[M]

My main advice for creating and maintaining a daily schedule is to give yourself plenty of time to transition. It’s really important for transitions to be lengthy and part of the routine. Kids should understand that transitions are about moving from one place or activity for the next, but they should not be rushed. Generally, difficulties in transitioning are the most common in creating and maintaining a schedule. Making sure that you give yourself ample time to prepare and deal with slow kids, a crazy classroom, etc., is crucial to an effective daily schedule.

[M]

Functionality is one of my most important components of early learning. As an educator, I have seen many learning aids, toys, etc., that are not useful in developing any real skills. Having a functional room that allows children to develop functional skills — conversational, physical, social, intellectual, emotional — are of utmost importance. Toys should not have the function of “keeping kids busy.” It should be for functional exploration and learning. We are a classroom, not an arcade.

[M]

I would approach parents with a conversation about how we can best support their child. Many parents may have a negative view of developmental screenings, but I like to reframe it as a positive support for the child, rather than a way to differentiate them from the “norm.” I would also discuss how screenings work and why I think it would be helpful, and what results it will get us in their child’s education. Many parents are afraid of delays and disorders, but many people with delays and disorders lead very happy, successful lives. I would focus on talking the parent through the process as in-depth as possible, and help soothe their fears and remind them that my first priority is to help their child.

[M]

Observing and documenting a child’s development helps childcare providers by giving them a non-memory based way to reflect upon, and plan around, the child’s development. It gives a more complete picture of the different domains of development and can show, when looked at as a whole, a picture of the child’s overall development. It’s a great way to develop curriculum and can also help get children into special education if they need to be. Documentation is nothing but helpful!

[M]

I don’t think kids should have screen time during childcare. The world is wonderful. I didn’t have screens, and kids that young don’t need them. They’ll be taught when they need it.

[M]

When parents are consistently late to pick up their child, I think it is smart for the program to implement a late fee. I also think talking with the parent is important, and if necessary, collaborating with their employer so they can pick up their child from work. Childcare is a community effort, and that includes supporting parents who have trouble meeting the time requirements of the school.

[M]

What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activityWere you surprised by any of the WACs? Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? I discovered that the WACs are extremely comprehensive. I was surprised to see that there were WACs not just for who could be licensed, but who could NOT be licensed to prevent conflicts of interested. I was surprised to see that there were specific exclusions for people who were teaching their relatives. While I think relatives should be beholden to high standards of teaching, maintaining government separation from the intimate relations of the family and parenting was good to see. I can see how the WACs influence my day-to-day practice. They define who I am as an employee, what my responsibilities are, and how to legally do best-practice. It’s an important guideline for protecting kids and employees, as well as giving centers the resources they need to succeed.