When I see emotions shifting from contentment and flexibility. Then I can note it and say out loud, I see your body is stiff, lets wiggle out our bodies together. Acknowledge/ask child how they are feeling in that moment. Take deep breaths, introduce a calming activity, or if they are able to communicate then ask how they are feeling/what is… Read more

I may call out the next day, invest in deeper self care, readjust my schedule or ways I am interacting with the job.

“I am so happy you are here today!” “Let’s all close our eyes and take 5 deep breaths together”. Paint/draw/share how we are all feeling today. Listen and talking one on one with kids in my class.

I find it helpful to be self aware of my emotions and what I am bringing into the classroom that day. Important to be as fed, rested and calm as I can be. Then if I notice my heart racing, sweaty palms, racing negative thoughts and frustration, it is a note to see if I can deep breathe in the moment, slow down my decision making and actions,… Read more

I would tell each child, “I am so happy you are here today!”. I would be consistently taking temperatures of how each child in my room is feeling, behaving and making sure to adjust/stay flexible to build rapport and provide/offer options of what I know they like.

Yes, written guidance policies in childcare programs help to standardize expectations of services given to children which are incredibly helpful! A scenario I think of is responding to an emotional escalation of a child and what is not tolerated on how to respond and what is encouraged.

Sleep on back in single crib with nothing else in bed except a mattress with secure and snug sheets.

Do you have any tips for creating a developmentally appropriate, fun, and physically active classroom?I could incorporate dance parties into the day, I find listening to music and dancing is so joyful that kids may not even notice they are working out. Also nature walks with scavenger hunts.

How can you make healthy habits fun?You can make it comedic with serious tones, make a song, games or have it be an interactive activity with a shared lesson incorporated.

I would highlight our daily cleaning routines and the fact that our building has passed all required safety and health inspections, with annual reviews to stay up to date. I’d also point out that our outdoor space is fully fenced, spacious, and designed with soft landing areas to reduce injury. We regularly check toys and storage for damage to… Read more

If a child showed up with concerning bruises, I would first observe and document the location, size, shape, and any patterns of the bruising, as well as the dates and times I noticed them. I would also pay close attention to the child’s behavior and the parent’s interactions. I would share my observations with my supervisor and then make a…

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I can worry about giving the child incorrect medication/not reading carefully, missing/being unaware of allergies, saying a swear word by accident (talking/towards to myself), not tracking all the kids effectively enough.

Take time building rapport, don’t rush it. Be warm, reassuring, and informative. Follow the parents’ lead by paying attention to their nonverbal cues and approaching conversations with cultural awareness. At the same time, be confident and clear in your communication. Share genuine praise about their child and affirm the parent’s role. Let… Read more

If you were the parent of a young child, what do you think are the 3 most important things that you want from your child’s provider?I would want warmth/friendliness/inclusion, trust that my child is physically and emotionally safe, and a supportive relationship with open communication. I’d want to feel encouraged as a parent and know that the… Read more

I think it helps to consider what naturally excites or inspires the children. Keeping activities fun and short can prevent frustration or loss of focus. I also try to make sure the activity includes every child and is easy and quick to explain.

Do you have any tips or advice on creating and maintaining a daily schedule for children?From what I am gathering, a daily schedule should meet all of their basic needs (nap, meals, and bathroom). Then for engagement, a mix of quiet, collaborative, outdoor, structured time to create varying stimulation and skill building for them.

One key component is an open floor plan with multiple zones dedicated to different types of activities. This setup helps create a rich, engaging environment that encourages exploration, independent learning, and creative play.

What are some good ways to approach a parent about developmental screening of their child?Before talking to parents of child. Look over observations, review Developmental Guidelines, communicate with other staff of their observations. Then create script of communication with parents, include what child is doing great, area of concern and… Read more

Observing and documenting a child’s development helps early learning providers because it helps disrupt bias by taking intentional observation, assessment and documentation of each child in their classroom. When children feel valued, seen and encouraged for the skills they have and are growing, it creates confidence and inclusion among…

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I have observed and experienced kids display more disregulation when screens are involved. They are too stimulating and non interactive with our minds. Childcare is a time for kids to be socializing with other students, practicing routines, gaining emotional, physical, intellectual, imaginative skills. Screens do not provide those.

During playtime, one on one with an infant anytime they are looking, pointing, gesturing. I can engage, name it acknowledge it and continue until they focus on something else.

This can be with a toy, object, toy, person, body parts, etc.

I would say, “Hi Mrs. Hopkins, I can imagine things may be busy for you at the moment” or “I know you are trying your best and I am glad you made it. I wanted to share with you that this is the third time in the last 2 weeks that you have picked up your child late. It is not fair to ask our staff to wait an extra 20 minutes after their… Read more

What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity?While reading through WAC Chapters 110-300, it helped refresh and expand on the importance of structured and intentional early learning environments, not just to support children’s development, but to ensure their safety and well-being.Were you surprised by any of the WACs?While… Read more