Preparing for a Family/Teacher Conference
The child has made the most progress in the following areas:
Fine motor skills development: "Sara" has three papers displayed in her portfolio that show her "cutting on a line" skills at the begining, middle, and end of the year. As you can see her skills greatly improved and at the end of the year she was able to cut not only on straight lines, but also zig-zag and wavy lines as well. Great Job!
The activity the child enjoys the most is :
Singing: We always take requests as we are preapring for nap time, and "Sara" always has a request and is able to remember songs we have learned just that same day. She loves to sing!
The child is most excited and most attentive when:
"Sara" gets most excited and pays the most attention when she is in circle time. The weather watcher and days of the week are very important to her. She benefits greatly from the routined circle time, and she loves the organization of the different imformation. She is always willing to help a new friend during circle time!
The best form of redirection is:
The best form of redirection for "Sara" is to acknowledge her feelings and give her a physical touch, such as a pat on the back or hug, and then help her over to an activity she enjoys such as the dramatic play area. (She loves to pretend to cook in the kitchen, and even wears the apron and mitts.)
One objective the family could work on at home with the child is:
"Sara" is very outgoing and is such as assest to our classroom. Sometimes she is so eager to participate she forgets to wait for her friends to finsh talking or for name to be called. One thing the family can do is play a game of taking turns such as everyone sharing at dinner or even in the car ride home the best/favorite part of their day. This encourages everyone to be polite and wait for each other to complete their thought before the next person begins to share.
"Sara" is a joy to have in class and I am so happy that she is doing so well! She has alot to offer and I see her to as able continue to thrive at our facility!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Journal 11
I am a auditory/kinesthetic/visual learner. If I am able to read through information I can retain it well. If I am taking notes and listening to a lecture, I am sure that I will remember. Seeing is also helpful to me in some situations. It depends on how interested I am in the subject matter also.
Reaching parents to help them remember information can be challenging. We have to remember that even as adults, we have our own way of remembering information. There are different ways we can reach parents that may fall into the different categories.
Reaching parents to help them remember information can be challenging. We have to remember that even as adults, we have our own way of remembering information. There are different ways we can reach parents that may fall into the different categories.
- For visual learners, signs on the door will be sufficient. If they see the sign, they may be able to retain what the sign read.
- For auditory learners, teachers and front office staff can remind parents verbally as they pick up or drop off their children about certain information.
- For kinesthetic learners, a sign sheet can be made stating that after you have read the following, please sign your name or initials in a designated area to confirm that you received the information.
Journal 10
Health Alert
We have have been informed the children in the Preschool 1 classroom, have been exposed to "Hand, Foot, & Mouth" disease.
Description
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is an illness that causes sores in or on the mouth and on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks and legs. The sores may be painful. The illness usually doesn't last more than a week or so.
How it travels
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is caused by a virus called an enterovirus.
The virus spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It can also spread through infected stool, such as when you change a diaper or when a young child gets stool on his or her hands and then touches objects that other children put in their mouths. Often the disease breaks out within a community. The child is most contagious the first week they contract the virus. The virus can stay in the stool for up to two months before it is completely gone.
Symptoms
This illness has no specific treatment. Be sure to offer your child plenty of fluids, and avoid acidic or spicy foods. Be sure to wear gloves when touching areas that could be affected, and wash thoroughly after care. Aviod sharing toys, and kisses and hugs between siblings and parents.
If you suspect your child is affected
Please contact your family doctor to schedule an appoinment as soon as possible, and keep child away from other children until you are seen. If a child is affected they will be asked to be out for three days or untill all blisters have disappeared.
Doing our part
To keep the spread from continuing, we are bleaching and sanatizing all toys in rooms, as well as washing all bedding and dress up toys. We are strictly enforcing proper diapering procedure with all staff and children (as we always do) to ensure we are not spreading the illness. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns and we would be happy to speak with you. We will ask all infected childrens parents to comply to our good health handbook policies on treating and returning. Copies related to hand, foot, and mouth are attached. Thank You.
