Serve and return! Engage with the child in a meaningful way by playing, talking, and responding to any cues they may give you.

Kids usually connect well with pictures. Maybe show a child a chart of feelings with different facial expressions that correspond to each emotion. They can point to the one they feel like. Once we know how they are feeling, we should listen to them express these emotions.To help them regulate these feelings, have them take some deep breaths.… Read more

The biggest thing is probably connection to others. Having good relationships in your life with people you can rely on will help you de-stress. Another is self-care. Use any days off or breaks to relax and recharge.

I like to destress when I get home by having some time with my spouse. We watch a movie, cook dinner, and/or play video games. Also, a bit silly, but I love a good cup of hot chocolate.In the moment, definitely breathing techniques.

Dive in headfirst! Learn about your students by talking with them, playing with them, and making things as fun as possible. Ask them questions to show them that you care. Be positive and caring at all times, even when redirecting a child.

They would be useful for things that don’t happen often, such as emergencies or severe cases in which CPS would need to be called.

I would highlight the first aid kit, the training required for staff (CPR, first aid, safe sleep, food handlers card), food prep safety, emergency preparation plans, and fire extinguishers.

I would talk to my director immediately first. This way, I would keep her in the loop, and we can talk together about what to do next. I would probably talk to the child to get a better picture. If my director agrees, we would call CPS.

An approved crib, playpen, bassinet, or infant bed that is firm and flush to the edges with a tight-fitting sheet.

Incorporate movement into learning, like adding dances. Never discipline for being active when appropriate. Have active toys available, such as balls and hula hoops. Try doing kid stretches or yoga.

Use songs and dances, make it a fun game, and use fun colors and shapes.

I worry that some harm will come to them under my care that is out of my control or there was no way for me to prevent it. Very scary.

Keep open communication at all times, be proactive, be honest, don’t only go to them for concerns (celebrate good things as well.

The three things I would want are a quality academic education, support in emotional development, and health/safety.The three things I would fear are abuse/harm, an unsafe environment, and teachers who are unaccepting of diversity.

Kids love hands-on activities, anything they can touch to connect to the main topic. This could be messy science experiments with water or shaving cream, it could be learning about nature by going outside and actually seeing the trees they are learning about, or using fake fruit to play pretend at a grocery store.

I think the schedule should be a basic outline to follow, not super rigid in case of something unexpected. It should be consistent day to day so that the kids get a sense of routine and it becomes predictable for them, which helps with transitions. There should be a balance between indoor and outdoor play, as well as a balance between… Read more

I love the concept of a “quiet corner” or “cozy space”. I remember being a kid and always being overwhelmed by how many other kids there were who were loud and running. I just wanted to sit in a quiet space and read, which is what these areas allow.

I would first ask to have a meeting. I think I would start by talking about the child’s good progress and development. Then I would tell the parent, objectively, what I observed and the reason why it is concerning. I would tell them that a developmental screening could be helpful. I would provide any resources and support that I can to help.

It helps us individualize the learning to the child’s stage of development and build good curriculum plans. It also helps with communication because we can track the development over time and explain it to the family.

Personally, I am against screen time for young children. It is much better for the family or child care professional to work with the children physically in their environment because it provides a better learning experience and brain development. I think that once the kids are much older, it can be used for math games and things like… Read more

I think the key is to pay attention to the child and notice what they notice. Never ignore them. We can return the serve by acknowledging that we see/hear/etc too, and give it a name (like “Yes, those are your feet!”).

I would discuss with her when she comes that continually coming late is not acceptable due to staffing reasons (it is not respectful to their time) and the child’s well-being. I would ask what the reason is to get a better understanding and see if there is a solution we can come up with together. I would let her know that if it continues,… Read more

1. WAC-110-300-0030 is a non-discrimination policy that talks about diversity. WAC 110-300-0085 is the one about collaboration with families.2. All child care workers must follow the policies and not discriminate against any type of diversity.

I was not surprised by any of the WACs. Everything seems pretty standard and important. I am glad that it is super in-depth, so that there is nothing that cannot be answered. So many of the WACs will influence my everyday practice, such as the health section, safety, cleaning, activities and curriculum, and food-related practices.