Mélodie Neves - The thanks of the children enhances our work

Mélodie Neves works as an educator at the "Am Rousegäertchen" day care centre in Luxembourg City where she is the referent for all matters related to inclusion.

Why did you choose the profession of educator?

I chose this job because of the enriching human contacts - I learn a lot from children - but not only that. I find that it is a profession that is constantly evolving, that adapts to new needs and I like when things move and that every day is different. Finally, it is a job that opens up many opportunities for me to develop both internally and in areas other than early childhood. I am still young and I have already had the opportunity to see different positions, each more interesting than the next. Today, I am a referent for everything related to inclusion and I like it.

What does a referent for inclusion do?

My job is to introduce good practices in the day care centre that allow each child to find his or her place in the group and society in general, according to his or her pace and needs. I work with the other educators in the day care centre who are in charge of the groups of children and who apply the practices on a daily basis, as well as with the referees for the inclusion of the other Caritas Jeunes et Familles day care centres with whom I exchange ideas, evaluate possibilities, etc. It's very interesting because we're always innovating.

What qualities do you think a good educator should have?

Of course, you have to be able to listen and be listened to. It's important! But beyond listening, it is also necessary to know how to observe because many people, and especially children, do not always express themselves in words. Finally, you need to be able to work in a team if you want to adapt to the needs of each child. Here at the day care centre, we are there for each other and we strengthen and support each other.

What do you like less about what you do?

The moment when children leave the day care centre, either because they move or because they enter school. When you spend so much time with them, you always have a little melancholy when they leave. I'm nevertheless happy to have been able to go a long way with them.

Do you have the impression that your profession is valued as it should be?

Not always. Some people do not see all the pedagogical work we do with children and think that it is limited to simple babysitting. That's a pity! However, I'm not worried about it. What is important is what we bring to the children and their parents and that the children like to come to us. Their thanks are the ones that make our work worthwhile. That's why I like to come to the day care centre.