Using emotion charts to have children point out how they are feeling can help them to recognize emotions. Reading stories about characters who struggle with big emotions and then find solutions can also help as you can refer back to the story to help them find a response.

Taking time to meditate, practice gratefulness and mindfulness can all help to combat compassion fatigue

You should engage in active listening with the child and make sure they feel heard. Try your best to not single out any one child and have everyone feel that they are equal

Outside of work there are a number of things one can do to release stress, but in the moment things that can help are deep breathing, meditation, taking a step back or changing the task you are doing.

I would advise that the caregiver take the time to interact with each child one on one to being building a connection with them. Asking about their day, family, interests or what they are doing can allow the child an opportunity to share with you and gain comfortability.

I think in more situations than not it would be useful to have written guidelines so that each caretaker know the appropriate way to handle a situation. This includes but is not limited to injury/illness, misbehaving, bullying, and a child acting out.

A single level crib, infant bed or bassinet with clean bedding not touching other bedding is where an infant should be put to sleep

By incorporating movement or physical activity into the daily routine and making it fun and engaging (using games or songs etc) one can make a developmentally appropriate, fun, and physically active classroom.

Healthy habits can be fun by making them entertaining through incorporating a song, movements or game like features into the habits.

I would point out all entrances and exits, fire safety supplies, on hand first aid supplies, any security systems in place and any “childproofing” done to the rooms.

Call CPS immediately. Even if it turns out to be a misunderstanding or an accident, it is better to be safe than sorry.

My biggest worry is missing something. I am worried that by missing certain signs or symptoms I could delay treatment for something dire. I know I can help to avoid this by learning the signs and symptoms of common things like head injury or abuse, but it is still a scary thought.

The key to creating and maintaining a good partnership between parents and childcare providers is communication and support. There must be frequent, honest communication between all parties and families must feel supported.

The three most important things would be that my child is safe, feels that they belong, and is making progress. Three fears I would have is my child being hurt (emotionally or physically), my child hurting others (emotionally or physically) and having questionable material taught to them.

Getting children engaged in meaningful learning can include encouraging physical and critical thinking skills, allowing them to be creative, and helping them to know they belong and that making mistakes is okay.

Daily schedules should alternate between “play times” and “quiet times” as well as solo, small group, and large group activities. Schedules should include appropriate eating times and times of social interaction.

I think a good early learning environment has items that are able to stimulate a number of senses and have a variety of options so that children with different learning or interacting preferences will all be able to learn and explore.

Approaching a parent about developmental screening can be eased by having an idea of what you will say before hand with prepared responses for different outcomes. Be prepared for the parent to be emotional and to reassure them. Have suggestions for professionals for them to contact and let them know how you are supporting their child in the classroom.