One way to help children recognize their emotions is by mirroring their body. “I see your hands are like this and your face looks like this. That shows me that you are feeling this way. Are you feeling that way?” If they are able to label their emotion you can assist with ways to bring them back to calm.

When the feeling of compassion fatigue begins or set in, remember to take a break. Deep breathing in the moment can help bring some relief. Remember that you can always ask another staff member to step in so you can temporarily remove yourself from the situation. My strategy is making sure I do something I enjoy at least 5 minutes a day.

Some responsive exchanges that can be used daily are things like greeting a child like it is the best thing that has ever happened to you. Be a good role model to show what healthy behavior looks like.

When walking away is not an option, deep breathing is. Realigning my thoughts is also helpful to understand why I am stressed.

Early learning providers need to be patient while connections are being developed. Begin with the small things such as: positive feedback, sitting with them as they play and ask questions, read a story with one or two children. Connections will develop over time.

Written policies are helpful to know what the expected staff response should be. This is especially helpful when it comes to illness, injury and emergency response.

A single crib, with a firm mattress. There should not be space between the mattress and the crib frame.

One tip is to make sure the children see you having fun too! This encourages the children to participate as well.

Healthy habits can be made fun when done in a game or song or even a dance.

With any family, treat them with kindess and a welcoming attitude. While I would briefly explain other age group safety proceedures, I would keep the focus on what is in place for their child’s age. This could be how the room is set up, and why certain toys or books were chosen.

In any incident that abuse or neglect are suspected, call CPS. They take the information you have and ensure that the right agency looks into it. Could be nothing, but also could be something!

My biggest worry abut keeping children safe is needing to make CPS reports. My hope is I do not have to make another one in my life.

I believe that constant and open communication is key for building and maintaining a strong parnership.

The three most important things I would want from a child care provider is open communication, compassion, and to be attentive.

Some ideas to get children engaged in meaningful learning is by offering a range of stimulation. This can be colorful blocks (visual and motor skills), oudoor play for movement and music for auditory stimulation.

To maintain a daily schedule for children, start with consistancy. Once routine is established, children will naturally flow through the day.

Early learning environments should be thought about with safety and efficiency for learning. Planning spaces or sections to the classroom, help maintain an inviting flow as well as lays the foundation to clear expectations for each space.

When approaching parents about developmental screening of their child, be ready. Make observations/concerns very clear to understand. Have resources and referals ready as well. Parents will probably have a lot of questions and concerns. Be ready to comfort and assure the parents.

Observation and documentation of a child’s skills are important to help understand the stage of development they are. This information will help create new ways to help the child learn and grow. It may also show stregnths that the child may have.

Screen time, in limits, does have some benefit if used wisely in moderation. Movement breaks are an example of a short, fun group activity. I do not believe that a child sitting down staring at a screen is appropriate in general, and not at all for a child care center.

One simple serve and return is by encouraging their activity and naming what the child is looking at or action they are doing.

Open conversation with the parent to seek a solution. Approach with concern and care and gently remind them of the policy in place for pick up.

Wac 110-300-0085 discusses family partnership and communication. This outlines the expectations of how to collaborate with families of all backgrounds. Wac 110-300-0030 nondiscrimination, covers information about the clear rules of acceptance. WAC’s message is that all races, families and cultures should be welcome and not discriminated.

While reading throught the WACs, I discovered that they contain clear guidelines for running early learning services. While none of the WACs were particularly surprising, I did apprechiate the clarity of the guidelines. WACs will influence day to day practices because of the clear expectations for caring for children.