Natalie McQuade
LearnerForum Replies Created
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I’ve noticed with the children that I have worked with, taking a moment away form the area that was overstimulating them is a great first step, then taking some deep breaths, and trying their best communicate why they are feeling such big emotions. I stay calm throughout it all and make sure they know that their emotions are okay.
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Natalie McQuade
MemberJuly 3, 2025 at 11:05 pm in reply to: Compassion fatigue in early childhood educatorsIf I start feeling compassion fatigue I know that I need a minute alone to focus on myself, so maybe I would ask my coworker to cover a break for me, or to spend a weekend doing restful and relaxing things, so that I can come back to center ready to provide compassion for others.
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Responsive exchanges that I want to use is listening to a child when they speak or have a request for me to play with them. I want to encourage participation from the children and build connections with them to help them to know that they are safe.
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Natalie McQuade
MemberJuly 3, 2025 at 10:21 pm in reply to: Emotional Release for Early Learning ProvidersI find that time outside in nature, deep breathing, and spending time with friends are all great ways for me to recoup when I have had a demanding day working with children.
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By staying positive with the children and engaging in the things things that they like to do connections can form over time. Children do ultimately take time to warm up to new caregivers, but demonstrating patience, kindness, and positivity even during difficult behaviors will help them to learn that you are a trusted adult.
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Natalie McQuade
MemberJuly 3, 2025 at 10:04 pm in reply to: Trainer Monitored Discussion – Child care programs guidance policyYes, written guidelines help to remind everyone what to do in case of an emergency such as illness, fire, or earthquake, etc.
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Natalie McQuade
MemberJuly 3, 2025 at 9:12 pm in reply to: Trainer Monitored Discussion – Safest place for a baby to sleepA single crib with a firm mattress. No blankets, excess clothes, crib padding, or toys in the crib with the infant.
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Having stretch breaks imbedded into the time that children are playing, encouraging physically active games like simon says for older children or head shoulders knees and toes for the younger children. Having children do games like that throughout the day makes physical activity feel fun.
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By singing when washing hands or eating foods. Celebrating healthy eating or safe habits like walking in the hallway can positively reinforce the child.
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Natalie McQuade
MemberJuly 3, 2025 at 7:12 pm in reply to: Trainer Monitored Discussion – Discuss Safety ProceduresI would first start by giving a warm welcome and showing them around the classroom. I would show them where the exits are and the sinks/cabinets that have extra supplies and potentially more dangerous items like cleaning spray. Then I would show them our first aid kits and emergency preparedness kits. Finally I would let them know that our center has locked doors and only people who are given a code are allowed in, otherwise people are supervised if they enter the center.
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Natalie McQuade
MemberJuly 3, 2025 at 7:06 pm in reply to: What would you do if you suspected child abuse or neglect?Report to CPS. They are the ones that will investigate to see if the injuries to the child were accidental or on purpose. If you do not report when there are signs of abuse, you as a childcare provider could be charged for not reporting it.
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I worry most about them falling and hurting their head. Brain trauma, especially for infants who have softer heads, is really scary and I don’t want anything like that to happen on my watch.
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Making sure to have open communication and no surprises will make sure the families feel that they know what kind of care their child is receiving. I also think that building trust takes time, the same way it does with a child. Making sure not to overwhelm the family, but rather providing consistent honest information while you build a relationship. Over time little questions about their weekend, or if they want to share any preferences will show that you care about getting to know the entire family. Overall showing that you care for and respect their child is a great way to start that relationship.
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If I was a parent I would want the childcare providers to… (1.) Nurture and care for my child, by paying attention to them and supporting them in their learning (2.) Respect my and my child’s boundaries, so not forcing them to do anything that they don’t want to do (3.) Help my child explore new things and be exposed to new activities
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This reply was modified 11 months ago by
Natalie McQuade.
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This reply was modified 11 months ago by
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Natalie McQuade
MemberJuly 3, 2025 at 4:03 pm in reply to: Trainer Monitored Discussion- Get children engaged in meaningful learningBy planning activities that are developmentally appropriate for the age group is always a good place to start, but also by trying circle time when reading a book, or a game when we have to clean up the room, or allowing the children chances to share about their lives outside of the classroom such as show and tell.