The child has made the most improvement in the following areas:
The child's social skills have improved since the past conference. I have observed the child interacting the other children daily. She loves to play with babies in dramatic play with other children. They love to put the diapers on the dolls and dress up in fire man hats. She is also doing great using her words when she wants or needs something. She asks when she wants water and expresses her feelings to her friends with words rather than getting angry and hitting.
The activity the child loves the most is:
She loves it when we turn on the music and sing and dance. She loves to dance and learn the movements to songs such as the Itsy Bitsy Spider and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
The child is most excited and attentive when:
She gets most excited when we go outside to play. She knows when she is instructed to go to the door that it is time to go outside. She loves to get fresh air and run around. She uses outside time to use her outdoor voice and run around with her friends. She loves the riding toys and loves to swing.
The best form of redirection for the child is:
When I have to redirect her from a situation I usually find another activity for her to participate in. She does best when she is removed from a situation and redirected to a quiet place to calm down. She usually chooses to do puzzles when she is redirected.
One objective the family could work on at home with the child is:
One thing that the family could work on at home is using the potty. We take the children very often but consistency is important when potty training. We are working on keeping her pull up dry all day and she is doing great, but I think she would get potty trained quickly if we put her in underwear and worked on taking her at home as well.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Journal 11
I am a very visual person. I remember things best when I see them written down in front of me. There are times when I also need to discuss something with another person to remember it. The parents we work with need to be told information in several ways because they are all different. For parents who are visual I would post flyer's around the center if there is an event going on or an activity. I would also write it on a white board in the lobby or on their child's daily sheet to help remind them. Other parents are auditory. They may remember something more easily if the teacher brings up something in conversation that they need to remember. This way they can recall the conversation. Some parents are kiniesthic learners which means they are do-ers. For these parents I may suggest working with your child in order to see areas that needed to be worked on rather just mentioning areas of improvement to them. I may also have them sign up to help for an event so they may remember. All parents remember information differently that is why it is important to share information with them in several different kinds of ways.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Journal 10
Health Alert:
It has been reported that your child may have been exposed to whopping cough (Pertussis) at the center.
What it is:
Whooping cough is a contageous disease spread by bacteria. It is most common in children under 5 years of age. It causes severe coughing spells. Whopping cough can also lead to pnemonia, convultions, bleeding of the brain and sometimes death.
How is it spread:
Whooping cough is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is contageous from the beginning of the cold until 5 to 7 days after treatment with antibiotics starts.
What to look for:
It begins with an irritating cough, cold and a runny nose, the cough becomes more servere and ends with a high pitch whoop. Thick, clear, sticky mucous may be coughed up.
What you can do:
Medical supervision is recommended.
If you suspect your child has been infected:
Seek medical attention. This is a very contageous disease.
What we are doing to prevent the spread:
Proper hand washing, not allowing children to share food or drinks, advising children to cover thier mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. There is also a vaccine to prevent Whooping Cough.
It has been reported that your child may have been exposed to whopping cough (Pertussis) at the center.
What it is:
Whooping cough is a contageous disease spread by bacteria. It is most common in children under 5 years of age. It causes severe coughing spells. Whopping cough can also lead to pnemonia, convultions, bleeding of the brain and sometimes death.
How is it spread:
Whooping cough is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is contageous from the beginning of the cold until 5 to 7 days after treatment with antibiotics starts.
What to look for:
It begins with an irritating cough, cold and a runny nose, the cough becomes more servere and ends with a high pitch whoop. Thick, clear, sticky mucous may be coughed up.
What you can do:
Medical supervision is recommended.
If you suspect your child has been infected:
Seek medical attention. This is a very contageous disease.
What we are doing to prevent the spread:
Proper hand washing, not allowing children to share food or drinks, advising children to cover thier mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. There is also a vaccine to prevent Whooping Cough.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Journal 9
Drop off and Pick up Times:
Our center is open from 6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M Monday through Friday. We ask that children be dropped off before 10:00 A.M. daily in order to maintain the routine and structure of the classroom. If your child has an appointment or special curcumstance and may need to arrive late, please speak with the office to make arrangements. If your child will not be attending the center on a particular day please notify the center Director for attendance purposes.
