[Allison Voigt]

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 to draw from when those emotions hit.

[Allison Voigt]

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.

[Allison Voigt]

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 better outcomes and more resilience.

[Allison Voigt]

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.

[Allison Voigt]

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.

[Allison Voigt]

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.

[Allison Voigt]

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

[Allison Voigt]

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.

[Allison Voigt]

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.

[Allison Voigt]

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 the family and child too, to make sure I know what their areas of concern are and can address them early.

[Allison Voigt]

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.

[Allison Voigt]

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.

[Allison Voigt]

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 child. Making sure to listen to hear, using active listening skills, will both clarify what the families are feeling and will help them feel understood. Then, working together with the families to brainstorm possible solutions will help resolve any conflict and maintain the relationship, even through those tricky times.

[Allison Voigt]

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 solid understanding of child development, and that I have a good working relationship with them, so we can be a team to support my child.

[Allison Voigt]

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.