Sensory activities are great! If you are doing an activity with multiple textures (slime, playdoh, textured balls), you can ask questions about what that feels like to them? What does it remind them of? Kids love to explore their environment through touch so if you have fun materials, it is a wonderful way to engage them.

A good daily schedule is consistent and balanced. You should utilize visual aids and go over them in a morning meeting or circle time (if children are old enough).

I agree with Andraya on all these points. Setting up a space with all these components would be a perfect environment for young learners.

Agreed with Sari, it is best to make sure that you let the parents know you are looking at the whole picture and not focusing solely on potential issues. I would add these types of scheduled check-in always go better if you are already in regular communication and you can foster a reciprocal relationship with parents up front and make sure… Read more

Observing and documenting a child’s development helps early learning providers by providing valuable insights into a child’s unique characteristics, learning styles, and developmental progress. It allows you to tailor your approach to each child, as well as communicate clearly and effectively with all the stakeholders in that child’s… Read more

I think many children use or exceed the recommended screen time hours at home and therefore, screen time should be limited or completely eliminated in the childcare setting. Instead, the focus should be placed on social-emotional learning through peer connections that may not be available at home.

In general, I think early learning providers can create a serve and return environment by always being present and engaged. A great way to create opportunities for this to occur is to place zones around the classroom – like imaginative play, reading corner, building, etc. and have a provider be in each zone so there is always someone ready.… Read more

This answer is spot on. It is kind, clear, and offers collaboration.

Beyond WAC 110-300-0030 which addresses nondiscrimination, diversity is addressed in WAC 110-300-0160 – an early learning provider must provide culturally and racially diverse learning opportunities. This can take the form of music and books from different cultures and a diverse offering of dolls, games, and pictures. It also means… Read more