We have an open door policy so children may be picked up at your convenience but we do ask if you wish you pick them up during resting time please notify the office so we can make arrangements not to disturb the other children in the classroom.
Our center closes at 6:00 daily. There is a late pick up fee of $1.00 per minute per child. Please notify the office if you are running late. We will notify the Police Department if you are more than 30 minutes late to pick up your child.
Our center is open from 6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M Monday through Friday. We ask that children be dropped off before 10:00 A.M. daily in order to maintain the routine and structure of the classroom. If your child has an appointment or special curcumstance and may need to arrive late, please speak with the office to make arrangements. If your child will not be attending the center on a particular day please notify the center Director for attendance purposes.
We have an open door policy so children may be picked up at your convenience but we do ask if you wish you pick them up during resting time please notify the office so we can make arrangements not to disturb the other children in the classroom.
Our center closes at 6:00 daily. There is a late pick up fee of $1.00 per minute per child. Please notify the office if you are running late. We will notify the Police Department if you are more than 30 minutes late to pick up your child.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Journal 7
After watching the What Not to Wear Video I got some tips on how to dress for success. It is very important to dress appropriate at work. First impressions are important, and if you are a director at a childcare center, you meet new people daily. Often times, you may be the first thing a potential client sees after entering the facility. Your appearance can make a huge impression on new families. Dressing professional is as important as acting professional. If you dress too casual you can be perceived as unprofessional. When working in this field, you should definitely not show much skin. We work with children and therefore childcare workers should be appropriately dressed. Also, it is important to look clean and energized when arriving to work. When childcare employees come to work with there hair not brushed and thrown up, it gives the impression that you are not well rested, you were in a rush to get out the door, and perhaps you are not "put together." Unfortunately in this field, we are often not respected or appreciated for the work that we do. We want families to see us as professional early care providers, not babysitters. After watching the episode I noticed how a persons confidence can be boosted when they dress nice. They feel happier with themselves which is very important in this profession. Also, wearing clothing that is torn, stained, wrinkled and extremely old is unprofessional. We want to feel good about ourselves so others feel good about us also!
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Journal 6
Pg. 66 in textbook
Discussion questions:
1 & 2. The confidentality code was violated which the mother and Eric in a few ways. First, the director got all of Eric's records without the mothers permission. Also, the teacher was planning to tell all of the parents of the children in the room that Eric was a biter. The teacher also forced Eric's mother to fill out information about Erics father even though it sounds like she left his name off the forms intentionally. The director also basically diagnosed Eric with ADHD before even meeting him, and Erics teacher was also having a conversation about his physical features with another teacher.
3. I do not think the directors should have spoke about Eric's disability prior to enrollment. This resulted in Eric being labeled as a hyper child who has behavior problems. The director of Erics new center already had her mind made up about his before she had ever met him. She also self diagnosed him with ADHD.
4. I believe the new director and Erics mother should have been included in this meeting. His mother could have informed the director of any disabilities or behavioral issues that Eric may have.
5. I do not think it is fair to Eric to have a conversation about him with others. That would give the other children in the classroom an opportunity to talk about Eric with out him being there. I think that would be unfair.
6. I think Erics mother could have brought him to his new school and let him visit before dropping him off for an entire day. Also, I think the teacher could have helped him feel more comfortable by letting him have his Elmo doll during resting time. I also think the teacher could have spent some time getting to know Eric and she could have introduced him to the other children and encouraged them to play together.
7. I think the teachers conversation at the restaurant was out of line. I understand a teacher wondering what is going on at home when a child's behavior changes. However, this conversation could have lead his mother to be afraid that the teacher was talking about her son to a group of people. This could have resulted in Erics mother to not trust his teacher.
8. I think if this conversation was in the staff lounge in would have been different. There would not have been any potential parents around to hear the conversation. Also, it could have been more of a discussion about the cocerns of the "biters" home life rather than sounding like a hot topic for the dinner table.
9. I would apoligize to the mother and reassure her that her son would be treated fairly. I would also be sure the teacher remembers confidentaility and understanding when dealing with children. Each child is an individual and is unique in thier own way. I would also let her know she is welcome in my office any time to discuss any concerns she is having.
