Many high schoolers work at restaurants; however, several students around campus work at Kids First, getting the opportunity to work with kids over at the elementary and intermediate schools.

“It is basically an after school day care,” senior Maya Ellison said. “Kids First allows the kids to come to a fun but safe environment after school until their parents are able to pick them up. We have toys for them to play with and on certain days we take them to recess or the computer lab or gym and on Fridays we have movie day.”

While working at Kids First is a great opportunity for the high school students, it also greatly benefits the children.

“I think it’s very good for the children to be surrounded by teenagers and not just adults,” teacher and Kids First helper Annie Hedgecoxe said.

Some students have the opportunity to leave school early in order to work longer hours.

“I work Mondays through Fridays from about 2:57 to 6:00 p.m.,” Ellison said. “Technically I leave at seventh period and work until the last kid is picked up.”

There are several perks associated with a job that involves children.

“I enjoy the variety of personalities that the kids have to share,” senior Tiffany Phan said. “You never know what to expect when you start your day of work. It’s fun and not stressful.”

Students working at Kids First get to walk away with far more than just a paycheck.

“I love having the students from Lovejoy High School working here because they learn a lot,” Hedgecoxe said. “[For instance,] when they have children of their own they will know how to handle it because they have worked with kids and they will know how to take care of them.”