[Akiyo]

I can make handwashing a fun and exciting activity for kids by making a game out of how many bubbles they can make with their hands. We can sing a fun song to hand our hands to in the right amount of time. I can also model how to wash hands to the other kids waiting in line.

[Akiyo]

Some of the best ways to help children recognize their emotions and control their responses is to hold space for them and listen to them. I can help them identify what emotions they are feeling, or use an Emotion Chart and have them point. I can help them learn self regulation skills such as deep breathing. We can practice emotional awareness when everyone is all right, showing what each emotion might look like and practice breathing with stuffed animals on everyone’s tummies. If I’m very upset, I can give them a time-out for them to cool off and when we both feel better, we can talk it out.

[Akiyo]

When I start feeling compassion fatigue, I can take a break and not think about work at all. Instead, I can do relaxing activities such as meditation, processing such as journaling, and focus on things that make me happy such as talking with friends or hobbies. I can also talk with my supervisor and coworkers since they understand the nature of the work.

[Akiyo]

Some responsive exchanges I may want to use in everyday interactions with children include having positive conversations with each of them and let them know they are seen and heard, play with them, comfort them, and help them develop coping skills in negative situations. I should respect them, validate them, and use the serve and return method frequently.

[Akiyo]

To release stress, I take deep breaths, talk with my friends, watch videos, listen to music, and take walks.

[Akiyo]

I would advise other Early learning Providers who want to build connections with children in their classroom to have positive interactions with each child throughout the day, allow child-led play, and listen to them, letting them know they are heard.

[Akiyo]

I can make healthy habits fun by using games, playing music, arts and crafts, role-playing in the kitchen using toy foods to exemplify healthy eating, dancing, reading fun books, and singing about healthy habits, and using toys to model healthy actions. I can also be a role model in my own healthy living.

[Akiyo]

Some good ways are to prepare what to say to the parents beforehand. I could rehearse with a co-worker and ask their opinion, considering suggestions they make to improve the script. I would make sure to acknowledge what the parents may feel and use objective words. I could also have recommendations handy for the parents so that they will know where to go for assistance. I can also remind them that we both want the best for the child so that they can grow in the best way possible.

[Akiyo]

Observing and documenting a child’s development helps us to better understand where the child is at. It helps us to create a curriculum better suited to the child so that they neither struggle nor get bored. Through individualization of lesson plans, the child will be able to learn at a pace and level that’s right for them and they will be able to develop normally. The child’s development can also be discussed with parents and other educators.

[Akiyo]

I think screen time should be limited in childcare. As it shows in research, screen time has a negative effect on children, including loss of vocabulary. Therefore, child care should focus more on live interactions and play.

[Akiyo]

Early learning providers can create a “serve and return” environment in their classroom by offering choices of activities for the child to choose and allowing them to interact with it, while we show them how to use it, name it, and we both take turns using it until the child wants to finish.

[Akiyo]

I would try to understand Mrs. Hopkins’s situation first. Then I will explain to her that picking up her child late is not good for the child nor respectful to the staff who have to stay late to watch the child. I would consult the child care center policy. We could collaborate to find solutions. An example action would be to ask her to contact me beforehand if she will pick up the child late again and issue a late pick up fee every time she picks up her child late.