[Marchand White]

I was very surprised to learn of all the steps involved in some of the WACS! I’ve been in childcare a long time and learned a lot of steps that I’ve forgotten!

[Anna N.]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? What I discovered about the WACs while going through the requirements for being an Early Childhood educator, is that the WACs are very clear, concise, and organized when it comes to teaching an educator the laws around being a Early Childhood educator; there is a section for everything when it comes to educating someone who is going into this field of work. The WACs also go into detain about what will be required of you, let that be what kind of licenses are required, what kind of training is needed before you start, what things are and are not allowed to be able to work in a educator environment, ways of keeping children active and curious in their learning environment with toys, or subjects, and overall knowledge of terms/definitions and style of communication and engagement used with children, colleagues, and the community.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? What surprised me while reading the WACs and looking over each section was just how many sections and chapters there are. It seems that there is an answer to every question, which is extremely helpful for someone just entering this work field. Moreover, all of the sections and chapters are very organized, and get straight to the point. Which is ideal when it comes to training and learning new things. The WACs also go into detail on how you are able to further your career, for example, I saw a section on credit requirements for college classes if a person were to want to be a full time teacher. This can be helpful to keep in mind what kind and how many credits you would need if you start as an assistant teacher and want to further your career as a full time educator.
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? Yes, I can see how the WACs will influence my day-to-day practice in caring for children because when going over the sections, the WACs provide very useful key points and concepts that will be useful when going into this field. This includes the section on intent and authority, that goes on what kind of licenses are required and what it takes to get those, up to how to respect and advocate for children, families, colleagues, and the community. Plus, what kind of training is required before starting, and all the steps that are needed to be taking before starting the job, such as background checks, etc., and overall laws and regulations on what may and may not be allowed in an Early Childhood Educator environment for future reference, especially if a problem were to surface.

[Melissa]

1. When reading over the Educational Qualifications Chart, I had no idea you could be as young as 14 years old and work as an assistant teacher!

2. Yes, I was very surprised to learn about how young you can be to enter this field.

3. I can see how the WACs influence my day to day practice in caring for children because the WACs offer lots of helpful resources and information

[Logan]

1. I discovered how many WACs their truly is. I was happily surprised to see how many and how detailed all of them were. I had an idea of some of these, but despite being in childcare for over a year now, I was unaware of most of these so I was happy to learn about them.

2. I was most surprised by WAC 110-300-0225, on Pets and Animals. I never would have consider having a class pet as something so in depth and important, but it does make sense and I certainly appreciate it.

3. Of course the WACs will affect my day-to-day life! It’s good to be aware of these things and have the information in the back of my head at all time. It’s very useful.

[Autumn Canfield]

Something I learned about the WACs is a license is required when an individual provides child care and early learning services in their home, if the child or children are not related to the licensee and for preschool age children for more then four hours a day. I am not surprised by any of the WACs since state licensing needs to be through, but it is a lot to know, so it can be a bit overwhelming. I don’t see how the WACs will influence my day to day practice for caring for children (other then being licensed), but at least once per calendar year, early learning providers must provide guardians or parents school readiness materials when it’s developmentally appropriate for those enrolled children.

[Laysha DeDios]

What did you discover about the WAC’s?

The WAC’s are very important and knowledgable for all parties (parents, staff). Making requirements and step by step guides for disinfecting and keeping the classrooms safe. Just like the sleeping arrangements and screen time requirements keeps the staff more aware of how to work and teach the children.

Were you surprised by any of the WAC’s?

I was more surprised by the fact that they have WAC’s for literally everything. From hanging backpacks and coats, to the placement of the water bottles, and required outside times, but they cant go outside if its over or under certain amount of degrees. Keeping medical records and keeping parents or professional help informed of the children’s symptoms or concerns.

Can you see how WAC’s influence your day-to-day practice?