10. I think the mother should leave the child at that school. I do not love the school based on the scenario but the child seemed so nervous on the first day and if the teacher and director gave him a chance he may surprise them.
11. I feel that Eric deserves a fresh start with a new group of childen. If the teacher remembers we are here to help children grow and learn than I think Eric will be okay.
Discussion questions:
1 & 2. The confidentality code was violated which the mother and Eric in a few ways. First, the director got all of Eric's records without the mothers permission. Also, the teacher was planning to tell all of the parents of the children in the room that Eric was a biter. The teacher also forced Eric's mother to fill out information about Erics father even though it sounds like she left his name off the forms intentionally. The director also basically diagnosed Eric with ADHD before even meeting him, and Erics teacher was also having a conversation about his physical features with another teacher.
3. I do not think the directors should have spoke about Eric's disability prior to enrollment. This resulted in Eric being labeled as a hyper child who has behavior problems. The director of Erics new center already had her mind made up about his before she had ever met him. She also self diagnosed him with ADHD.
4. I believe the new director and Erics mother should have been included in this meeting. His mother could have informed the director of any disabilities or behavioral issues that Eric may have.
5. I do not think it is fair to Eric to have a conversation about him with others. That would give the other children in the classroom an opportunity to talk about Eric with out him being there. I think that would be unfair.
6. I think Erics mother could have brought him to his new school and let him visit before dropping him off for an entire day. Also, I think the teacher could have helped him feel more comfortable by letting him have his Elmo doll during resting time. I also think the teacher could have spent some time getting to know Eric and she could have introduced him to the other children and encouraged them to play together.
7. I think the teachers conversation at the restaurant was out of line. I understand a teacher wondering what is going on at home when a child's behavior changes. However, this conversation could have lead his mother to be afraid that the teacher was talking about her son to a group of people. This could have resulted in Erics mother to not trust his teacher.
8. I think if this conversation was in the staff lounge in would have been different. There would not have been any potential parents around to hear the conversation. Also, it could have been more of a discussion about the cocerns of the "biters" home life rather than sounding like a hot topic for the dinner table.
9. I would apoligize to the mother and reassure her that her son would be treated fairly. I would also be sure the teacher remembers confidentaility and understanding when dealing with children. Each child is an individual and is unique in thier own way. I would also let her know she is welcome in my office any time to discuss any concerns she is having.
10. I think the mother should leave the child at that school. I do not love the school based on the scenario but the child seemed so nervous on the first day and if the teacher and director gave him a chance he may surprise them.
11. I feel that Eric deserves a fresh start with a new group of childen. If the teacher remembers we are here to help children grow and learn than I think Eric will be okay.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Journal 5
Staff Meeting
September 21, 2013
6:00 P.M.
- Fall Carnival
- Our annual Fall Carnival is Friday October 25th from 7:00-8:30 P.M.
- Please encourage your families to let their children dress up in their Halloween costumes.
- Every teacher must sign up to run a booth- please see the list in the office
- Each classroom will create a themed basket of items to auction off at the carnival. Please choose your theme and post a flyer asking for donations.
- Please make a list of items you may need for the booth you are running and turn it in to the office
- Lesson Plans must be turned in to the office each Friday. This is in order to ensure they are developmentally appropriate and posted on time as well.
- Cell phones- please stay off of them. We have a no cell phone policy in the classrooms. This includes resting time.
- Outside cleanup- please clean up outside after your class has been outside. This includes pushing in chairs, lining up all push toys against the fence, putting all balls back in the crates, and cleaning up all trash. We want to ensure that our facility is clean and safe for families.
- Please greet each child and parent when entering the classroom in the morning! The children feel more welcome when you greet them, speak to their parent and have a friendly attitude. It makes the drop off process easier for everyone involved.
- CPR/ First Aid training- October 15th at 10:00 in the school age room.
- You must have current CPR/First Aid to be employed here. It is required for all staff.
- Please see the sign up sheet in the office if you need this certification.
- Thank you all for everything you do. We appreciate your dedication and hard work each day.
