Teach the children feeling words and model emotions for them. You can create an “Emotion” wheel or chart with visuals. Teach them coping strategies such as coloring/drawing, fidget items, counting to 10 with a deep breath after each number. Teach them “Name it to Tame it” and encourage them to say how they feel. You can also use storybooks… Read more

I would take a break and practice some self compassion. It is important to set boundaries and be able to say “No thank you” I like to reconnect with my “why” and assure myself that tomorrow is a new day and we can only do so much in 24 hours.

Always encourage their efforts! Validate their feelings and ask meaningful questions while engaging, Foster the child’s independence so they can feel a sense of ownership and progress made. Reinforce positive behavior and show genuine care!

Deep breathing, mini mindful breaks (10 min) support circles, stretching your body or a small walk, laughter and humor with a trusted partner. I prefer to play a fun song and maybe even do a little dance to pump myself back up to positive.

I would say, take time to genuinely listen (they usually sense if you are not being genuine) and show interest in their thoughts, feelings, & experiences. Greeting the child by first name, asking about their day, and praising their efforts can make a big difference! When children know you care, they are more likely to engage and have more…

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Yes! The guidelines are helpful when there is an accident or emergency and thoughts are not as cool, calm, and collected as any other time. When there are new staff, it is helpful to know the guidelines to avoid incidents that may harm a child or make them feel unsafe.

Single level crib, playpen, or another age appropriate and developmentally sleep equipment.

I like to sing the good morning song in circle time and go around the circle for each of their names so they all get the same warm welcome from everybody. I like to dance and be physical to get our wiggles out into starting our day. I like to discuss as a class all the fun things we will learn that day and ask if there are any worries or… Read more

You can make healthy habits fun by role playing and turning it into a game. I like to sing funny songs before we eat vegetables so they think about it in a fun way and then I model what it looks like and how it helps our bodies.

I would greet them and welcome them and then show them our classroom and point out the safety of entering our building and precautions we take to ID adults picking up children. I would share with them the playground and point out the safe fun things we do on the playground. We would go over classroom safety and what to do if we suspect… Read more

I would talk with my supervisor and be documenting all things I have heard or seen. We would come up with a plan and make a call to CPS

My biggest worry about keeping children safe in the world we live in is the outside dangers that have now made their way into schools and buildings with many children. The drills that are done are scary for children and the things they see on the media in various ways.

Creating and maintaining a strong partnership between childcare providers and parents is essential for supporting a child’s development and well being. Clear, consistent communication is very important. It is necessary for providers to share daily updates, developmental milestones, and concerns with parents in an open and respectful manner. … Read more

I fear that my child may be hurt, feel alone or left out, and/or scared to speak up to adults that are caring for them.

I would want open communication, trust, & to feel that my child is safe.

You can have dramatic play with purpose, project based learning, creativity based exploring, give the children real life jobs that they can help in the classroom. Games, music, & movement help get children engaged. If you are having fun then they will see and hear that and want to have fun as well.

Consistent structure, balancing active and quiet times, keep transitions predictable and smooth, make it visual and engaging, be flexible when it is needed and include the children in your process. Model and reinforce positive behavior.

some important components would be a safe and welcoming environment. A place where there are respectful and responsive relationships with emotional support. A place where there is developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities.

I would first establish good rapport with the parents and show genuine care. I would frame it as a “standard” practice and not something that only happens when there is an issue. I would focus on the child’s strength and avoid any words that would make the parent defensive. I would make sure that I am clear, honest, and specific. I would… Read more

I feel that observing and documenting helps us understand the children’s unique development and can also help us collaborate with families to help them create effective plans and tools to help their child’s growth and development at home.