[Haley]

I’m partial to no screen through 2 and limited screen time through 5. Screens do not allow for children to interact there is no call and response and most programming has been created to stimulate viewers not educate them.

[Gillian Reese]

I think screentime should always be interactive, such as a music or movement video, or educational, like a video on the topic that the students are learning. Even then, it should be used sparingly. For music or yoga videos, I always praise the kids who are doing the movements, and often tell the kids that if their bodies aren’t moving, the tablet turns off. A lot of the time, even with interactive videos, I notice the children standing still and just watching the screen. I prefer to limit the screentime as much as possible, since many of them get plenty of screentime at home.

[Alivia]

I think as teachers, we should have the skills and tools to entertain and help children develop in the classroom. I cant think of many cases where I would view a video as more beneficial than an actual in person lesson. I don’t think screens should be used at all in the childcare system.

[Anjelica]

I truly think screen time hinders a child’s growth. Although it can provide learning opportunities, as well as new sights and sounds, there is nothing like hands on learning. For a child to be able to experience something that is tangible and can be touched and maneuvered is priceless. Watching other children play with blocks and practice counting is one thing, but how much more exciting to have the actual blocks in hand and physically do it themselves. The serve and return method are limited when it comes to watching a tablet or a tv. A child might be interested in a topic but cannot take the time to explore it because the video they are watching is into something new. I do feel some screen time is beneficial as a child’s grows. It presents a chance for new development when it comes to handling a new device. But there is nothing like in person, hands on play.

[Adriana]

Screen time for children in childcare should be limited and carefully managed. while some educational content can be beneficial, screen time should be balanced with plenty of physical activity’s, interactive play, and face-to-face interactions.

[Mauren]

I think that screen time is not completely unhealthy is it is regulated, maybe 15 minutes listening and dancing to songs can be use also for physical development. I think no more than 30 minutes a day, 15 minutes dancing and singing and 15 minutes listening to a story maybe while they are getting ready before nap time while they are taking turns to go potty. Other than that I won’t recommended.

[Skylina Haley]

I think it should definitely be enforced for little to no screentime. I think one short video is fine as long as it is beneficial to their development.

[Kylie Lambert]

I feel as though screen time should be a last resort option that is only used when absolutely necessary. Young kids have a very short attention span even when put in front of a screen, because of this they don’t really learn much from even educational games and videos. Social interaction and play with their peers is very important at that age. I think it would be fun to have a movie day for a special occasion on a day where it’s too cold or rainy to go outside and play. But it definitely shouldn’t be made as a regular activity.

[Lindsey]

I think screen time is highly unnecessary for children, but can be a useful learning tool when used in moderation. Say the classroom is studying sharks — it’s great to be able to show a short clip that assists the class.

[Skyler McCormick]

I think showing short clips(max 3 mins) can be invaluable as a tool to help introduce a topic or idea for an activity but only should be introduced no earlier then preschool. I’ve observed how interested a two year old can be in seeing images on a phone but you could easily print out things they might want to explore.

[angela packer]

i think that screen time in child care is unnecessary and hands-on learning is better for them.

[Jules Allen]

Personally, I believe that there are a number of significant reasons to limit the screen time of young children in child care. First and foremost, excessive screen time is going to take away from the critical face-to-face interactions children need to develop social skills. Children learn how to communicate, share, and understand emotions through real, personal connections. They also tend to miss such irreplaceable opportunities for interacting with other people by spending too much time in front of the screen, which may somehow affect their ability to handle social situations later in life.
I am also concerned that how much screen time will affect the development of their language. Young children learn language best through conversations with grown-ups and peers. And when they’re watching a screen, they’re not having that give-and-take interaction that’s important for building vocabulary and learning how to get their point across. I have seen how a child who has more time exposed to screens may fall behind in trying to communicate or simply use correct talk at the same pace as others who have spent more time conversing. The other big concern that I have is with physical development. Children are meant to move, play, and learn by exploring while being cared for. Children behind a screen cannot develop their fine and gross motor skills from running, jumping, or climbing. Such a sedentary nature among children may lead to a few long-term health concerns, like obesity or poor coordination. I also take an interest in sleep disturbances. I have read that screens before going to bed disrupt the synthesis of melatonin, which may lead to some problems with falling asleep in children. In the setting of childcare, it might translate into mood swings, changes in behavior, and not being in a position to pay attention to activities. In my opinion, screen time should not crowd out the critical, hands-on, interactive, and social experiences young children need to grow. Limiting the amount of screen time and offering ample opportunities for physical play, conversation, and creativity can help build the social, emotional, and cognitive skills important for healthy overall development.

[Jewell Rose]

having no screens till past the age of 2 and then having very limited moments for kids above the age of 2 with the purpose of learning and not to fill the time.

[Elizabeth]

I don’t think screen time is okay an at an early stage in the child’s life. The will be Under-developed executive skills, reasoning and decision-making abilities Less success in school, processing new information, and learning The child is Less likely to develop caring relationships

[Anna]

I believe that screen time should not be used as a crutch and you should be allowing your child minimal screen time. However, in this day and age it is very difficult to avoid completely so as a caretaker you have to do your best at limiting it as much as possible.