you, as he knew, looked after children at the boarding house your family lived in. You did go to school for a few years before starting your work, but other than that, your life was not that interesting.

He then told you that his father passed away when he was seven, a work accident.  Tommy was only five. His mother washed clothes at the laundromat for a living. He stopped going to school to help his mother, working as an apprentice at the local carpenter’s. His mother died from illness when he turned sixteen, and he and Tommy did what they could to survive, before joining the army at eighteen, having had to wait for Tommy to turn of age. He was 22 now, only two years older than you.

He asked if you were ever close to marrying, and you told him honestly that no, you had never intended it, knowing this move was coming. You didn’t want to leave your parents. He nodded understandingly, aware that your parents were much older than his would have been had they still been alive.

You hesitantly asked him of Ellie’s mother. Annie, he said. She was Tommy’s age. Her family lived next door. Her father was a drunk and a gambler, and her mother was always too meek to protect her from his temper. He beat her, touched her inappropriately, screamed and shouted at her for everything. So she would run to his house and hid there until he fell asleep. Maria’s family lived down the street. The four of them bonded, and he grew to care for Annie a lot, Tommy for Maria.

You told him you were sorry for his loss. It must be tough, you said, losing the love of his life like that. He was quiet for a beat, before asking you if he could be honest with you. You nodded, of course, you can trust me. I know, he said.

He told you that despite what he knew everyone thought of their relationship, he didn’t know if Annie was the love of his life. He knew he loved her, cared a lot about her, enough to want to save her. But when he remembered how his parents were, saw how Tommy and Maria were, how Will and Benny were when talking about their beloveds, he did wonder if he ever felt that way for Annie, and she for him. He knew he would marry her, to save her, get her away from her parents. But he and Annie had never been romantic or loving with each other, not the way his parents were, or Tommy and Maria were, nor did they desire to be. He often felt as if Annie saw him as a dependable big brother, a protector, and he knew that he saw her as someone who needed protection, and he was more than willing to do it.

But if needs be, if marrying her was the only way he could save her from her family, then yes, he would do so.

He joined the army to make enough money to take her away from the town they had grown up in, far away from her abusive father. Tommy followed him, a faithful brother as ever. He spent his time in the army saving up to buy a piece of land. While other men spent their coins on drinks and brothels, he took whatever extra work he could get to save up. He was supposed to be back two years after his deployment, but such was war, his company got rerouted, and he was late by almost two years. He only found out what happened to Annie via Will and Benny, who lucked out and was discharged about a year before he and Tommy were.

He told you that he took Ellie in to make sure that she didn’t grow up loveless and unsafe as Annie did, that he couldn’t forgive himself if he woke up one day and found out she had been treated as badly as Annie was. He was blaming himself for her unfortunate demise as it was, believing that there was something he could have done to return earlier and saving her from her fate. He grieved for her, but mostly, he was feeling guilty for not being able to save her, and for perhaps, not loving her as he should have.

You could hear the defeat in his voice when he talked about Annie. You placed your hand on his shoulder and told him he was a good man for taking Ellie in, that this little girl was lucky she had him looking out for her. A soft thank you escaped his lips, his eyes quickly finding yours.

He told you that if the two of you were to marry, he had no interest in taking what was rightfully yours away from you. He worked hard to get here, he had his own money to spend, which he would willingly spend on you too, as your husband. You could keep your parents’ money, and he would claim the land for you to do with it as you please. He would work it for you and give you the proceeds, if you so wished, or he would sell it off for you and give you the money.

He would make a living somehow, make sure you were safe and taken care of, be faithful to you, and be your shoulder to lean on, to cry on. All he would ask from you in return, was your companionship, and for you to care for Ellie, make sure she was fed and clothed, safe while he was working. Everyone was right, he said. He had no clue what to do with her. It had been a miracle that she had flourished as she did these past two weeks, and that was mainly because you, your late mother and Maria were there to help.

It was your turn to be quiet for a beat.

You told him you were worried that you wouldn’t make a good wife for him. You couldn’t cook very well. For children who didn’t know better, sure, but for a full grown man who would be spending his days building a house? A man who needed a good, fulfilling meal to keep up with energy he would need to literally put a roof over their heads? What if you failed him as a wife? What if your cooking ailed him? Killed him?

He laughed out loud at your question. He told you he was used to army food, he’s sure he could eat whatever you gave him, and be alright. He’s not a fussy man. And if you didn’t feel like it, a block of cheese and some bread would do. So long as you and Ellie were happy, healthy and safe, he would be too.

You were quiet again. Your mind swirling around one question that you didn’t know how to ask.

What about your… wifely duties? You were inexperienced. You had never even kissed a man, unless you count the many slobbery cheek kisses you used to give your father and the boys you used to care for.

