[Samantha Shapiro]

Share the focus (when they show you something i.e. a toy, book, or make an animal sound), support and encourage (when they serve you pretend food you can say thank you, giving them a positive facial expression, or motion – helping & playing with them), name it (what they are pointing to or showing interest in – what they are seeing, feeling, or doing as well), take turns back and forth (when playing with each other or working in the kitchen together), and practice endings and begins (moving from one toy, book or activity to another).

[Samantha Shapiro]

Role-play what frustrated or anxious behavior looks like, and then practice self-calming techniques with the child, use a feeling chart – teaching how emotions often grow in intensity from happy to frustrated to angry, do a “body check,” and provide exercise and play activities that integrate visual information with fine and gross motor movements.

[Samantha Shapiro]

• Foster positive self-identity and a sense of emotional well-being through having all cultures represented in toys/dolls and by sharing different food as well.

• Develop social skills and knowledge through activities, waiting for turns, using manners, and so on.

• Enhance physical development and skills by offering age/developmentally appropriate equipment to play on outside – movement is important!

• Encourage and demonstrate sound health, safety, and nutritional practice by offering wholesome snacks and meals, having emergency procedures in place, as well as a well-stocked first aid kit, and following all health/safety protocols.

• Encourage creative expression, representation, and appreciation for the arts by offering several different types of mediums, crafts, and opportunities to celebrate different cultures/holidays.

• Develop a sense of belonging to the natural environment by enjoying walks or playtime outside.

• Respect and celebrate cultural diversity by having the space, toys, books, food, and more reflect your group of children. Bring in family members to share in their culture and holidays too!

[Samantha Shapiro]

Most definitely. In several cases such as emergencies, illnesses, accidents, injuries, and behavioral just to name a few.

[Samantha Shapiro]

1. How are observation and knowledge of individual development connected? Observation and knowledge of a child’s development are connected as they provide important insights into a child’s unique characteristics, learning styles, and developmental stages/progress.
2. How can understanding a child’s development inform teaching and caring for that child? Acknowledging that children develop at different rates allows/helps educators set realistic expectations for learning, behavior, and interactions. Observing and understanding children’s development over time helps in creating meaningful and developmentally appropriate curriculum.

[Samantha Shapiro]

I would give them a warm and sincere welcome to school and introduce myself. I would give them a tour both inside and outside while sharing the fun and exciting things their child will get to experience and highlight how we will meet the child where they are in their developmental journey. I would review our safety and emergency procedures in place, and where and how first aid supplies are stored and accessed. Point out how our learning environment is set up in a safe and developmentally appropriate way, as we all explain our health and illness policy for children or staff. How our program and environment differ from others, what we offer and why, and how we will help foster a supportive space for their child.

[Samantha Shapiro]

Use a firm, flat, and level sleep surface, covered only by a fitted sheet

[Samantha Shapiro]

1. What did you discover about the WACs while completing the activity? It was much more in-depth than I would have imagined. It seems to be an incredibly helpful and insightful resource.
2. Were you surprised by any of the WACs? No. It is imperative to have standards and regulations in place to ensure the safety of children and their learning environments.
3. Can you see how the WACs will influence your day-to-day practice in caring for children? Why or why not? Yes, by holding me accountable by following the regulations and standards, while maintaining a positive and safe environment that will support and nurture the growing child.