We have have been informed the children in the Preschool 1 classroom, have been exposed to "Hand, Foot, & Mouth" disease.
Description
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is an illness that causes sores in or on the mouth and on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks and legs. The sores may be painful. The illness usually doesn't last more than a week or so.
How it travels
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is caused by a virus called an enterovirus.
The virus spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It can also spread through infected stool, such as when you change a diaper or when a young child gets stool on his or her hands and then touches objects that other children put in their mouths. Often the disease breaks out within a community. The child is most contagious the first week they contract the virus. The virus can stay in the stool for up to two months before it is completely gone.
Symptoms
- fatigue
- sore throat
- fever between 101 and 103
- rash before sores appear
- sores on hands, feet, buttocks, throat, and inside mouth including on tongue and inside cheek area.
This illness has no specific treatment. Be sure to offer your child plenty of fluids, and avoid acidic or spicy foods. Be sure to wear gloves when touching areas that could be affected, and wash thoroughly after care. Aviod sharing toys, and kisses and hugs between siblings and parents.
If you suspect your child is affected
Please contact your family doctor to schedule an appoinment as soon as possible, and keep child away from other children until you are seen. If a child is affected they will be asked to be out for three days or untill all blisters have disappeared.
Doing our part
To keep the spread from continuing, we are bleaching and sanatizing all toys in rooms, as well as washing all bedding and dress up toys. We are strictly enforcing proper diapering procedure with all staff and children (as we always do) to ensure we are not spreading the illness. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns and we would be happy to speak with you. We will ask all infected childrens parents to comply to our good health handbook policies on treating and returning. Copies related to hand, foot, and mouth are attached. Thank You.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Journal 9
A parent handbook is very important to a childcare facility. This sets all the ground-rules for parents as they are enrolling their children in your center. Sometimes I feel as you encounter different situations in childcare, your handbook should be revised and edited to cover all encounters you may have.
One policy that I have had to revise is children bringing electronic devices into the center. Over the past two years alomost 90 percent of this children ages 5 to 12 has some type of electronic device such as an Ipod, DS, Gameboy, etc. We allowed these in our center with understanding from the parent that we are not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken items brought from home. A new rule was added stating that such devices are allowed to be brought and played AFTER 3:30 on school days, and set times during the day in the summer months and days free of public school. We have to adapt and change as society and technology changes around us. Revising and editing a handbook is a constant job.
One policy that I have had to revise is children bringing electronic devices into the center. Over the past two years alomost 90 percent of this children ages 5 to 12 has some type of electronic device such as an Ipod, DS, Gameboy, etc. We allowed these in our center with understanding from the parent that we are not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken items brought from home. A new rule was added stating that such devices are allowed to be brought and played AFTER 3:30 on school days, and set times during the day in the summer months and days free of public school. We have to adapt and change as society and technology changes around us. Revising and editing a handbook is a constant job.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Journal 8
November News!
The Holidays are among us and we cant be more excited! November is packed with fun activities and learning opportunities. Please be sure to check your childs folder daily to ensure you are getting all necessary information on upcoming events!
MPLC will be closed on Novemeber 22nd and 23rd for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
The Holidays are among us and we cant be more excited! November is packed with fun activities and learning opportunities. Please be sure to check your childs folder daily to ensure you are getting all necessary information on upcoming events!
- Fall pictures are scheduled for November 13th from 630 to 9 a.m. Please make sure you have filled out a picture form and returned it to our office staff to ensure your child will get his or her pictures taken. Pictures will be back by December 3rd, just in time for greeting cards! Payment is not due until you view and pick your packet.
MPLC annual canned food drive will begin November 1st and will end on November 14th. Please bring non-perishable items to donate. Last year was a huge success! Lets make this year the same. This is a great opportunity for little ones to learn the importance of selflessness and helping others.