His face, neck and ears turned a noticeably darker shade of pink. He didn’t have any experience either, he said shyly. Your head turned to face him so fast you could hear your neck creak despite the noises the wagons and horses were making.

That’s impossible

First of all, he was a dashingly good looking man.

Second of all, he had a lady, although he had said that they were not romantic, per se.

But most importantly, he was in the army. You had heard so many stories. So many stories. Stories of soldiers stopping in town crowding the brothels. Stories of soldiers courting and charming the pants off young ladies and leaving them pregnant and unwedded.

He was still so red, shaking his head a little, telling you he knew what you must be thinking. But he was raised right, his mother would’ve risen from the grave if he had done that to innocent ladies he was never going to marry. And Tommy was head over heels in love with Maria, so he wasn’t playing around either. The brothers focused on making money, learning new skills to start a new life, and managed to stay on track.

So many men got into trouble from living that life, he said. Some fell ill, and eventually got their own ladies sick with the same ailment, some got beaten by angry husbands, brothers and fathers, some even got killed. So many children were born out of wedlock, so many young ladies displaced and disowned by their families for the shame of it all. He had no interest in participating in such foolishness. He and Tommy had a goal set in mind, and they were not going to play around.

He proposed that the two of you stay in your own wagons when you arrived. Because of Ellie, the house he was building would have two bedrooms. When it was ready, you and Ellie would take one, and he the other. He promised you that he would not touch you like that unless you asked him to. He had gone 22 years without, he could wait longer. And if you were not interested, he would find a way to be fine with that, too.

You then asked him what would happen if he met someone he would rather spend the rest of his life with.

He took his eyes off the road to look at you, his hands steady on the reins, letting his horse guide the wagon. If he were to marry, he said, it would be for life. He was going to marry Annie just to save her from her family. And if things hadn’t turned out the way they did, he would have married her, and stayed with her for life. So if the two of you married, he would stay with you for life, too.

But he had known Annie their whole lives, he had only met you two weeks prior.

He knew you enough to know that you would give your own life before you let Ellie get hurt, he said. And to him, that was enough for him to know the kind of person you were.

You looked at Ellie’s sleeping form for a second before asking him the ultimate question.

“What about love?”

“I believe love comes in many forms. If we are earnest in our marriage, if we play our parts right, love will come. If we are lucky, love will find us. Would we have an all consuming love that inspires love stories, poems and songs for generations to come? I don’t know. But I do know that I love Ellie, when I agreed to take her, she becomes my number one priority, and I will do anything to get her what she needs. What she needs right now is you. So, I am willing to do anything to make that happen for her and hope that everything falls into place one day. I also know that you would benefit from this, and all I could promise you is that I will not take you for granted and will be the best husband I can be to you.”

You wondered if you could be in a loveless marriage. One of convenience. An arrangement.

Your parents were so in love with each other. Any time you walked in on them alone in your room or the kitchen, they would be side by side, talking, laughing. They do everything together when they were not working. Your father would stay up whenever your mother had some sewing she had to finish, and she would visit him at work whenever she could, keeping him company as much as possible. Even in silence doing their own things, they would be touching. Your father would tell your mother he loved her with every opportunity he had.

You asked him once, why did the two of them spend so much time together? You lived with five other families, none of the other couples lived the way your parents did. They simply coexisted, despite the many children that they had.

He told you; he was already an older man when he finally found her, and she, an older woman, well in their forties when they married. He was going to spend every living moment he had with her, because he didn’t know how much longer he would have with her. And he did, spending his final moments crawling to her, holding her dead body in his arms, mourning her death right up to the moment he joined her, a mere few minutes later. And now, they shared a single grave, side by side, forever.  

It made you feel a bit better, that thought. They were now together, quite literally, for eternity.

Whether or not you would admit it out loud, you had wanted that for yourself.

But did you have a choice right now? Lee was right. You father saved and scrimped for that land. It didn’t seem right to let it go. This was his legacy. His blood, sweat and tears, his sacrifice for the women he loved oh, so much. And Joel did seem like a good man. A responsible man. One who was willing to marry a lady just to save her from her family, and now had seemingly agreed to marry you to help you out of a tough spot. A man who took a child into his care just so he could make sure she would be safe. A protector by nature. And both your parents seemed to love him when they were still around. So, surely, he had their blessing?

Joel seemed to sense your hesitation.

“The one thing I would not do, is force you, Elena. If you don’t want to do this, I will not begrudge you. It’s your choice to make. But I want you to know, I am willing to do this, if you are. I am asking you, Elena, if you would do me the honor of being my wife.”

You turned to look at him, searching his eyes, looking for any hesitation in them. You found none. Only sincerity. Earnestness. Honesty.

He told you to take your time and think about it. And reminded you again, that he will never, ever, force your hand into doing this, or anything, for that matter. And you believed him.

