When showing a parent through the program, I’d highlight the basics that matter most for safety—how we secure entrances and exits, how staff always supervise children, and how we keep areas clean and hazard-free. I’d point out safe sleep practices for infants, how medications are handled, and where first aid kits and emergency plans are… Read more

If I suspect abuse or neglect, the first step is to stay calm and pay close attention to what I see or hear. I’d write down the facts right away—what I observed, what the child said, or anything unusual—without adding my own opinions. Then I’d follow our reporting steps by telling my supervisor or director and making a report to CPS if required.

Constant communication, especially if there are specific issues going on. Refuse to let those children that are “always good” become someone who is a back burner because they’re always good! Make sure to give them shoutouts and compliments, so when an issue does arise, its not weird for you to be communicating. Have regular meetings with… Read more

Three things I’d want most from my child’s provider:

Knowing my child is safe and cared for at all times.

Clear, open communication about how my child is doing.

A program that supports learning and play while respecting our family’s values.

Three fears I might have:

My child being unsafe or overlooked in a busy childcare setting.

My child not…

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I think the best way to get kids engaged is to play to their strengths. If a child learns better by being active, then merge academics into movement—like turning math into a game of catch or spelling into a movement activity. Rewards and encouragement go a long way too, and I always remember that kids love to get messy, so hands-on, creative… Read more

They need smooth and consistent routines, and while it won’t feel that way at first, after a few weeks it comes together. The key is to keep the schedule simple and predictable, with meals, rest, and play flowing naturally, while also being flexible enough to adjust when things don’t go as planned. Preparing materials ahead of time and making… Read more

I think the most important part of a good early learning environment is that it feels safe, consistent, and welcoming. Kids need routines they can count on, spaces that spark creativity, and relationships that make them feel secure. When those things are in place, it’s easier to build on their interests and support real learning through play.

I think the best way is to be calm, supportive, and clear. Start by pointing out the child’s strengths, then share what you’ve observed that makes a screening a good idea. Keep it factual, not judgmental, and let parents know that screenings are just tools to understand where their child is at—not a label. I’d also remind them we’ll walk through… Read more

Observing and documenting helps providers really see where a child is at and how they’re growing. It gives us a record we can look back on, share with families, and use to plan activities that fit each child’s needs.

I don’t like screen time in childcare and think we should avoid it as much as possible. Kids get more creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning without screens, while too much screen time lowers their critical thinking. The WACs support this too—no screens for under 2, and for older kids it has to be limited, educational, and never… Read more

I think “serve and return” just means paying attention when kids reach out, and then actually responding back. Providers can do this by noticing their cues, making eye contact, talking with them, or joining their play. It’s really just showing kids that what they do matters and that we’ll meet them there.

Which WACs talk about diversity and families?
WAC 110-300-0030 about nondiscrimination, WAC 110-300-0085 about partnering with families, and WAC 110-300-0160 about promoting acceptance of diversity.
What’s the big message?
The WACs make it clear—respect all families, include all kinds of diversity in the program, and work with families as…

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