[Bryanna]

If I were the parent of a young child, the three thing I would want most from my child’s provider is a safe learning environment, a friendly and supportive staff, and communication of my child’s progress and well being. Three fear I might have when leaving my child in someone’s care is will my child be safe, I might scared of my child not getting along with other children, or I may be scared that my child will be discriminated against.

[Bryanna]

What are some creative ways to get children engaged in active, meaningful learning?

Some creative ways to get children engaged in active, meaningful learning can include doing art projects, teaching them educational songs, reading to them, doing sensory activities, creating outdoor games, or doing fun dances.

[Bryanna]

Do you have any tips or advice on creating and maintaining a daily schedule for children?

I think a good way to maintain a daily schedule is to get the children involved in the schedule and make sure they are aware of what the daily routine is. Then the children will be able to predict what kind of activity is next. I think when creating a schedule you should also try to make sure the children will be engaged in the lessons and be aware that younger children will need breaks in between work/activities.

[Bryanna]

Are there any components of a good early learning environment that you think are especially important?

I think it is very important to make sure that a learning environment is a clean and safe environment, where children are able to learn. I think it is very important that the staff provide the children with education lessons and activities that promote brain development, learning, and creativity. I also think having a good staff that collaborates and communicates well will make sure that all of the children’s needs are met.

[Bryanna]

What are some good ways to approach a parent about the developmental screening of their child?

When approaching a parent about the developmental screening of their child, I would first make sure that I prepare a basic script of what I will say with my co-worker, as well as make sure I have evidence to display to the parents of the child’s progress. Then I would compare the child’s work with the knowledge I know about typical child development. I would also tell the parent that I only want to help their child and offer local resources if they are needed, to make sure that the parents know I only want to help their child as an early learning provider.

[Bryanna]

How does observing and documenting a child’s development help early learning providers?

Observing and documenting a child’s development can help early learning providers in many ways. For example, an early learning provider can observe the child to try to figure out some of the child’s interests. The provider can then use these observed interests to try to build a relationship with the child. The provider can also use their observations to try to gauge where the child may lie developmentally in the different domains such as academically or physically. The providers can then use the observation to create developmentally appropriate activities specifically for that child.

[Bryanna]

What are your thoughts on screen time for children in childcare?

I think screen time in general is something that parents should manage and have control of. They should make sure what their child is watching is age appropriate and also limit their screen time to an appropriate amount of time. I think screen time for children in childcare should also be limited to maybe rare movie days. I think the learning should mainly be based on lessons or fun activities when they can collaborate with others.

[Bryanna]

their classrooms?

Early learning providers can create a serve and return environment in their classrooms by giving children attention when it seems like they need help, answering the children’s questions, checking in with children individually, or asking if they need any help. I also think interactive activities can also help create the serve and return environment.

[Bryanna]

This is the third time in the last two weeks that Mrs. Hopkins has picked up her child late. Today she did not arrive until 20 minutes after closing time.

First I would ask Mrs. Hopkins if she has been having any issues lately as we have noticed that she has picked up her child late multiple times. I would mention that we are concerned for her child as even 20 minutes may not seem long, her child may be affected emotionally by the tardiness. Depending on the scenario, we could possibly talk about accommodations, other solutions, or even make plans for another relative to pick up the child.

[Bryanna]

Which WACs address diversity and collaboration with families?

WAC 110-300-0160 addresses diversity as it states “An early learning provider must provide culturally and racially diverse learning opportunities.” WAC 110-300-0085 promotes the collaboration and communication between the provider and families. The early learning provider should communicate the child’s progress and behavior management concerns with the parents.

What big messages do the WACs give regarding diversity and collaboration?

The big message the WACs give regarding diversity and collaboration is that all children and families should be treated equally and equitably. The WACs promote diversity and encourage early learning programs to include diverse materials so children can have a more well-rounded and diverse learning experience. The WACs also promote communicating with families, to make sure that parents are involved in their child’s education and well-being. Families should feel welcomed in early learning programs.

[Bryanna]

[Bryanna]

1. A multicultural education curriculum should be in place in every school.

Strongly Agree

2. Families should not be expected to be involved in classroom activities.

Disagree

3. All learning programs should accommodate all children with special needs.

Strongly Agree

4. Some extended family members may confuse children, so they should not have a voice in raising or educating the child.

Disagree

5. My curriculum should be based on each individual child’s current interests.

Disagree

6. Diversity definitely includes race and culture, but doesn’t include age, ability or family make-up.

Disagree

7. Media in general delivers fair and accurate accounts of events around the country.

Disagree

8. The United States should discontinue relations with countries that engage in human rights violations.

Disagree

Create a list of things that influence your thinking or point of view. (Answers might include things like family, religious beliefs, media, education, peers or political affiliation.)

Life experiences, media, friends, family, political affiliation, race, and culture.

Reflect on the ways people respond to one another when points of view differ. Do we ever change our views? What kinds of things influence us to change our perspective?

I believe we do change our views on certain topics, this is because as we grow older we often learn more information and perspectives that may change our beliefs. There are many things that can influence us to change our perspective such as getting educated, seeing the news, learning about different perspectives, and our life experiences.

[Bryanna]

What did you discover about the WACS while completing the activity?

While doing the activity, I discovered that there are many rules that early learning programs and educators need to follow for the benefit of the children. I liked how the WAC guidelines were explained very clearly and prioritized the health and safety of the children.

Were you surprised by any of the WACS?

I was surprised by the definition of WAC when it mentioned terms such as asexual and bisexual. I was surprised that the WAC defined those terms because I feel like those kinds of terms are not associated with early learning, but liked how the WAC mentioned these terms because I think it is very important for educators to be educated in gender and sexuality. I also in general really liked this WAC section because it had clear definitions of terms that I was not familiar with.

Can you see how the WACS will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not?

I think the WACS will influence my day-to-day practices in caring for children because they are very helpful bits of information. For example, I think it is important to know the floor plans and emergency routes and exits and know where the emergency routes are posted in the early learning program. I also think it will act as a guide as to what to expect in all early learning programs such as licensed educators and first aid kits.