The rest of your journey was filled with idle chats, your mind going through the good and bad of being married to a man you had only met two weeks ago.

You spent the day with Ellie in your arms, feeding her, changing her, cleaning her, playing with her. Every bit of laughter she gave you made your heart soar, and every time you looked at Joel to see his reaction to her antics, you caught him already looking at you, a warmth emanating from his eyes, spreading into your own, before travelling through your body.

By the time you fell asleep that night, you knew you couldn’t say goodbye to the happy little girl without your heart breaking, and the idea of saying goodbye to Joel… well… that thought left a cold spot in your heart.

So the next day, at breakfast, you walked towards him, Ellie in your arms. You could see his body stiffen, looking at you with hope and apprehension in his eyes.

“Yes.”

You may have imagined it, but you swore you heard his heart skip a beat.

As did yours, at the happy smile he gave you.

**********

The two of you were married at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the rolling fields of Wyoming that evening once you made camp. The sun was setting. All the Miller and agency men were there, your would-be sister in law Maria holding Ellie, who was happily smushing your bouquet of wild flowers in her tiny little fists as you and Joel promised to care for each other, be faithful to one another, to have and hold, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, for as long as you both shall live. When Lee proclaimed the two of you husband and wife, the men and Maria cheered, and wildflowers rained over your heads as Ellie, excited from all the cheering, started grabbing at the blooms, throwing the petals into the air, an action which her uncles happily replicated.

You gave Joel a small lace handkerchief your mother had made for you, your initials sewn neatly into a corner. In return, he gave you one of his best kerchiefs, his own initial roughly sown into a corner.

When Lee told Joel that he could kiss his bride, Joel leaned in and gave you a lingering kiss on your cheek. Your mind etched the way your heart fluttered, the warm feeling that one kiss gave you, burning that spot his lips touched you for the first time as your official husband in your memory and prepared for your life as Mrs Miller.

For all you knew, that might be the last time you would ever feel such a touch from him. There was no wedding dresses, no suits and top hats, no music or fanfare. Just the two of you, standing at the edge of a cliff, jumping head on into a new life neither was really prepared for.

The two of you sat by that cliff after dinner, Ellie in his arms, watching the moon together, Ellie cooing at the both of you, her left hand grasping your thumb, Joel’s in her right, babbling something only she understood, while you and Joel laughed softly, the idea that the three of you were family now slowly sinking in.

He walked you back to your wagon, helping you climb in, telling you he’ll take Ellie with him tonight, before climbing into his own, parked right behind yours, both of you settled after your own nightly routines. As you laid your head on your pillow, you heard him speak.

“Goodnight BabyGirl. Goodnight, Wife.”

You closed your eyes, feeling a dangerous prickly sensation in them coming. The kerchief he gave you pressed tightly against your cheek, having placed it right next to your face right before he spoke, taking in the smell of him that lingered on it.

“Goodnight Ellie. Goodnight, Husband.”

You couldn’t help the slight chip you felt in your heart, fully aware that this marriage of yours was one of convenience, not of love.

A mere arrangement.

If only you knew how big a smile Joel fell asleep with, your handkerchief held tightly in his hand, pressed over his heart, the sweet aroma of your lotion invading his senses, carrying into his dreams.

Part 4

[drake-wayne-enterprise]

What Kind of Services Does WE provide for it's employees?

Thank you for the question.

At Wayne Enterprises, we are committed to supporting the well-being and professional growth of our employees. To ensure a rewarding work experience, we offer a robust and inclusive benefits package that caters to diverse needs. Our benefits include:

1. All-Inclusive Health Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision care to promote overall health and well-being.

2. Wellness Programs

Initiatives designed to support mental and physical health, including gym memberships, wellness workshops, and preventive health screenings.

3. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Confidential support for personal and professional challenges, including counseling services and resources for navigating life's difficulties.

4. Pension Plans

Long-term retirement savings options to help employees plan for their future.

5. Paid Vacation and Sick Leave

Generous paid time off policies, allowing employees to rest, recharge, and manage personal matters without financial concerns.

6. Flexible Work Options

Hybrid and flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance and accommodate varying needs.

7. Professional Development

Opportunities for growth, including training programs, certification sponsorships, and tuition reimbursement.

8. Off-Site Childcare Support

Assistance in managing childcare needs to help employees focus on their professional goals.

9. Comprehensive Insurance Options

Life, disability, and other insurance plans to provide financial security for employees and their families.

10. Family Support Programs

Resources and assistance for families, including paid parental leave, family leave, and adoption assistance.

We believe these benefits reflect our dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace. Should you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Tim Drake

Chief Executive Officer

Drake Industries

Wayne Enterprises

[starryluvs]

Tips on how to impress a school and get a scholarship from someone who got a scholarship at the most expensive school in my country.

