Giving children the words to label their feelings is an important first step. Making observations and not judgements will help children experience their feelings without shame. To help them learn self-regulation skills, outside of a tantrum practice deep breathing, mindfulness, and role play tricky situations so that they can have something… Read more

Ensuring I am taking care of my own mental health and finding time to recharge is paramount when feeling compassion fatigue or burnt out. Therapy for me is essential, but looking for glimmers in my day also help ward off the symptoms of both.

Asking open ended questions and listening to their responses is probably the most important tool we have as educators. It shows we value their thoughts and opinions, gives them time to express their views, and lets us learn more about them. When we engage in these types of conversations, we are helping kids feel safe, which in turn leads to… Read more

I have found that ensuring I set aside time to recharge myself goes a long way to helping my stress and ability to cope through challenging situations.

Listen to them. Ask questions. Get on their level and mirror their play. Show them that you will be physically and emotionally present with them.

I think anytime someone new is coming into the program, either teacher or family, having written guidelines helps set the tone and allows everyone a chance to understand the center’s expectations.

A single-level crib with a mattress that touches all sides is what is needed for an infant of this age.

Incorporating different physical activities to songs, group times, and ways of answering questions are simple and effective ways to add physical activities to any program.

Engage children in play filled activities around the healthy habits makes the introduction to those habits more fun. Having songs about those habits is fun too.

I would highlight the areas their children would be in, as it would be different based on age. I would indicate the safety precautions in the areas, what our general routines and schedules look like, and what the educational environment for each age bracket looks like. I would do as much open ended questioning as I can so I can get to know… Read more

If I suspect child abuse or neglect and the child does not have medical treatment immediately necessary and is in no immediate danger, I would talk to my lead teacher, director or supervisor about my concerns and discuss if they will report it or if I will. Then, I would report it.

My biggest worry is providing an unknown allergen to a child, as two of my own children have ana allergies. I am just interested in reviewing these practices.

To create and maintain a positive relationship with families, I need to start by being welcoming and open to communication. Greeting new families and helping them feel secure, seen, and appreciated goes a long way in forming a good relationship. When conflicts arise, go into the meeting knowing that all parties want what is best for the… Read more

I am a parent to four kids and my three biggest fears leaving them in care are: health and safety, compassion for their various needs and talents, and being included in their education.Three things I would want from a provider is knowledge that they understand my kiddo’s allergy plan, that they are safe for my child to be around and have a… Read more

To get children engaged in learning, start by providing the opportunity for them to make discoveries and try out theories of their own. The next step is to engage them in problem-solving and reasoning discussions. Ask them what they are doing, what they think will happen, how they know, etc to provoke deep cognition.

My tips are to limit large group time, as young children struggle to sit and learn in large groups. It is more developmentally appropriate to start with a short group activity, including something physical, with a short explanation of the day’s schedule, and then open it up for children to choose a different station or area of interest. My… Read more

I think some of the most important components of good early learning environments are that they are developmentally appropriate (with lots of areas of choice and an emphasis on play), accessible to all children in the program, safe, nurturing, and with representations of the diverse backgrounds of the learners.

I think it is very important that the first time a family is made aware of a red flag is not the same time they hear about referrals. Before referrals are brought up, having meetings with the parents to share mutual observations about the student, acknowledging that their care and concern for their child is valuable, and then working together… Read more

Observing and documenting children’s development allows early childhood teachers to learn about their specific strengths, areas of need, and how they are developing on the milestone continuum. By gathering this information, we can then adapt our teaching to support children who need extra support and add challenges to students showing mastery… Read more

I know that this is a different answer than is expected, but screens CAN be useful in childcare if used appropriately. Additionally, it can lead to finding ways to accommodate for children’s various needs and create a learning environment where student’s goals are individualized and interactive through well selected and cultivated media. Media… Read more

Providers must talk to children, especially the youngest children, and respond to them. Using lots of different words, explaining what you are doing, and asking questions are all ways caregivers can create a serve-and-return environment.

I would begin by making sure there is a pickup policy in the parent handbook. But for this particular situation, I would lead with empathy and curiosity. I start by acknowledging the issue “I noticed you have picked your child up late a few times this week. I am wondering about that and if there is something we can do to support you.” Finding… Read more

WAC 110-300-0085 states that “(1) An early learning provider must communicate with families to identify individual children’s developmental goals,” directing ECEs to collaborate and team with families to ensure students’ needs are met. It goes on to state that .”2) An early learning provider must attempt to obtain information from each… Read more

A multicultural education curriculum should be in place in every school. STRONGLY AGREEFamilies should not be expected to be involved in classroom activities. DISAGREEAll learning programs should accommodate all children with special needs. STRONGLY AGREESome extended family members may confuse children, so they should not have a voice in… Read more