[Cara Stern]

For children under 2, I agree with no screen time in the childcare setting. For 2 and older, I think watching something short that is educational or musical for a break break/movement activity is okay in the childcare setting as long as it is guided with a teacher or caregiver.

[Cara Stern]

How do you think early learning providers can create a “serve and return” environment in their classrooms?

By setting up a classroom with toys and materials that engage children with curiosity and exploration. Examples:

-Dramatic play : may include dress up or dolls of different professions

-Kitchen: children can pretend to cook which is something most kids observe daily

-Cars and moving objects: pushing and pulling these objects often sparks their curiosity about how things move

-Magnitiles: not only exploring magnets but they can create endless things with them

All these can be caregiver facilitated and modeled for young children.

[Cara Stern]

I think first we need to approach this situation first with a gentle warning about the pick up time and the contract signed about pick up time. Then maybe a more formal meeting to hear both sides of the situation. The family may have some type of hardship at their work that is holding them back. Maybe by meeting together we can come to an understanding and a plan that meets the needs of both the daycare and family.

[Cara Stern]

1. Which WACs address diversity and collaboration with families? WAC 110-300-0030, nondiscrimination. WAC 110-300-0150
   Program and activities
   (1) An early learning provider must supply children in care with early learning materials that are age
   and developmentally appropriate. For each age group of children in care, a provider must supply
   a variety of materials that satisfy individual, developmental, and cultural needs. WAC 110-300-0160
   Promoting acceptance of diversity
   (1) An early learning provider must provide culturally and
   racially diverse learning opportunities. WAC 110-300-0325
   Creating a climate for healthy child development
   (1) When communicating or interacting with children, an early learning provider must maintain a
   climate for healthy, culturally responsive child development
3. What big messages do the WACs give regarding diversity and collaboration? Supporting diversity and inclusion in early learning settings increases exposure of unfamiliar
   experiences and ideas to both children and adults. This helps to develop an appreciation of similarities
   or differences and also to strengthen one’s own self-identity.

[Cara Stern]

[Cara Stern]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? The detail listed for every situation that can occur. Clear and concise information. Will be good to keep bookmarked or printed to keep on hand to be sure everyone is following protocols.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? The amount of licensing and work to maintain a facility behind the scenes. Otherwise, not particularly since I have experience in education teaching in public schools. Many parameters are similar to what I had to do in public schools.
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? Yes, everything that will be done at the daycare/preschool has a specific protocol that is reflected in the WAC some how and it is important to follow through correctly to avoid violations.

[Cara Stern]

I agree with you about the instructions not matching! I could not find ANYTHING about “questions” either. I even tried googling how to find the “questions”.