It can be helpful to ask where they feel their feeling in their body.

When I start feeling compassion fatigue, I make an extra effort to get enough sleep and get out in nature.

A responsive exchange could look like sitting with a child in a hard moment, validating their feelings, and then teaching them a coping skill they can use the next time they feel that way.

Going on walks is my favorite way to de-stress!

Take breaks from “teaching” the child to fully engage in play of the child’s choice.

Yes. Any type of stressful event benefits from having guidance in writing because it can be hard to access those parts of our memory when we are under stress.

An infant should sleep in a single level crib with a firm mattress and no blankets, pillows, or stuffies.

There are lots of fun small climbing gyms that could be used in a classroom during playtime. These promote activity, and they are also a great chance for kids to learn about taking turns.

You can make up songs about healthy habits.

I would highlight the security of entrances and exits and the precautionary measures taken with the furniture in the room.

I would file a report with CPS, and I would also share my concerns with my boss.

My biggest safety worry is food allergies. Many children will discover they have a serious food allergy at a daycare facility, and so they might not have an epipen already. I’m most interested to learn how to manage aggressive interactions between children (like biting).

Be a present listener by always repeating back what you hear the parents saying.

As a parent, the three things I want most from my childcare provider are kindness, curiosity, and good communication skills. Three fears I have are that my child’s feelings will go unnoticed, that he will not be challenged to learn, and that he will not be comforted when he is sad.

One creative way to engage children in meaningful learning is to have them “help” you with a task in a way that is age appropriate. For example, my two-year-old loves to help me make dinner. As he helps me dump ingredients into a bowl, we can talk about the different foods and how they taste. He also learns some physical skills with…

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I like to keep the “blocks” of the schedule the same, while each activity changes day to day. For example, 9-10 might always be child-directed play, but the activities I set up for them to choose from are different.

I think it’s particularly important to have cozy areas where kids can feel separated from all the sensory input of a busy daycare class.

Starting from a place of curiosity can be a good conversation starter. You might say, “I have noticed _____. Have you noticed similar things at home?”

Documenting observations about children helps providers because it gives them a way to see all the different needs in their class at once. With each child being so different, it can be difficult to make sure each child gets the attention they deserve. Documentation is one way to hold yourself accountable to giving the best care for each child.

Since it can be hard to communicate the day’s activities between daycare and home, screen time should be avoided at childcare facilities. That way there is not a risk of over-doing it.

Providers can create a serve and return environment by engaging in one-on-one play with a child so that they can share the child’s focus.

1. Which WACs address diversity and collaboration with families? WAC 110-300-0085 and WAC-110-300-0030
2. What big messages do the WACs give regarding diversity and collaboration? It is a childcare professional’s duty to honor the culture and heritage of every child at their facility. Differences in culture, race, language, ability, etc should…

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1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? I discovered that the WACs are thorough, detailed, and enforceable. I also discovered that they are divided into seven sections.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? I was surprised how many WACs were regarding room set up and environment.
3. Can you see how the WACs will…

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