Yes, the majority of these WAC’s are not new because our facility trains us to do it right the first time. from keeping records to updating posters and placing them in easy-accessed places. our directors are very quick at catching mistakes and establish routines that correlate to the WAC’s.

[Meagan Roe]

1) Something I discovered about the WACs while completing this assignment was that there are SO MANY WACs and rules to know and follow. I knew there would be a lot of WACs to read through but I was surprised by how many there were.

2) One of the WACs I was surprised about was that breastmilk cannot be kept for more than 30 days. Since breastmilk can be stored in the freezer at home for up to one year I figured it would be the same at a childcare facility.

3) I can see how the WACs will influence the day to day practice in caring for children, especially record keeping and reporting. For example keeping records of a medication a child is taking in your care.

[abby kolbeck]

What I discovered was how thorough The WACS is. It’s Very descriptive.

I was definitely surprised by some of the rules and regulations around being in child care. Especially about animals being in the center.

I Can see how the WACS will influence my day to day practice because it guides you into a more professional way of handling situations.

[stacy]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? I have learned that there are many precise protocols in place for all different types of activities. Although, to no surprise. It is important to take the best and proper care for the kiddos!
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? I cannot say I was surprised. I have done so many trainings now and they all are very thorough and take upmost caution for the children.
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? Yes it will influence my day to day training as I will abide by all of the regulations for safety measures.

[Samantha Lucey]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? It was a good to learn about ratios for the classroom, and to get myself familiar with the requirements for an In-Home Daycare.

1. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? I am not sure I was surprised about anything.

1. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? It was definitely a good reminder on some things for me. I practice all of these just as a mom to my own kids.

[Emma]

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1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity?

They are extremely thorough and well organized, accessibly written, and always prioritize the children.

1. Were you surprised by any of the WACs?

“WAC 110-300-0016 Inactive status—Voluntary and temporary closure” surprised me because I didn’t realize this was something to be reported. It’s easier as someone outside the profession to not realize how much is documented and supervised in a company. It is reassuring and understanding this allows some space for grace when it comes to understanding a businesses decisions.

1. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not?

Absolutely. WACs are a form of education as well as a list of rules. Although a parent might allow their infant to sleep on their stomach before they can easily roll over, a wac ensures that these sort of “it’s PROBABLY OK” decisions are never made in a work environment. WACs remove the space for your own discretion whereas parents / you with your own child can make different calls.

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[Marieke Reuamann]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? I was already very familiar with the WACs as I have seen them in many of my other training as well. I think in re-reading them i was reminded how many rules there are.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? It is somewhat suprising how many rules there are and moreover that they are all in fact pertinent. Childcare is a job that needs a lot of foresight and restrictions because doing it wrong has extreme consequences.
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? Yes they will because they are a healthy reminder of how I should be handling many situations and how best to be responsible.

[Ethan Winstead]

1. It was very interesting to see that the WAC’s think of everything to say essentially in the context of each one and it essentially answers any and all questions you might have pertaining any scenario.

2. I was surprised at how detailed each WAC was, but it was good to see that structurally the WAC’s are very sound. Also it was interesting to see all the things that you don’t really think about, but make sense to be put into writing, such as animal guidelines.

3. I think there are definitely some WAC’s that definitely could influence my day to day, but I feel as if all the trainings I’ve had to do for this job, have touched on most of the important things I feel I need to succeed. Though if I have any questions, or concerns it is nice to know I can come look here and check to see if there’s an answer within.

[Jessycah Mccullum]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity?

I discovered that there are regulations on snacks and toothbrushing

1. Were you surprised by any of the WACs?

I was surprised to learn that children in a licensed facility can’t go outdoors in a lightning storm

1. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not?

WACs will influence my day-to-day practice because it regulates what is allowed in classrooms

[Tania Flores]

1.I learned that WACs has a lot of requirements that we need to meet and follow up.

2.I was not surprised, I think that everything is straight forward and it all makes sense like the rules.

3.Yes, they help us support children’s growth, development, and safety.