MPLC will be closed on Novemeber 22nd and 23rd for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
- We will be holding a Thanksgiving Feast on November 21st. Our children will be learning about the different foods and traditions of Thanksgiving leading up to our feast. If your family has special traditions that you do, please let us know so we may talk about it! It is so much fun to learn how all of our friends celebrate!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Journl 7
Dressing for success can mean different things to different people. Depending on the job you have, you may not have to be in heels and slacks everyday. Dressing professionally means that you are dressing in clothes that are your size, and free of holes and runs in the fabric. You can dress professionally without breaking the bank. It is all about a few key pieces that you can use with multiple outfits. If you are buying clothes that are too big or too small for your frame you are giving the impression that you do not care how you present yourself. Also showering and maintaining good hygiene are very important factors when getting ready for work. You do not have to be head to toe decked out in the most expensive brands, a well put together tasteful outfit says you are here and you are professional.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Journal 6
In this situation, the confidentiality was violated with the mother in numerous ways. Her sons medical and educational records were discussed in a very unprofessional way. There was personal information that was revealed that needed to be kept private. There was also his personal information posted on the play date board. The child's confidentiality was violated by the teacher who had previously talked to other children and parents about his biting. He was also stripped of everything that was comfortable for him and left very vulnerable on his first day. I think that the two directors should have spoken to one another about basic things about Eric to help them know what comforts him and what information might be helpful to the teacher. I also think that the director should have told the teacher need to know info about Eric, but disclosing all information and letting the teacher tell other parents was inappropriate.
Eric's classmates could have benefited from knowing they had a "new friend" coming and that his name was Eric. Another helpful thing to have done would be to remind children that we accept all new friends with a warm welcome and reminding children how people are different, and that okay. (To help with any visual differences between Eric and other children, but in a broad non-specific manner.) In order to make Eric's transition easier, a "get to know you game" could have been included in circle time to help introduce Eric to the other children and vice verse in a very fun laid back manner. Also to have let Eric have his lovey at nap time and let him have his lunch and reminding the parent at pick up about any rules for the next day.
The teachers conversation at the restaurant was completely inappropriate. Gossiping is never an option when working in any job. Families personal information is private and should never be discussed to other co workers unless it is your supervisor and you are speaking about an issue or asking for guidance. If I was a director I would apologise for any negative actions or choices made for that day, but would also tell the parent that I have faith in my employees and I would assure the parent that this would never be an issue again. I would also talk to my teacher and let them know gossip is grounds for termination and to never let that happen again. I would make it a verbal warning.
I personally would not leave Eric at that school another minute. The staff were completely insensitive to any of Eric's needs, and they were unprofessional in the way that personal information was displayed and discussed. A program should adapt to the child. Not vice verse. I would immediately look for another facility to take Eric to.
Eric's classmates could have benefited from knowing they had a "new friend" coming and that his name was Eric. Another helpful thing to have done would be to remind children that we accept all new friends with a warm welcome and reminding children how people are different, and that okay. (To help with any visual differences between Eric and other children, but in a broad non-specific manner.) In order to make Eric's transition easier, a "get to know you game" could have been included in circle time to help introduce Eric to the other children and vice verse in a very fun laid back manner. Also to have let Eric have his lovey at nap time and let him have his lunch and reminding the parent at pick up about any rules for the next day.
The teachers conversation at the restaurant was completely inappropriate. Gossiping is never an option when working in any job. Families personal information is private and should never be discussed to other co workers unless it is your supervisor and you are speaking about an issue or asking for guidance. If I was a director I would apologise for any negative actions or choices made for that day, but would also tell the parent that I have faith in my employees and I would assure the parent that this would never be an issue again. I would also talk to my teacher and let them know gossip is grounds for termination and to never let that happen again. I would make it a verbal warning.
