Having them take a second and breathe. Talking to them about how they’re feeling, having them point to it on a feelings board, letting them have some space to themselves. Being there in support of the child in whatever way you can.

I always make sure I have someone to talk to, either my family, my partner, close friends or even a coworker. Sometime you just need a break, either 10 minutes to step away and breathe and have some water, or by taking a vacation and recharging. Sometimes you just need a day off.

Listen to and engage with the children. If you’re busy, left them know you’ll be right with them and then actually follow through. Build a trusting and healthy relationship between you and the kids.

I find taking deep breaths and drinking water are helpful when I’m feeling a little frustrated or upset. If it gets worse, I think leaving the situation, walking away or out of the classroom (leaving someone there with the children) is very important.

I would suggest getting to know each child personally, don’t lump them all together. Every child is different, you need to talk to and engage with each of them. You cannot just sit on the sidelines and watch them, you must participate as well.

When there is an incident, it is very helpful to have the policies accessible to see how to respond. Sometimes it’s easy to forget what you are supposed to do in a situation, or you want to verify you are reacting appropriately.

A crib or pack and play with a firm mattress. The baby should be the only thing in the crib, besides a fitted sheet.

We do games/dances that encourage the kids to move. They can come up with actions that the whole class participates in. We do yoga/stretching, just like their parents, and they like coming up with their own stretches that we all do together. While outside, we have lots of races, hide and seek, red light green light etc.

Dramatic play in the kitchen while talking about healthy eating habits. Maybe we can play like we’re at a restaurant, and talk about the choices we could order. We can match foods up by color, by size, by shape. We can play games, and sing and dance while we learn.

As I give them a tour around the facility, I’d note the secure doors at the entrance that you need a code to get in. I’d note the fenced in play area, away from the eyes of people on the street. I’d show them our child friendly classroom with age appropriate toys, and all the cleaning materials and sharp teacher equipment out of the reach…

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Depending on who I think is abusing the child, I would report it to my state and my director. I care about the children in my care, and want them to thrive. I think about the child before I think about anything else. I would make sure everything is documented and that I am as sure as I can be about the abuse before reporting it.

My biggest worry is school shootings and sickness. Children are always sick, and parents are not always the best at keeping them home. What doesn’t affect one child very much, could be life-threatening for another. As for school shootings, there is nothing you can do to predict them, and nothing you as a teacher can do to prevent them.

There’s an importance to starting from a positive place. You want to show that you’re capable and knowledgable, and that you have their child’s best interest at heart. The sandwich method is really helpful if there is something concerning to say about the child. Make them feel like you know their child specifically, and that the child is…

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I would want them to treat my child kindly and safely, to give them the attention they need and communication when/if there is a problem. I would be scared of the child being neglected or harmed, treated unfairly, and the class not having enough support.

Making sure to learn the child’s interests, and building on that. If we’re learning about dinosaurs, we can pretend to be dinosaurs, and eat the food like they would eat. We can sing songs about them, and read books too. While doing a project, we can talk about different materials we’re using, the color and the texture of them, and what they…

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Starting your schedule around meal times, and then build from there. If the child takes a nap, add those in. Then you can move forward to age appropriate activities. Schedule outside times when the weather is better for them, i.e. in the mornings before it gets too hot. Add activities like circle time in the morning when they are able to…

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I think catered to the children. It should be bright, clean, and encourage their creativity. Everything they use should be their height. It should be a safe and fun place. You need caring and attentive childcare workers that are able to talk to and get on the child’s level. They need activities that promote their development and learning.

It’s important to be prepared if you are discussing some challenges with parents. Having practiced what specifically you want to say, how you want to present the issue, and documentation to back up what you are saying. Resources to assist you are always very helpful. If you’re worried about the parents taking your observations the wrong way,…

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Observing the child helps to see how they are developing–are they falling behind, are they ahead of their peers, or are they where they should be. It will help us know when to intervene, what the child likes and doesn’t like, what they are good at, and what they need help with. Documenting will allow others to see your observations, so…

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I believe screen time should be used as home, not in a childcare situation. Instead, find books to match the child’s interests and encourage social-emotional development at school.

You can create a serve and return moment in circle time. By talking about the weather, showing cards that prompt them to figure out which matches the current weather, asking them what we should wear outside, if it’s cold or hot. Engaging with the child and asking them questions and being patient enough to listen to their answers.

I would talk to the parent about how 20 minutes may not seem like a lot of time, but it does have an effect to the child who is left behind. I would explain about the extra staff who have to stay behind for the children. I would explain that at my school, there is a late fee for every minute that you’re late to picking up the child.

WAC 110-300-0085

We have to determine what is best for the child, and their individual strengths, characteristics and needs. Discuss with the parents and communicate their progress and help with their concerns.