Learner McKenzie Vargas
LearnerForum Replies Created
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A crib with a firm mattress that fits snugly inside with nothing else inside (no bumpers, no stuffed animals, no blankets)
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Get those kids moving with music! While they clean up toys, have them dance around or walk in silly ways. Have them get their wiggles out when they’ve been sitting for a while, make up songs together.
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I think a lot about what makes learning fun, any subject, is how you are teaching it! Make the content into a song, draw things out, use colors and funny actions.
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I would first want to show them the layout of each room and how we have fun and safe areas for the children, but how in each room we also have storage that is locked and secured. I would then want to show them where we keep things like first aid kids, and assure them that there will always be eyes on their child!
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the first step is ALWAYS going to be reporting. It can be tough when you believe there might not be sufficient evidence, but not reporting is not the right way to go. It is better to have reported and there be no issue than to wait and have the child potentially be in imminent danger.
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My biggest worry about keeping children safe is the fact that often children can be unpredictable. They may hit one another, bite, push, etc. Often it is done to express a big emotion and not out of malice, but that is one thing that worries me.
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I think maintaining a good relationship with parents is going to start with good communication. It can be hard to meet or speak frequently but when those opportunities arise, it is important to talk with them about how their child is doing. If there is a situation that requires a more serious talk, always remember to practice professionalism. Things could get heated and there might be misunderstandings. Patience and kindness will go a long way.
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I have a young child and what I expect from his childcare provider is this:1. Foster his interests 2. Meet him where he is at. (He has not started speaking and I think it’s important to meet kids where they are at, not where you wish they were or where they SHOULD be)3. Keep him safe physically and emotionally. Three fears I have are: 1. Is he being treated well by other children and adults? 2. Will they teach him or just watch as he plays with other children or by himself all day 3. Will this benefit him, or is it glorified babysitting?
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This reply was modified 6 months ago by McKenzie Vargas.
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This reply was modified 6 months ago by
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There are so many fun ways to get and keep children engaged! Dance, music, pretend (put on plays or puppet shows). Hands-on art activities are always fun too! Always make time for exploration! Hide items inside and have the kids look for them, give them time outside to play and explore! Give them space to try things, but always be close by for help if they need or want it.
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The first step is to make a schedule! Then we need to tell the kids the schedule. Visual aids are going to be a big help, especially if this is a younger age group you are working with. Talk through the schedule with them and give them time to remember it (this wont happen right away). As it’s time for a new task, talk them through it! Stick to the schedule, but also have alternatives and be flexible! Things happen and we need to be able to adapt.
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I think one of the most important components of a good early learning environment is that it fosters exploration. If the classroom were just plain and boring, it would not be fun for kids to spend all day in that room. Now if it is decorated, filled with fun and educational things, and has plenty of spaces for them to express themselves and play, they are going to love being there.
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To begin, make sure you have the right documentation and evidence collected. Having all of this in order, make a script. It can be hard to know what to say in the moment, so plan it out! Once you are sitting down with the parents, make sure to highlight what the child is excelling in as well! Once there is a good talk going, bring out the evidence and start to address what you have observed and how those observations have led you to believe that further screening is needed! If the parents are hesitant, walk them through what you found. Let them know there are resources for these things, and that you are there to help.
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When we observe the child closely, we are able to see a bit about how their mind works. This may be their approach to sharing a toy, singing a song, cleaning up, etc. We can also see how they handle frustration or speak with other children. When we have the proper knowledge about what all of those things can mean (milestones, red flags, etc) we can record those things that stick out to us and use them to develop a plan to assist that child. Of course, with the cooperation of parents we can come up with ways to help the child excel!
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It can be difficult; I have seen firsthand how well TV and media can occupy a child. This is especially helpful when you are a single parent or need to manage tasks around the house. But in reality I know that it is NOT healthy for them. In child care centers, it is best to not have any screen time. It is better and healthier for them to sing, play, and interact with others.
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Being aware and responsive while caring for children in the care center is a great way to “serve and return”. For example, if a child is crying, we can offer words of comfort, and/or a hug or comforting gesture. If a child is showing you something they have drawn or made, showing excitement or asking them questions and waiting for them to respond is a great example. There are MANY ways that we can serve and return with children, but these are just a few!