I personally would not leave Eric at that school another minute. The staff were completely insensitive to any of Eric's needs, and they were unprofessional in the way that personal information was displayed and discussed. A program should adapt to the child. Not vice verse. I would immediately look for another facility to take Eric to.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Journal 5
Staff meetings are very important. It reminds staff what is expected of them, and that they can rely on each other and their supervisors for support. Any issues in the center can be addressed at the staff meeting, and it helps keep open communication and respect among everyone. Staff meeting give everyone a chance to exchange and voice ideas they may have for upcoming curricuilum, and for supervisors to update employees on any new changes that will be implemented in the center.
STAFF MEETING AGENDA December 1, 2012
6:00-6:30 Discussing Agenda
6:30-7:00 Open Discussion
TOPIC-Daily Schedule
1. Naptime:
STAFF MEETING AGENDA December 1, 2012
6:00-6:30 Discussing Agenda
6:30-7:00 Open Discussion
TOPIC-Daily Schedule
1. Naptime:
- Please remember daily cleaning needs to be done during this time. Please check your daily cleaning sheet and remember to initial when each task is completed.
- Keep visiting over cubbies with other staff to a minimum. This is time for children to have a quiet peaceful environment.
- Curiculum planning is encouraged at this time. This a great catch up period for you to go through your resources and finish up lesson plans to be submitted for approval.
- Circle Time is scheduled to start at 9:00 each morning. Please remember to have all activities ready and in your circle time area at 8:50 so you allow enough time for cleanup and transition from free play.
- Please remember to include the weekly letter, number, color, and value into your circle time!
- Some fun activities to help you get through circle time can include making charts and graphs relating to the theme, flash cards, name games, mystery box,& letting children pick their favorite song to sing.
- Large group play can be challenging at times. Remember to keep calm and take control of the situation.
- Some fun ideas are doggie doggie wheres your bone, hot potato, excercises/stretching, I spy, ¶chute play.
Journal 4
Dealing with people is just a normal part of my job. Learning to handle the way people think they can treat or speak to me, is another. Learning to speak to people is a very vital important part of everyday life. I wonder if some people have ANY manners at all. I mean really, "where you born in a barn" doesn't seem like such a bad question for me to ask sometimes. But I love my job and try and remember that for sake of my bank account I need to maintain my calm and not have my self proclaimed "dragon moment" that I really want to unleash on these people who are supposed to be raising our future generation. I am sure I am not always at my best when conversing (god knows, we ALL have our moments) but there are a few things I always try and remember. Eye contact, body language, remembering names, and keeping complaints to a minimum are some very important things when speaking with anyone. When someone cannot remember my name, or can not make eye contact with me, I feel very unimportant and unheard. Eye contact shows that you are genuinely listening and interested in what I have to say to you. When you can not remember my name I feel like I have not ever made an impact on your day (which is very important to me). Another peeve of mine is coming to me with a mountain of complaints all the time. Remember I deal with little people all day long! They have no patience, little manners, and a very big need for all of my attention, so please remember that you are past that phase in your life and just take a breath and come at me calm when you have an issue. I generally listen when parents are complaining to me and when it becomes excessive and I have been unable to speak, I apologise and tell them maybe they need to search out other centers if they are so unhappy. This generally makes the parent step back for a moment and puts their attitude in check. I always sandwich complaints with compliments no matter who I am speaking to. (It really does work on almost everyone.) The thing that bothers me the most is when parents come in on their cell phones or purposely avoid me or my other staff members. This lets me know for a fact that you do not care about how your childs day went. I f you can not even say hello to the teacher who cared for them all day or greet me so I can remind you about hat day on Friday you have made your message quite clear. There are 24 hours in a day, surely that phone call can be held at anonther moment in your day. Being respectful is one of the most powerful tools a person has to be sucessful in creating and maintining relationships with other humans.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Journal 3
In the peanut butter scenario, I would let the paretns know that we must follow all posted rules, no matter the situation in an effort to keep all the children safe. I would apologise and help the parent think of an alternative snack to bring so that the situation would be fully resolved. I would also remind the parent that even the smell of certain items can trigger an allergic reaction for some individuals.