Tip 1: have extracurricular activities. It could be anything from sports to pottery. Your extracurricular activities give the school a better image, for example; you're good at volleyball thats great, you have awards? Even better, now your awards will be given to the school to use for their image. You're good at art? Wonderful. Your art will be displayed to be shown off.

Tip 2. Pick up hobbies that you enjoy but will impress the school. Languages, sport, etc. Langauges are the most useful thing ever. "Yes they're very talented, they speak (lang)" bad example but you get the point. Its impressive to know more than one or two languages.

Tip 3. Work on your weak subjects. So for me it was math. What i did was enter competitions like online ones, it improved my math. Those awards were then brought out when i wanted to get accepted to my dream school. But mostly for yourself, work on your weak subjects. It'll be useful

- Tip 3.5. Just like me i joined free courses on

EDX they have a ton of different things. They're self paced most of the time!! You can pay less than 100$ most of the time to get a certificate!.

Tip 4. Make experiences. Your grades aren't the most important thing. Making experiences can not just show your maturity but those experiences show your independence. You can volunteer at childcare, camps, join competitions. These will pop up in interviews trust me.

Tip 5. Use your interests to your advantage.

You like korean? Learnt it and say you speak korean. You like basketball? Say you're passionate about it. You like to speak? Say you're confident on stage. You have good responsibility? Say youre looking forward to join student council

much love,

xoxo, f

[cnatraininginstitutesblog]

Everything You Need to Know About CACHE Level 3 Course

If you love working with children and want to help them grow and learn, getting the right training is important. One of the best ways to prepare for a career in childcare or education is by completing the CACHE Level 3 course. 

This course will teach you all the skills you need to work with young children in a professional manner. Whether you dream of working in a nursery, preschool, or as a teaching assistant, the CACHE Level 3 certification can help you get there.

What Is the CACHE Level 3 Course?

It is a qualification designed for people who want to work with young children. It focuses on early childhood development and education. The course covers many topics, including how children learn, how to care for them, and how to create a safe and supportive learning environment.

The word "CACHE" stands for the Council for Awards in Care, Health, and Education, which is a well-known organization that provides certifications in education and childcare. A CACHE Level 3 qualification is highly respected and recognized around the world, especially by employers in the childcare industry.

Who Should Take the CACHE Level 3 Course?

The CACHE Level 3 course is ideal for anyone who wants to work in the childcare or education sector. If you are passionate about working with young children and helping them develop, this course is a perfect choice for you. 

Many people who complete this course go on to become nursery workers, preschool teachers, teaching assistants, or even nannies.

It is also a good option for those already working in childcare but who want to improve their skills or move into a higher position. It’s qualification cans open doors to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

What Will You Learn in the CACHE Level 3 Course?

You will learn a wide range of skills related to early childhood education and care. You will study child development, which teaches you how children grow and learn at different stages. The course also covers how to create fun and educational activities that support children's learning.

You will also learn about health and safety, which is crucial when working with young children. Understanding how to keep children safe in different situations, such as during playtime or when eating, is an important part of the training. 

Additionally, the course teaches you about working with parents and other professionals to ensure children receive the best care possible.

How Long Does the CACHE Level 3 Course Take?

The length of this course can vary depending on the institution offering it. In most cases, it takes around one to two years to complete. 

Some programs may allow you to study part-time, while others offer full-time courses. It’s important to choose the option that best fits your schedule and learning style.

Conclusion

Completing this course is an excellent step toward building a rewarding career in childcare or early education. This qualification provides you with the essential knowledge and skills to support young children's development and learning in a professional setting. If you are looking to advance your career, enrolling in a CACHE Level 3 course in Dubai can be the perfect opportunity to gain valuable experience and make a positive impact on children's lives.

[fairycosmos]

omg how did you land your job? it sounds like something i’d like to do bc i can do anything on time from my house but i’m not reliable to show up everyday because of my symptoms :((

i’m so happy you found something that works for u 💗

thank you!! <3 tbh it was a super slow and gradual process - im a copywriter/digital marketer btw but basically a few years ago i started building a freelance copywriting portfolio as a side job and kind of developing my digital media, content management/design + photoshop skills (all using free online resources, guides and writing articles literally just writing copy in google docs) and then finally after a few months i got a job interning at a digital marketing agency (i think it was at the start of 2022), worked there for months until the contract ended and then started sending my copy out to random freelance agencies that were hiring on for copywriter positions on indeed and got a bunch of freelance work to tide me over while i interviewed for full-time positions, got rejected 8392392 billion times and just did freelance + TA jobs (im qualified in childcare nd that was my main gig before this) until i finally found a place that was willing to take me on after 3 interviews in mar 2023.....i think putting literally any skills you have on your resume and honestly just totally overselling yourself and your abilities is the way to go lol like obviously dont say you have a PHD if you dont but i thought for a long time i could only put education-based skills and certificates on there until i started branching out into the world of freelance and just saying fuck it.....very hard and long process and ultimately i still got lucky that this current company chose to take me on but yeah it was a lot of curating my abilities outside the conventional path. if you can volunteer anywhere doing admin or website management that would look great on your resume as well like truly. also if you have any sort of careers advice services in your area plzzzzzz utilise them as they helped me a lot with learning how to market myself and making my CV more attractive and all that crap. wishing you luck and sending a massive hug <3

[sand-lily]

I JUST GOT MY CoE!!!

