[Anna]

You can use a feelings chart, or have them do a “body check”. Also it is useful to provide exercise and play activities that integrate visual information with fine and gross motor movements such as striking, kicking, and catching, and physical activities that involve the exploration of the environment.

[Anna]

I think listening and spending time together one-on-one as well as in a group setting, is crucial. You build a relationship by building trust.

[Anna]

For infants, an early learning provider must supply a single level crib, playpen, or other developmentally appropriate sleep equipment. Providers must not use sofas, couches, or adult-sized or toddler beds for infant sleeping.

[Anna]

I would show the emergency exits, emergency kits, and logs of the drills we perform regularly.

[Anna]

I think getting to know the child’s interests and preparing activities based off of that is very important to help the child keep engaged. For example, if you have a child interested in vehicles you can prepare all sorts of learning activities with vehicle props, like counting cars, lining them up, making patterns, building a garage, etc.

[Anna]

I think a childcare environment should be child-friendly and accessible; also simple and not over-stimulating to the child; not overcrowded; with a good variety of different activities.

[Anna]

I think the key is to have open communication with parents so they are aware of their child’s strengths as well as any red flags or issues developmentally. Chatting weekly, or even daily, about progress is key. Then, when there is a need for further screening, it will be a natural conversation with this parent you have built a working relationship with. Being empathetic, caring, and professional is key. Looking over the documentation and determining next steps together is important. Partnership is crucial!

[Anna]

Observing and documenting a child’s development helps to identify strengths and weaknesses in development, to track progress in all different areas, and is also a great tool to help providers partner with and communicate with parents about their child’s development.

[Anna]

1. Which WACs address diversity and collaboration with families?
   <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color); background-color: var(–bb-content-background-color);”>110-300-0160 & 110-300-0325
2. What big messages do the WACs give regarding diversity and collaboration?
   The WACs require promotion of diversity in the childcare environment, including diversity in curriculum, activities and materials that represent all children, families, and staff. Personally, I think it’s really important because a diverse childcare environment is a healthy representation of our society, and the world as a whole, which is a blend of different cultures, people of diverse backgrounds etc. It accustoms children to accept diversity, as well as feel accepted themselves. I think that’s amazing.