[Denise Rodkey]

1. I discovered that WACs are protecting our children and that they are in compliance with the laws for caring for children in the state of Washington.

2. I was not surprised by any of the WACs codes as they are put in place to keep our children safe from harm.

3. Yes, As the days and years go by I will refer to the WACs to preform day to day practices. Why because these codes are not out of line and are a great resource for children in our care.

2.

[Margaret]

1. I discovered that I have 3 months to complete the trainings needed for my role.

2. I was surprised by all the records that need to be kept, such as cleaning logs.

3. Yes. My previous role was kindergarten teacher in a public school where we were not required to sanitize this much or keep records on things like small injuries (little scrapes), cleaning logs, etc. or preparing food.

[Alexis Rogers]

1. I discovered that there were a lot of WAC requirements that I wasn’t aware of and that I needed to be aware of.

2. I was surprised by WAC 110-300-0465 because of how much record keeping there is and how long you have to hold on to attendance records. I wouldn’t have thought about it as something necessary to have.

3. I can see how the WACs will help me to be more mindful and help me to make informed decisions. I can now see how keeping records, going to further training, knowing the proper way to restrain a child will help me to be a professional provider.

[Gabriela]

While completing the activity on the Washington Administrative Code (WACs), I discovered several important aspects:

Discoveries About the WACs

1. Comprehensive Guidelines: The WACs provide detailed guidelines covering various aspects of early learning and child care, including health and safety standards, staff qualifications, and program operations.

2. Emphasis on Child Safety: Many regulations focus on ensuring a safe environment for children, which includes everything from facility requirements to staff training in emergency procedures.

3. Ongoing Training Requirements: I found that the WACs emphasize the importance of continuous professional development, ensuring that staff remain informed about best practices in early childhood education.

Surprises

I was somewhat surprised by the extent of the regulations related to staffing ratios and group sizes, as well as the specific training requirements for various roles. Understanding how these factors contribute to child development and safety made me appreciate the rationale behind the regulations even more.

Influence on Day-to-Day Practice

Yes, I can clearly see how the WACs will influence my day-to-day practice in caring for children:

• Daily Routines: The WACs will guide my daily routines, from ensuring adequate supervision to planning activities that align with developmental standards.

• Safety Procedures: Knowing the safety regulations will impact how I set up the environment, conduct emergency drills, and maintain equipment.

• Communication with Families: Understanding the requirements for parent involvement and communication will shape how I engage with families, fostering partnerships that support children’s learning.

Overall, the WACs provide a framework that will help me create a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for the children in my care.

[Ciarra Collins]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity<strong style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color); background-color: var(–bb-content-background-color);”>- I discovered that there are many elements to the WACs. It was not only fascinating to see all of them broken down but seeing how many of them there were.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs?- The one WAC that I was the most surprised about would be considering the pets in the classroom just because of allergens like pet dander and vermin like fleas.
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 totally see how WACs will influence my day to day caring for children. It is important for us to know and be knowledgeable about these WACs because it is our duty to uphold them to better support the children we take care of.

[Kylie Lambert]

1. I learned that there are a lot more WACs than what I had originally thought. I knew there would be a large amount but I was shocked once I realized how many there actually were.

2. I was not surprised about any of the WACs in particular, but what I was surprised about was how in depth, detailed, and situational each of them were. I feel like they also cover things that most people wouldn’t even think would need to be addressed.

3. Yes I can see how the WACs will influence my practice in child care because I want to provide the best possible care for the children I have and I know that by sticking to the WACs I can do that.

[Jessica]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? -There are regulations for every aspect of care and I appreciate that they are centered around treating the child with dignity and care.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? -No
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? -Yes, they are good guidelines for best practices.

[Asli Noor]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? Upon reviewing the document I discovered that the WACs were pertinent to the previous chapters relating to intent, authority, safety, professionalism, presentability, etc.. were all found in the reading and in great detail that ensures understanding for first time readers.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? Yes, I was surprised by WAC 110-300-
   0005 childhood outcomes; the standards alignment principles, I’ve reviewed briefly about the principles required to meet however this chapter delved deeper into the evaluation/ observation process, cultural humility, transparency, and even equity/community impact. All values that are important yet rarely showcase in detail. The chapter especially notes how important these skills and knowledge is to your day to day work life.
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? Yes, the WACs are an important part of outlining the goals you must meet, the structure of care, quality of care, and even the level of professionalism/ professional development required of an individual.

[alex gipson]

I was definitely surprised on how many WAC’s there were and for situations i didn’t even think of! I was also really surprised by how many there were for just licensing of the center and of the teachers.

What surprised me the most was the WAC’s for how the room needs to be arranged.

Yes, I can see how the WAC’s can be used every day in my classroom. I think specifically about the WAC’s that are about Family Engagement and how to set up the environment in my classroom.

[Janie Gutierrez]

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

I discovered that there was so many different kinds of WACs! It was pretty difficult trying to comprehend all of them but all of them had different elements!

2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs?

I don’t think there were any surprises but it was just pretty good! Some where about the centers and training and which information is needed for both teachers and directors!

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

I think it can influence my day to day practice in caring for the children because it will make me more aware of the decisions and preparations for them to get ready to enter school!

[Shirlina M.]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? I discovered all the different guidelines that is required to in compliance with WACs. Although I have already been implementing WACs everything here was fairly new for me so it was interesting to learn more about WACs.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? I was surprised by: A bucket-style table is an example of furniture that is
   not permitted in a licensed early learning environment. I have never heard of one of these kinds of tables before. I have heard of high chairs but this is like an entire table of high chairs in one. I can definitely see why this wouldn’t be safe and could limit the child from certain activities.
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 WACs will influence my day-to-day practice in caring for children. It is important to comply with these because it supports the children, their families and staff to provide the best care for their children and families. It helps guide how things need to be operated such as safety, interactions with parents, curriculum etc.

[Irene]

The WACs are very in depth and leave little room for interpretation meaning that we can be consistently safe across childcare centers.

I was really happy to see there was information regarding restraining children and safe sleep.

[Aspen Callaway]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? I learned that there were more than I thought, but they cover just about everything that could come up if I had any concerns.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? I was surprised (in a good way) that we have WACs down to classroom setup!
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? Yes and no, what I learned will be at the front of my mind again. I remember learning a lot of these things between trainings and personal research, but it’s always helpful to have a refresher.

[Cameron Perez]

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

I discovered that there are checklists to help you ensure you are following licensing rules. I learned that WACs can be about both licensing and practices.

2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs?

I was not surprised by any of the WACs specifically but I was surprised that they were so all-encompassing and covered the before, during, and after of training.

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

I can see how the WACs will influence my day-to-day practices. For example, requirements like knowing about safe sleep practices are essential for those of us who monitor nap time daily at the childcare center.

[Ciarra]

1. I was interested to read through the WACS. I think its great that everyone needs to be held up to the same high standards. I do feel these documents can be simplified a bit.

2. I was not very surprised by any WAC.

3. Yes it will definitely influence our day to day as teachers. It helps us know what we can and cannot do in certain situations.