Staff meetings are very important. It is one of the only times you have an opportunity to discuss important issues with the entire staff. It is also a time to do trainings on issues specific to your facility. The staff get to know each other better and see who their co-workers are. Many staff member are only morning staff or only afternoon so it gives them a chance to meet everyone and ask any questions that they may have.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Journal 4
I am an Assistant Director at a childcare center so I communicate with families on a daily basis. I am a very outgoing person. I greet each person as they walk through the door in the morning and I tell them to "have a great evening" before they leave for the day. I have worked at the same center for years so I know all of the families and they all know who I am. Most of the clients at my center are very nice, and they reply when I speak to them, but there have been times when I have had to deal with some clients who are not as friendly.
Many of our parents are in a rush to pick up their children and leave at the end of the day. I understand that, but when someone pretends they do not hear me speaking to them, gives me the cold shoulder, or ignores me, I can become a little irritated. Most of the time it is because they are on their phones so it isn't just me they aren't paying attention to. They are too busy talking on their phone to notice anything going on around them, sadly sometimes this includes their child.
Another reason a parent at the center may not acknowledge me is because tuition is due and they have not paid. In this situation they are in and out of the building so fast is is nearly impossible to catch them. They pretend not to see or hear anyone.
Then the individuals who do not ever speak to you, avoid you at all costs, and act like you don't exist, ask to speak to you in the office. So I think, maybe they want to make a payment or something has been going on in their personal lives that may explain their rude behavior. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. So my patience is once again tested when they have the nerve to complain because breakfast is served too early, or their child has paint on their clothes.
I love my job, I love the families that we serve, and I love the children that we work with. I have had to deal with some individuals who are inconsiderate and unfriendly. In this situation, I always try to make sure I speak with them every opportunity I get. I know it doesn't feel good to be ignored or for someone to give you the cold shoulder so I make a point to communicate with all of my clients to be sure we are meeting all of their needs to the best of our abilities. Even if they make us crazy sometimes! :)
Many of our parents are in a rush to pick up their children and leave at the end of the day. I understand that, but when someone pretends they do not hear me speaking to them, gives me the cold shoulder, or ignores me, I can become a little irritated. Most of the time it is because they are on their phones so it isn't just me they aren't paying attention to. They are too busy talking on their phone to notice anything going on around them, sadly sometimes this includes their child.
Another reason a parent at the center may not acknowledge me is because tuition is due and they have not paid. In this situation they are in and out of the building so fast is is nearly impossible to catch them. They pretend not to see or hear anyone.
Then the individuals who do not ever speak to you, avoid you at all costs, and act like you don't exist, ask to speak to you in the office. So I think, maybe they want to make a payment or something has been going on in their personal lives that may explain their rude behavior. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. So my patience is once again tested when they have the nerve to complain because breakfast is served too early, or their child has paint on their clothes.
I love my job, I love the families that we serve, and I love the children that we work with. I have had to deal with some individuals who are inconsiderate and unfriendly. In this situation, I always try to make sure I speak with them every opportunity I get. I know it doesn't feel good to be ignored or for someone to give you the cold shoulder so I make a point to communicate with all of my clients to be sure we are meeting all of their needs to the best of our abilities. Even if they make us crazy sometimes! :)
Monday, September 2, 2013
Journal 3
Pg. 18
This situation happens too often in childcare. Families tend to get very excited about birthdays. In this scenario, I would speak with the family about bringing a different type of treat with out peanuts for the party. Although there is not a child in the classroom with a peanut allergy, some children are very sensitive to nuts and it is just a precaution. All nut products are banned from the center due to allergies. I would explain that I am very sorry or the inconvenience and explain that it is a policy for the entire center not just for one classroom.
Pg. 19
In this situation, I would probably not allow the staff member any extra early Fridays off unless she switched Fridays with a co-worker. It would set precedence with other staff members and they would expect to get off early as well. Once you make an exception for one person everyone expects it.
Pg. 22
I would mention that I was planning to use those ideas for the bulletin board and if he/she wanted to work together to for ideas for a lesson then we could do that instead of taking ideas that I had worked so hard on.
Pg. 23
I would ask the child in front of her father what happened. I would also reassure the father that I keep a very close eye on the children at all times and that she did not cry or mention the incident. I would tell them that each incident is documented and reported to the families and the office. I would apologize and speak with the child about communicating when she gets hurt by another child in classroom.