(like just now now)

they still didn't tell me when my training date is, where my hotel is, when i can check in to the hotel, or APPARENTLY how long I'll be staying

(my contract says 1 year, but the CoE says 3years,, so idk what to put on the application , if they dont answer by Friday I'll just put 3years, then i wont get in trouble if i do renew the contract but it wont be an issue if i only stay 1 year)

im NOT buying another hotel if i can help it, SO i do wanna know when i can check into the training hotel so i can buy my plane ticket for that day and put that as the arrival date on the application, according to maps and reddit the shinkansen is only a few hours to the city i need to be in from the airport, so im taking that instead of doing a layover in japan,,

so i need to know WHEN i can check in so i can do the math to know WHAT flight to take, and since im technically losing a day across time zones, thats going to be hard for me since normal time math is ALREADY hard for me

i already have the passport photos, i already have the envelopes, i already made the shipping labels (just gotta print them), i already signed the disclaimer (gotta print), I already filled out the application minus those 2 things im not sure about (and gotta print),,

so my plan is to go to the library and print all the stuff at once, and sign it at the library, then go from there to the post office to drop it off, and then from there back home (shit has to be planned when you don't have a car and public transit only comes once every 2hrs)

the CoE is valid for 3 months from tonight, so im HOPING they want me there the last week of june or mid july so i can pack up my apartment, call my bank, get an esim card for my phone company (this is the only phone number I had my WHOLE LIFE and I don't wanna lose it so i MIGHT pay for international data to keep it), take care of my pets, break my lease unfortunately, get a transit card (apparently you can buy them online BEFORE going to Japan and have it shipped to you),

and quit my new job i JUST started last week unfortunately,, ive only done training so i dont even think i can put it on my resume, HOWEVER, i did pass CPR + baby CPR so i can put that on my resume if they have the certificate on file (idk if they filed it yet)...but if i have another month, I'll be able to have childcare IN A SCHOOL experience (asst teaching)

ig i WONT be able to save up to pay off my credit card, or get my hair braided, and i WONT be able to afford business class like i wanted,, i just hope i get a window seat, i WILL NOT sit in the middle if i can avoid it, i also dont want an isle seat just in case i sit next to somebody who doesn't speak English and they feel nervous about asking me to move so they can use the toilet... i really dont wanna talk to ppl like that

i also also need to look for headphones with a type c connector, because i heard those exist,, my Bluetooth headphones dont work very well on airplanes and i MISS wired headphones severely (i WILL NOT take them out of the box until im at the airport tho, i WILL NOT risk losing them before the flight, as i tend to do)

i also also also need to go through my music library and delete the songs i always skip and add in the new ones ive been playing on repeat via YouTube, im NOT paying for plane wifi , i also x3 need to figure out how to download Libby books like PDFs since i cant use libby outside of America and i want to keep reading books on the flight

ig im un-makeovering my apt tomorrow, time to put doors back on hinges and remove contact paper and fill in nail holes and everything,, it took me like 3days to do everything up and i did it with a butter knife instead of a screwdriver, so it should take less time to undo it with my new electric screwdriver ,, i think my sister is going to try and steal my bedframe, shes already laid dibs on the couch

they BETTER NOT charge me ANY fees considering i paid a TRIPLE deposit to move in here without a cosigner and thats the whole point of a deposit

anyways i got a lot to do tomorrow, so i gotta go to bed at a REASONABLE HOUR, NOT 2AM

and if anybody wants to help me pay off my $1400 credit card bill (ive been using it to pay rent and buy groceries since nobody wants to hire me, unemployment is only enough to pay the minimum + my phone bill so i dont get late fees)

here are my PayPal and cashapp,, im not good at art AT ALL, but if yall want commissions for something so that i can earn the money (i can only do traditional art), I'll do that too,, or i can proofread something? creative writing is actually my forte believe it or not

anyways

cashapp: https://cash.app/$firellily

(the pfp is a pic of my cat)

[romana-after-dark]

Romana Life Update!

Hi guys! as many of you know I finished up finals for this semester last month and theres been a few changes so!

