[Danielle Marais]

Which WACs address diversity and collaboration with families?

110-300-0085: Communicate with families to identify individual children’s developmental goals, how the program can best accommodate each child and seek input from family members.
110-300-0150: diversify in materials that satisfy individual, developmental, and cultural needs.
NB 110-300-0160: Promoting acceptance of diversity
110-300-0300: individual care plan for each child with special needs , (c) Have written permission from a child’s parent or guardian stating that a visiting health professional may provide services to the child at the early learning program, if applicable. individual care plan must be signed by the parent or guardian.
110-300-0320: Facilitating child interests, learning, perspective, and productivity.
110-300-0325: Creating a climate for healthy child development.
110-300-0330: Positive relationships and child guidance

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

The Biggest message the WACs give in regard to diversity and collaboration is that everyone, child and family, is to feel respected for their culture, family history, traditions and language.

Everyone should be treated in an inclusive manner and care centers should strive to accommodate all the diverse needs and abilities in their classroom environment. Make sure all learners are able to learn and are provided with equal learning opportunities.

All should feel welcomed into care and classrooms. Each and every classroom should be inclusive in their diversity of play equipment, literature and displays. Everyone should feel heard and accepted in a culturally appropriate way, making them feel welcomed and accepted. Communication with families should be a top priority to staff in order to provide adequate updates to families along with receiving information about children in their care.

[Danielle Marais]

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

While I was working with the WACs for this Handout B-2 activity it opened my eyes to the various responsibilities for not only educators in child care but for the centers /programs we work in. Although a lot to take in when reading I do appreciate how the WACs are set out as it helps us teachers to locate the information we may need to refresh on.

Were you surprised by any of the WACs?

WAC 110-300-0100 and WAC 110-300- 0107

I have been working in child care for 6 years but just in a different country and I have never read so many documents as I have in Washington state. The WACs are fairly standard most child care centers/programs would work with these guidelines. The one that stands out to me the most would be the qualification updates and the expiration and education continuation that needs to be done.

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

Yes, I can see how the WACs will influence my day to day as it sets a standard along with guidelines to follow. If anything throughout the day happens that is either a common occurrence or not all staff including myself have something to reference to aid or remind us of how to handle situations and what should or could be done.

Even though that surprised me I do think it is a good idea and like the idea that qualifications are maintained by the state so that staff are reminded and given access to relevant information and tools they are using on a daily basis.