During times without stressors, practice identifying emotions. How they feel in the body, utilizing pictures to help the child recognize them. Practice deep breathing and appropriate ways for stress relief.

Decompress and talk to a therapist or trusted peer

Actively listening to the child as they describe the previous day or weekend, expressing genuine interest and excitement. Playing games together and tailoring projects to be done together with their interests so they feel seen.

Spending quiet time alone, reading a book, and volunteering for a non-profit help me refill my cup!

Learn about their interests and hobbies outside the class, but also share appropriate interests and hobbies that you do! Showing enthusiasm about them may encourage questions and you can always ask questions about their interests as well

Of course, especially in times of stress like emergencies or sudden severe illnesses, it’s a great thing to have to reference to know exactly what to do.

A crib with a mattress and always lay them on their back to sleep

Incorporating stretches and affirmations at the beginning and end of the day to practice being mindful about how their body feels before and after the day as well as to shake off any bad feelings they may have from the night before or during the day.

You can make them fun by incorporating music, songs, or rewards such as stickers

I would highlight the exterior door alarms, gate alarms, and window alarms, as well as how the toys, cribs, etc are to safety standard.

I would contact the appropriate authorities to divulge the information and any contact information we have for the child/parents/abuser.

I’m worried about other people and their intentions

Showing respect for their beliefs and intentions, while also remembering we have a common goal of the child’s wellbeing. Presenting myself as a capable, stable educator while understanding their role as a primary caregiver in the child’s day to day life.

I would want them to see my child as an individual with unique quirks and interests and needs. I would also want them to treat my child with respect and help them show respect for others. I would also want them to validate my child’s emotions so they can become a more well-rounded, supported individual.

Utilizing the child’s own hobbies/interests, or significant moments in the child’s life like having a new sibling, going on vacation, etc. Another is simply showing your own genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Consistency is key! Don’t overburden yourself in the beginning, create a simple schedule and slowly change or add things over time to see what works best for you, your space, and the children you serve.

A place that includes materials (books, pictures, toys) that include diverse representation. Also different places where children with different interests and energy levels can participate as they are comfortable.

Make sure you have documented the lack of a milestone so you can discuss your findings with the parent. When talking about the child do not use language that insinuates this is the child’s or parent’s fault, instead use language that expresses concern enough to show you believe the child would benefit from further exploration into the delay,… Read more

Observing and documenting a child’s development allows for a more tailored curriculum to the child’s needs and skills, which in turn that support for their development aids in a better relationship between educator and child. Documenting also helps paint a complete picture for everyone in the child’s life, especially primary caregivers and… Read more

Screen time is a controversial and difficult to navigate topic. What is good for one child may not be for another. Keeping this in mind is crucial to see if screen time would be appropriate for all children in your care. While I agree screen time can be helpful in terms of representation, when it comes to enhancing learning I struggle to come… Read more

We can create a serve and return environment by remembering that everything is new for children, so detailing what is being seen or happening, asking them questions, and answering their questions or affirming their experiences helps them feel heard and reinforces that natural drive for exploration in all situations.

Ask the parent if there are any issues with the current schedule their child is in care for, what may be going on at work or home causing the child to be picked up late. Discuss what the center needs to care for a child after hours like having extra teachers stay late, and try to come up with a solution together.

1. WAC 110-300-0030 talks about how you can’t discriminate for staff or kids based on things like gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc. 2. The WACs talk about collaborating with the family, this includes learning about their culture and how it effects their family dynamic today, to best support the child and family where they are at… Read more

Singing a song to both help kids engage, as well as to remember the steps to properly wash their hands.

I discovered that the WACs cover every single facet of child care and it’s surprising that every single detail has been thought about. I was surprised about the WAC detailing on-going training, that some hours can be rolled over into the next year. I can see how the WACs would effect my day to day as they allow for a blanket standard so… Read more