Introduction to Student Teaching - Head Start

I am currently in my sixth week at Head Start.  My first Theme Day is looming on the horizon, and I don't want my nerves to get the best of me... no time to think of that, though!
All has been well, and I have learned a lot about myself this semester.  I have been working with the two and three year olds often in the past couple semesters during Foundations and Observing and Interacting, as well as at my previous job.  So, while I love the older children (that I am working with now and hoping to teach professionally), I need to brush up on their developmental stages. 
The Developmental Profiles book helps a great deal, and I also have previous classes' texts books to review.  Nothing beats the education you get in the classroom, though!
I would say it took three to four weeks for me to feel fully comfortable in the classroom.  By then, I was confident in my guidance and discipline strategies, and could also successfully implement the philosophy of the classroom. 
There have been a few times that I did not know what to do with a child that went "limp" and would not make eye contact with me or respond to any verbal communication.  I said to the teacher, "I do not know what to do here.  I need help," and she came over to talk with the boy.  He responds better to his teacher, even though I have tried to fulfill that role with him. 

Whenever I catch myself in a situation that leaves me feeling frustrated, I have learned to take a deep breath and let it go.  I tell myself, "These are children we are working with.  I am the adult."  This split second of self-reflection gives me the strength to collect myself and face the situation with compassion instead of anger/frustration.
I quit my job at Whatsoever Community Center two years ago in order to go back to school full-time -- it was an utterly bittersweet moment.  I knew I would be able to provide for my child in the long-run, but I was walking away from my classroom aka my passion.  I am grateful to be back in the classroom, and I have enjoyed every minute -- good or bad, IT'S ALL A LEARNING EXPERIENCE!