Learner Emerald
LearnerForum Replies Created
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I think that having areas in the early learning environment that stimulate a child’s creativity and exploration of the senses and real world (building, kitchen/ cooking areas, etc) is especially important. Children are curious beings and like to repeat what they see (such as watching parents cook, build, clean, etc) so they need to be able to explore those things on their own free will and be able to create what they envision rather than what we want them to. Children are very smart and capable if you allow them the freedom and autonomy of being themselves.
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Observing and documenting a child’s development helps early learning providers to assess the child’s needs, the effectiveness of the program, and to build an effective program. Observation and documentation of children’s development gives providers perspective into each child’s needs, achievements, and challenges which allows them to implement new practices, skills, activities, etc. to better meet every child’s needs.
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My thoughts on screen time for children in childcare is that it should be minimal to none at all. I believe that we should leave screen time usage up to the parents’ discretion and we should not impede on that in any way. As child care providers, I believe we have access to many resources, tools and activities for ways to keep children entertained and educated, without the use of screens, inside of a child care program.
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I think early learning providers can create a “serve and return” environment in classrooms by remaining observant of all happenings in the classroom (as much as physically possible), and upon their observations, try to support and encourage the children in each of their activities and call out the appropriate actions the children are displaying. In addition, providing activities and toys that promote the “serve and return” environment is important too.
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In this instance, I would first refer to the policies regarding pick-up that all the parents had to read and agree to before enrolling their child and make note of what the parent may be in violation of. Then I would privately and respectfully discuss this issue with said parent. I would refer them back to the agreed upon policies. Next, I would positively ask if there was something I could do to help in regards to setting up an alternate pick-up schedule or an alternative pick-up person(s) during the times she is unable to be on-time for child pick-up. I would also state that I understand that there are always things that happen outside of our control such as traffic, road closures, etc. and would encourage them to call ahead as soon as possible to notify us of a late arrival so we may find an alternative pick-up person available (given to us by parental consent).
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WAC 110-300-0160 addresses diversity while WAC 110-300-0085 addresses collaboration with families.
The big messages that these WACs give regarding diversity and collaboration is the promotion of acceptance of the differences that make us all unique within the children we care for and the families they come from as well as keeping the guardians informed and involved as the main provider of their child(ren).
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I discovered that there are many rules regarding licensing, certifications, qualifications and requirements when working in childcare. I actually was not really surprised by any of the WACs. Even though I’ve never read any WACs, in general, before starting work in childcare, I still understood that the bottom line is to keep children safe. I do see how my day-to-day will be influenced by the WACs. As I said before, the WACs that I read essentially boil down to children’s safety and how those who care and interact with children must provide a safe, caring and encouraging environment as they continue to grow and learn.
