[Anya Brennan]

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 on their mind, validate and provide encouragement or physical support.

[Anya Brennan]

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

[Anya Brennan]

“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.

• This reply was modified 10 months ago by  Anya Brennan.

[Anya Brennan]

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, find an activity child and I can do together that is more calming. If that does not work, I may communicate with other teachers if they are available to switch children with me or if I can take a moment to take a break for 5 minutes.

[Anya Brennan]

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.

• This reply was modified 10 months ago by  Anya Brennan.

[Anya Brennan]

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.

• This reply was modified 10 months ago by  Anya Brennan.

[Anya Brennan]

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

• This reply was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by  Anya Brennan.

[Anya Brennan]

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.

[Anya Brennan]

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.

[Anya Brennan]

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 make sure everything is safe and in good condition for the children.

[Anya Brennan]

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 report to CPS, as required by law.

If a child disclosed an incident of abuse or neglect to me, I would remain calm, listen without asking leading questions, and take note of the child’s exact words and nonverbal cues. I would then document what I heard, including the time and date, and report the information directly to CPS.

• This reply was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by  Anya Brennan.
• This reply was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by  Anya Brennan.

[Anya Brennan]

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.

• This reply was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by  Anya Brennan.

[Anya Brennan]

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 them see the care and intention behind your work so they feel seen, valued, and able to trust you.

[Anya Brennan]

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 provider sees my child’s progress and celebrates it with me.

[Anya Brennan]

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.