I lived ina different state this summer! Im in the US so I moved further west. I've lived here before and this happens to be where my 3 best friends from high school moved to and a very good friend from when i got my associates degree out here is about to have a baby so is good timing (she's actually a week and 2 days late on the baby.... so XD)

As many of you know, my full time job is at a day care and I love it1 I've worked with children in several different capacities in volunteer work, childcare, Head Start (a preschool for low income families) and in social services so im in my element here. however, as many saw yesterday we had a bomb threat and had to evacuate and it was really scary. Last week we went into lockdown for a nearby shooting. its my second week. If these crisises keep happening idk if i can do this, but i love working with kids.

as of today, i started back at olive garden on weekends bc i need more money this summer lol. Mnay of you know i've been working in olive garden during the school year, so i just transfered. I actually used to work at this olive garden when i was getting my associates here so i know some people already, including a buddy who is a manager. I liked it so far, i was just shadowing today so they let me go home early since i did NOT sleep last night due to the bomb situation.

so that's where im at right now! I hope to finish my degree by the end of next summer but i may have an extra semester. After that i'd like to teach elementary school, but i may come back to this job next summer and teach again or go to head start, both jobs will pay for me to get an early childcare education certificate. I just love working with kids and i feel this is my calling.

anyway, all that being said ill try to keep getting these fics out bc i love writing! but im busy busy busy! i love you all and thank you for your support in my writing!

[itheaaus]

The Ultimate Guide to Earning a Certificate 3 in Childcare in Melbourne

If you're passionate about working with children and want to kickstart a rewarding career in early childhood education, obtaining a Certificate 3 in Childcare is a great first step. This qualification provides the foundational skills and knowledge needed to work in various childcare settings. In this blog, we'll explore everything you need to know about earning a Certificate 3 in Childcare in Melbourne, from the benefits and course structure to career opportunities and tips for success.

Why Choose a Certificate 3 in Childcare?

High Demand for Childcare Workers

Melbourne's growing population and the increasing number of working parents have led to a rising demand for qualified childcare professionals.

Foundation for Further Education

A Certificate 3 in Childcare serves as a stepping stone to higher qualifications, such as a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Hands-On Experience

The course includes practical placements, allowing you to gain real-world experience in childcare settings.

Course Structure and Content

The Certificate 3 in Childcare covers a broad range of topics essential for working with young children. Key subjects include:

Health and Safety

Ensuring the well-being of children through proper hygiene, nutrition, and safety practices.

Child Development

Understanding the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children from birth to 5 years.

Play-Based Learning

Creating and implementing engaging activities that promote learning through play.

Communication

Developing effective communication skills with children, parents, and colleagues.

Choosing the Right Institution

Melbourne boasts several reputable institutions offering the Certificate 3 in Childcare. When selecting a training provider, consider the following factors:

Accreditation

Ensure the institution is accredited and recognized by relevant educational authorities.

Course Delivery

Look for flexible study options, such as online, in-person, or blended learning, to suit your schedule.

Support Services

Check if the institution offers career guidance, tutoring, and placement assistance.

Career Opportunities

Upon completing your Certificate 3 in Childcare, you'll be qualified to work in various roles, including:

Early Childhood Educator

Working in childcare centers, kindergartens, and preschools to provide care and educational activities.

Nanny

Offering personalized childcare services in private homes.

Out-of-School Hours (OOSH) Care Assistant

Supervising and engaging children in activities outside of regular school hours.

Tips for Success

Stay Organized

Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and placement schedules to manage your time effectively.

Engage in Practical Placements

Take full advantage of hands-on learning opportunities to build confidence and skills.

Network with Peers and Professionals

Connect with classmates, instructors, and industry professionals to expand your knowledge and career prospects.

Stay Updated

Keep abreast of the latest developments in early childhood education by attending workshops, seminars, and industry events.

Conclusion

Earning a Certificate 3 in Childcare in Melbourne is a significant step towards a fulfilling career in early childhood education. With a high demand for qualified professionals and a comprehensive curriculum that equips you with essential skills, this qualification opens doors to numerous career opportunities. By choosing the right institution and staying committed to your studies, you can embark on a rewarding journey of shaping young minds and making a positive impact on children's lives.

[skillaustraliame]

Skills Australia Institute (RTO Number 52010 | CRICOS Code 03548F) offers the certificate 3 in childcare course to all students. You will learn how to care for babies, toddlers, and children in this course. Additionally, you will ensure the safety of children and the workplace. Additionally, you will learn how to support children's behavior and connect with them at a young age.

Through this course, you will gain relevant skills and knowledge about child care. You should therefore enroll at Skills Australia Institute, one of the best colleges in Australia.

[deadlifts-and-deadlines]

I’m in the mood to shop and replace all my clothes. Unfortunately I don’t have the money to do that right. It’s not like I really need new clothes, it’s more of a want since I’m up about 10 lbs since starting prednisone and my body has completely changed in the past year now that I’m so much more sedentary and my diet has changed. I am really hoping that things level out soon, I feel so gross and uncomfortable in my own body right now.