This situation happens too often in childcare. Families tend to get very excited about birthdays. In this scenario, I would speak with the family about bringing a different type of treat with out peanuts for the party. Although there is not a child in the classroom with a peanut allergy, some children are very sensitive to nuts and it is just a precaution. All nut products are banned from the center due to allergies. I would explain that I am very sorry or the inconvenience and explain that it is a policy for the entire center not just for one classroom.
Pg. 19
In this situation, I would probably not allow the staff member any extra early Fridays off unless she switched Fridays with a co-worker. It would set precedence with other staff members and they would expect to get off early as well. Once you make an exception for one person everyone expects it.
Pg. 22
I would mention that I was planning to use those ideas for the bulletin board and if he/she wanted to work together to for ideas for a lesson then we could do that instead of taking ideas that I had worked so hard on.
Pg. 23
I would ask the child in front of her father what happened. I would also reassure the father that I keep a very close eye on the children at all times and that she did not cry or mention the incident. I would tell them that each incident is documented and reported to the families and the office. I would apologize and speak with the child about communicating when she gets hurt by another child in classroom.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Journal 2
Pg. 2
I currently work for a childcare center that is owned by a church. We frequently interact with the board members and the commission members of the church. We also work with the children and families that attend our center currently and that have attended our center in the past. We network with other agencies that come in and work with our children such as counseling services and speech therapists. We work with the public school systems and the teachers of the schools nearby our center. We interact with the vendors, maintenance companies, and other outside individuals that come into our center and we communicate with frequently.
Pg.4
I think additional information would depend on the age of the child. When children cannot speak yet they may bite because they are frustrated but they can not form the words they want to speak yet. Also, I might have said it is unfortunate but biting is developmentally appropriate for (depending on the age of the child). Also a toddler might be teething and that may be the cause of biting and if this is the case we will give the child a teething ring or something to comfort him/her.
Pg. 9
I visualize my center as focused toward working for and with families. I want any center I ever work for to be able to provide families with resources that they may need to be successful. I want families to feel safe dropping their children off each day and I want parents to feel like they are learning new things daily.
My center is affordable compared to competitors.
My center uses developmentally appropriate practices. They have a curriculum that is based on the Early Learning Guidelines and it changes bi weekly.
We do use positive discipline strategies at our facility. Delivering I messages, getting on the children's level, and redirection are a few examples.
Some strengths of the center our having long lasting relationships with our families. Some of the children at our center have been there since birth. We get a lot of business by referrals from our families. Our families have a lot of trust in us with their children.
We have an older facility, we could do use some physical improvements.
I currently work for a childcare center that is owned by a church. We frequently interact with the board members and the commission members of the church. We also work with the children and families that attend our center currently and that have attended our center in the past. We network with other agencies that come in and work with our children such as counseling services and speech therapists. We work with the public school systems and the teachers of the schools nearby our center. We interact with the vendors, maintenance companies, and other outside individuals that come into our center and we communicate with frequently.
Pg.4
I think additional information would depend on the age of the child. When children cannot speak yet they may bite because they are frustrated but they can not form the words they want to speak yet. Also, I might have said it is unfortunate but biting is developmentally appropriate for (depending on the age of the child). Also a toddler might be teething and that may be the cause of biting and if this is the case we will give the child a teething ring or something to comfort him/her.
Pg. 9
I visualize my center as focused toward working for and with families. I want any center I ever work for to be able to provide families with resources that they may need to be successful. I want families to feel safe dropping their children off each day and I want parents to feel like they are learning new things daily.
My center is affordable compared to competitors.
My center uses developmentally appropriate practices. They have a curriculum that is based on the Early Learning Guidelines and it changes bi weekly.
We do use positive discipline strategies at our facility. Delivering I messages, getting on the children's level, and redirection are a few examples.
Some strengths of the center our having long lasting relationships with our families. Some of the children at our center have been there since birth. We get a lot of business by referrals from our families. Our families have a lot of trust in us with their children.
We have an older facility, we could do use some physical improvements.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Journal 1
I am taking Early Education classes because I love working with children. I am currently working on obtaining my Directors Certificate of Mastery. I am the Assistant Director of a childcare center so I work with families daily. I use what I learn in my Early Education classes when working with the families I come across daily. I hope to gain better leadership and communication skills in this class.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)