[Antonio]

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

I was largely unfamiliar with the WACs in general and how they applied to childcare and early education. However, knowing that the state is closely involved in maintaining high childcare and early childhood education standards is reassuring.

2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs?

I was surprised that WAC 110-300-0505 outlines the postings that must be displayed. It is good that important information related to the health or safety of children is available at a glance.

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

Yes, compliance with the WACs is essential for children’s appropriate care and education.

[Lillian]

I discovered that WACs are essential to keep everyone safe.

I was not surprised by any of the WACs.

I think they will help me make sure that I know what I need to do and how to do it safely.

[Kelli]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? While reviewing the WACs I discovered that there are a numerous requirements that must be followed and adhered to in order to be considered compliant with the standards for Washington state. This activity served as a good reminder of what I should be mindful of while pursuing my career in teaching, as well as providing some insight on where to look if I ever come across any questions or concerns that align with the WACs.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? I wouldn’t say that I was necessarily surprised by any of the WACS in particular; each code serves a specific and important purpose. Reviewing each of the codes throughout the searched served as a great refresher in terms of what I need to be aware of.
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not?
   It is easy to see how these WACs influence the day-to-day structure of my day depending on what is going on when caring for children. I feel that it is important to have appropriate guidance to follow while carrying out daily activities with kiddos, and the WACs provide a clear path to do just that.

[Emily]

I discovered that the WACs are thorough and extremely detailed. They cover every possible aspect of an early childhood school.

I was happily surprised to read of the importance of diversity and inclusion. This is so personally important to me as an educator for children to feel loved, welcome, and accepted in my care and it is refreshing to see it thoroughly outlined in the WACs.

The WACs are important to remember and reference on a daily basis as they will assist in caring for children, as well as communicating with their caregivers. The WACs are guidelines to keep the early childhood school community safe, as well as to provide the highest quality of care and education for children.

[Kaysa Villagomez]

1. There are many requirements that need to be followed under WAC standards

2. Did not know the ratio of how many kids you could have to one teacher or more

3. Yes, these guidelines are expected to be followed on a daily basis

[Rachel]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? I discovered that there is a WAC for essentially every possible occurrence in the classroom.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? I was surprised by the 0005 WAC because it lays out exceptions to typical standards. It surpiursed me that the WAC is so in-depth that it has exceptions listed.
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? I can! The WAC provides guidelines for any scenario you may face, both common and uncommon and can help me determine the best course of action for all practices I face.

[Dee Bala]

I am amazed at the breadth of what is covered by the WACs and am glad for them. It seems to cover everything from premises, to how it’s cleaned, to staff qualifications and how they interact with kids and families etc. I was surprised when I stumbled across WAC 110-300-0402 Changing early learning program space or location. It indicates that even a modification to existing premises or even changing the surface of the play area needs to be carefully thought through. I realize I am going to have to keep WACs by my side to ensure I understand how to plan for and work through key decisions I might make as a center director keeping WACs in mind.

[Dyna]

I have discovered that there are a lot more legal responsibilities involved in caring for children and it is our responsibility as caregivers to be aware of these so that we can be fully effective.

[Maggie]

I learned that there are lots of guidelines and rules that need to be followed. A lot of these rules are to keep you safe and the kids safe.

[Swati Vivek]

Its an excellent directory to have and its just reminders and actions and guidelines to keep kids in our care always safe ,growing and thriving.

[Mailan]

I learned by doing the exercise that the WACs (Washington Administrative Code) offer thorough guidelines for early learning programs which cover things like staff qualifications, education, and health and safety.

[Mailan]

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

2. I learned by doing the exercise that the WACs (Washington Administrative Code) offer thorough guidelines for early learning programs which cover things like staff qualifications, education, and health and safety.

2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs?

3. Yes, several of the WACs surprised me, especially the ones about qualifications and staff-to-child levels.

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

4. Yes, I can see how the WACs will influence my day-to-day practice as they provide clear guidelines and expectations for ensuring the safety and well-being of children in my care. By following the WACs, I can ensure that I am providing quality care that meets or exceeds state standards.

[Chloe]

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

Were you surprised by any of the WACs?

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

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Just a moment...

Just a moment...

[Chloe]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? It was interesting to see how the WACs were all organized by different areas- alignment, education, communication, and resources. Making it easy to find specific/applicable codes, and to research specific parts of the classrooms function. I also realized how specific and all encompassing they were, each rule and area of the classroom or children relationships is closely monitored at all times. Super great to see!
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? I took a particular interest in looking at the environment section. Some that especially stood out to me were that childcare providers must provide soft spaces- carpet or pillows. And that furniture must be children’s appropriate height so they might use it. While this makes total sense I would have never expected this to be regulated.
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? I see now that everything in the classroom is intentional, things aren’t just that way randomly but because of a certain set of codes make it so that the children are safe and able to use their surroundings as needed.

[Ashlyn Vaughn]

1) What surprised me the most was how detailed everything was. There were codes for everything. It was nice to see because I think childcare should be this detailed. There should be scenarios and codes for everything.

2) WAC 110-300-0460 surprised me. There has to be documentation for the approved plan of a child’s physical restraint. It’s strange to think about needing to physically restrain a child.

3) I can see how the WACs would influence my day-to-day life. I can imagine there being many codes. Some I might find tedious but there’s a reason for every code.