I had my Stelara infusion last Monday and it went well. I’ve had a few sinus and congestion issues since then, and some freezing and sweating, but nothing bad or unmanageable. I am feeling optimistic. I was approved for self injection for my maintenance doses, which is great because I won’t have to coordinate childcare for my infusions, and I’ll be saving a shitload of money a on meds because now I only have to spend $40 every 8 weeks instead of every 2 weeks.

I’ve been able to work out a lot more consistently now that I’m off the humira and have less joint pain. At this point, the pain and swelling is mostly in my left ankle and right hand, but I’ve been able to work around it. I even ran a little twice this week, and I’ve been hitting about 3-4 CrossFit workouts per week. I’m finally understanding that I can’t compare myself now to the myself from even a year ago; they’re completely different animals.

My in laws open their pool this week and I am sooooo ready it’s already been 80 degrees here for like a week and I’m dying, lol.

I’m about 1/5 the way through my nutrition/lifestyle coaching certification and I’m really enjoying it so far. My goal is to finish by fall, I’m hoping I can stay consistent this summer. I love how this program is set up; it’s not designed to make you memorize shit, just learn it. I wish all learning was like this! I would have enjoyed school so much more without the anxiety aspect of pass/fail 🤯

[girl4pay]

hiya, i'm an 18 y/o who's disabled, and i'm thinking of becoming an au pair or nanny. i don't have much experience however and i'm worried that will lead ppl 2 count me out. i'm wondering what kinda experience u gained b4 starting in ur job, and any advice u might have? thank u xo

hi! when i started it out i was a little younger than you are but not much and the way i found clients was just telling literally everyone in mine my family + my friends parent’s social circles that i was a babysitter. if you belong to a church or any kind of community org that’s even better you can ask to put up a flyer or again just let ppl know. even if they don’t have kids themselves everyone knows someone who has a kid you know. if you have ever taken care of a child before in your life - counting family members - you have technically been a babysitter! an easy way to get around lack of experience is affinity bcus both are about trust. a person saying ‘oh you need a babysitter? i know anon i can put you in touch with them’ is about the same impact as saying on an internet ad ‘i have x years of experience and can provide references’. and absolutely 0 insult intended to your childcare abilities but in terms of ease of getting started. frankly people are kind of less strict about who they let watch their kids than i would think they would be esp when things are kind of last minute and once you’re in as long as you don’t do anything catastrophic you’ll be in their roster of like people they can call for childcare and they will also hopefully start recommending you to their friends!

i would recommend getting a first aid certification if you don’t have one because it’s an easy way to show you’re serious. the last time i took it i think it was about $100, it may be less in other countries! if clients ask about experience you take literally any time you took care of a child and just expand it a little. obviously don’t full out lie but you can say oh i’ve taken care of kids as favors before and i enjoyed it so i wanted to start doing it to earn some money. try and focus on non sibling care if you can or if you ever did anything like tutoring younger kids or really anything at all that shows you like interacting with kids that’s something to bring up. also be as available as possible like in my experience when people know that you’re most likely going to answer they think of you first when they need someone. + once you have like at least 3 clients you have good relationships with those are your references and that’s a good start to applying to more full time/regular childcare. this is definitely not the only way to get started but it’s what i did and i think it gave me a space to build up my confidence in what i could do before like overcommitting myself, and i liked the freedom it gave me to kind of run my ‘business’ on my own terms. there are lots of babysitter groups on facebook and reddit and other forums where you can find people with different experiences to get a fuller idea of your options!

the one thing i will say is be little wary of study or work abroad au pair programs. i never was part of one but i got to know people who were and more than once they told me that it wasn’t what they had been expecting or told it would be by the program and that the program didn’t provide the support they needed. i’m sure this isnt universal but i’ve seen that that system is a little exploitative and it’s good idea to really do your research as much as possible.

good luck and if you have any other questions i can try to answer them! i will be rooting for you ❤️❤️

[legacydriving]

Flexible Schedules for Weekend and Evening Driving Courses Near Me

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to complete essential tasks can be challenging. This is especially true for individuals looking to obtain their driver’s license or improve their driving skills. For many, the standard 9-to-5 driving school schedule simply isn’t feasible due to work, school, or family commitments. Fortunately, many driving schools now offer flexible schedules for weekend and evening driving courses, making it easier than ever to learn to drive without disrupting daily responsibilities.

The Importance of Flexible Driving Course Schedules

The ability to choose a schedule that fits your lifestyle is crucial for anyone balancing multiple responsibilities. Whether you are a student, a full-time employee, or a stay-at-home parent, flexible driving courses offer an opportunity to fit driving lessons into your schedule. Weekend and evening driving classes cater to individuals who find it difficult to attend lessons during traditional hours. These courses provide a more convenient and stress-free learning experience, allowing students to focus on mastering driving skills without sacrificing their other obligations.

