Caring Helper: Chad’s Day at Shepherd’s Daycare

The afternoon sun filtered through the colorful construction paper decorations hanging in the windows of Shepherd’s Daycare. In the toddler room, naptime was in full swing. Small bodies lay peacefully on their mats, soft breathing and occasional sighs the only sounds breaking the gentle quiet.

Chad Williams, a 20-year-old camp counselor who had been working at Shepherd’s for almost a year now, moved quietly between the sleeping children. He had a special mission today - to help little Mitchell who had been having a tough time lately.

Two-year-old Mitchell had been fussy during lunch, barely touching his food and squirming uncomfortably in his seat. Mr. Collins, the head teacher, had spoken with the daycare director that morning about Mitchell’s discomfort. The pediatrician had recommended a special formula and some gas relief drops to help with his tummy troubles and to help him fart, which would make him feel better.

Chad carefully made his way to the small kitchenette attached to the toddler room. He took out the note with detailed instructions. Chad had been specifically trained on how to prepare bottles and administer medication, as all the staff at Shepherd’s were required to complete health and safety certifications.

“Poor little guy,” Chad whispered to himself as he washed his hands thoroughly. He carefully measured the special formula into clean bottles, following the exact measurements on the note. Then he added the prescribed amount of gas relief drops that the doctor had recommended.

Chad double-checked his work against the instructions. Working with children had taught him the importance of precision and care, especially when it came to anything they would consume. He labeled each bottle with Mitchell’s name and the time it was prepared.

Back in the nap room, Chad checked on Mitchell, who was sleeping but still looked a bit uncomfortable, his little face occasionally scrunching up. Chad gently placed the prepared bottles in the small refrigerator where they kept children’s personal items.

Later, when Mitchell woke up from his nap looking groggy and still uncomfortable, Chad was there with a warm smile.

“Hey buddy,” he whispered, kneeling down to Mitchell’s level. “Did you have a good sleep?”

Mitchell rubbed his eyes and gave a little whimper.

“I know your tummy’s not feeling too good,” Chad said gently. “Here’s some special milk that might help you feel better and help you fart so your tummy isn’t so uncomfortable. Would you like some?”

Mitchell nodded, reaching out his arms to be picked up. Chad carefully lifted him, supporting his head and back, and carried him to the cozy reading corner where they had a comfortable rocking chair.

As Chad fed Mitchell the bottle with the special formula and gas drops, he spoke softly, telling Mitchell about the butterfly he had seen outside the window earlier. Mitchell’s eyes grew heavy again as he drank, the gentle rocking and Chad’s calm voice soothing him.

After Mitchell finished his bottle, Chad remembered the instructions to keep Mitchell upright for a while to help with digestion. He gently patted Mitchell’s back, using the techniques he’d learned in his childcare training.

“There you go,” Chad said softly when Mitchell let out a small burp and a little fart. “That’s going to help your tummy feel much better.”

Soon, Mitchell’s discomfort seemed to ease. His body relaxed against Chad’s chest, and a small smile appeared on his face.

By the time the other toddlers were waking up from their naps, Mitchell was sitting on the play mat, happily stacking blocks with renewed energy. Chad caught Mr. Collins’s eye across the room and gave him a thumbs up. They both smiled, sharing in the simple joy of seeing Mitchell feeling better.

As the day went on, Chad felt that familiar sense of fulfillment that came with his job. Being a camp counselor at Shepherd’s Daycare wasn’t always easy, but moments like today—when he could make a real difference in a child’s comfort and happiness—reminded him why he loved working with children.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges and joys, but for now, Chad was content knowing he had helped make Mitchell’s day a little better.