Benefits of Weekend and Evening Driving Courses

1. Convenience for Busy Individuals

For many people, weekdays are packed with commitments such as school, work, or childcare. Driving schools that offer weekend and evening courses provide a valuable solution, enabling students to learn at their own pace without interfering with their daily responsibilities. These courses ensure that individuals do not have to take time off from work or rearrange their schedules drastically to accommodate driving lessons.

2. Better Retention of Skills

Evening and weekend courses allow learners to absorb driving techniques in a more relaxed manner. Many students find that taking lessons after a long workday can help reinforce learning, as they are already in a structured mindset. Additionally, weekend sessions provide more uninterrupted time to practice, leading to better skill retention and increased confidence behind the wheel.

3. Access to Less Congested Roads

One of the advantages of taking evening or weekend driving lessons is the ability to practice in less congested traffic conditions. Many roads are significantly less busy during evenings or weekends compared to peak weekday hours. This can help new drivers build confidence gradually without the added pressure of heavy traffic.

4. More Personalized Attention

Driving schools often have fewer students enrolled in weekend and evening courses, which means instructors can provide more one-on-one attention to each learner. This personalized approach allows students to receive tailored feedback and improve their skills more effectively.

5. Flexible Payment Options

Many driving schools offering weekend and evening courses also provide flexible payment plans. This can be beneficial for individuals who are on a budget but still wish to complete their driving lessons without financial strain. Some schools even offer discounts for students who enroll in evening or weekend programs, making them an affordable option.

Choosing the Right Driving School

When searching for the best driving school that offers weekend and evening driving courses, consider the following factors:

1. Accreditation and Certification

Make sure the driving school is accredited by the appropriate licensing authority. Certified schools adhere to strict safety and educational guidelines, ensuring you receive high-quality training.

2. Experienced Instructors

Look for schools that employ experienced and licensed instructors. A good instructor will not only teach the technical skills of driving but also instill confidence and good driving habits in students.

3. Course Structure and Curriculum

Examine the course curriculum to ensure it covers essential topics such as road safety, defensive driving techniques, and local traffic laws. Some schools offer both theoretical and practical lessons, which can be beneficial for first-time drivers.

4. Flexible Scheduling Options

Verify that the driving school offers flexible scheduling that meets your needs. Some schools even provide custom scheduling options that allow students to mix and match weekday, evening, and weekend lessons to fit their availability.

5. Reviews and Testimonials

Reading reviews from past students can provide insights into the quality of instruction and customer service offered by a driving school. Positive testimonials often indicate a reputable school with a high success rate.

6. Vehicle Availability and Condition

Ensure that the driving school uses well-maintained vehicles equipped with the necessary safety features. Some schools even offer different types of vehicles for training, such as automatic and manual transmission options.

Cost Considerations

The cost of weekend and evening driving courses can vary depending on the driving school, location, and the number of lessons required. Here are some factors that can influence pricing:

Package Deals: Some schools offer bundled lessons at a discounted rate, which can be more cost-effective than paying per session.

Lesson Duration: The length of each lesson may impact the total cost. Longer sessions might be more expensive but can result in fewer total lessons needed.

Instructor Experience: Highly experienced instructors may charge more for their services.

Additional Services: Some schools provide extra services such as pick-up and drop-off, online theory classes, or defensive driving courses at an added cost.

How to Enroll in a Weekend or Evening Driving Course Near You

If you’re interested in enrolling in a flexible driving course, follow these steps:

Research Local Driving Schools: Start by searching online for driving schools in your area that offer weekend and evening classes.

Compare Prices and Packages: Contact multiple schools to inquire about their pricing, lesson packages, and any discounts available.

Check Availability: Make sure the school has available slots that fit your schedule.

Read Reviews: Look for testimonials from former students to assess the quality of instruction.

Schedule a Consultation: Some schools offer free consultations or introductory lessons where you can meet an instructor and discuss your learning goals.

Enroll and Begin Lessons: Once you’ve chosen the right school, complete the enrollment process and start your driving lessons.

Conclusion

Flexible weekend and evening driving courses are a game-changer for individuals who have busy schedules but still need to learn how to drive. These programs provide convenience, better learning opportunities, and personalized instruction, making them an ideal option for many students. By choosing the right driving school and taking advantage of flexible scheduling, aspiring drivers can obtain their licenses with ease while managing their other responsibilities effectively. If you’re searching for “weekend and evening driving courses near me,” take the time to research and find the best option that fits your schedule and budget. With the right training and commitment, you’ll be on the road to becoming a skilled and confident driver in no time.