In the shift scenario I would speak with all teachers privately and explain the other teachers situation and my dilemma. I would allow her to leave if everyone agreed to giving up their early shift so she could be with her family. I would also remind the other staff that we are all in the situation at some point and we all need to try and be respectful of our work family and help each other out when we can.
In the lesson plan scenario I would acknowledge that the teacher used my lesson plans in a positive way, such as saying how I would love to hear any ideas she might be able to add to OUR existing lesson plan. I would be cautious of what information I told her and if she it was becoming a problem, I would go to my director and let them know I do not mind sharing all of my ideas and plans, but I also do not want to be discredited for the amount of work I put in to my students and class room.
In the angry parent scenario, I would immediately apologise to the father and tell him that it is required that I write up all accidents or incidents I am aware of. I would let him know that I never heard or saw any pinching. I would also let him know that I will be very aware that someone has pinched and that I will fix the situation.I would also let him know that I will talk to the child and find out who and let her know what to do if she is hurt by a "friend" in class. Lastly I would let the father know I will tell the director of the incident so that they could be aware also.
In the shift scenario I would speak with all teachers privately and explain the other teachers situation and my dilemma. I would allow her to leave if everyone agreed to giving up their early shift so she could be with her family. I would also remind the other staff that we are all in the situation at some point and we all need to try and be respectful of our work family and help each other out when we can.
In the lesson plan scenario I would acknowledge that the teacher used my lesson plans in a positive way, such as saying how I would love to hear any ideas she might be able to add to OUR existing lesson plan. I would be cautious of what information I told her and if she it was becoming a problem, I would go to my director and let them know I do not mind sharing all of my ideas and plans, but I also do not want to be discredited for the amount of work I put in to my students and class room.
In the angry parent scenario, I would immediately apologise to the father and tell him that it is required that I write up all accidents or incidents I am aware of. I would let him know that I never heard or saw any pinching. I would also let him know that I will be very aware that someone has pinched and that I will fix the situation.I would also let him know that I will talk to the child and find out who and let her know what to do if she is hurt by a "friend" in class. Lastly I would let the father know I will tell the director of the incident so that they could be aware also.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Journal 2
In the childcare business, I frequently interact with many different individuals. Parents, grandparents, guardians, children, colleagues, state workers, delivery personnel, corporate, superiors, are just a few. It is important for me to always try and be professional when dealing with others. This demonstrates that I take my job seriously and am dedicated to my position.
In a situation with biting, I always think it is important to let the parent know that the child who did the biting had to acknowledge that biting was/is not the acceptable way to handle whatever the problem was. I also believe that parents of the "victim" appreciate when the parents of the "biter" are notified. We adhere to a biting policy that is a written policy which states that once biting becomes an issue with a child, steps are taken to try and get the behavior controlled. This lets parents know that biting can be a serious issue if not taken care of properly.
I visualize my business as a high quality, educational facility that offers the best to my students, teachers, and families. I consider myself an affordable childcare center. I do not have the cheapest rates, but the care and educational opportunities that are offered are far above average. My staff is qualified and competent and adhere closely to all state and national guidelines. Although academics are a priority in my facility, we also recognize the importance of learning through play. We offer a mixture of hands on learning through games, songs, activities, and other stimulating opportunities. We provide a curriculum for teachers to use which we put together from our knowledge of early education and other websites and development books. We do however encourage teachers to implement their own ideas and activites. Teachers submit lesson plans each week and they are able to implement their own ideas pending approval from their supervisor. The strengths of my center are professionalism, dedication to families and children, and knowledge of childrens development. I believe that the facility could improve on our communication between staff, and sharing ideas between classes. I believe everyone should be a team player and help each other out.
In a situation with biting, I always think it is important to let the parent know that the child who did the biting had to acknowledge that biting was/is not the acceptable way to handle whatever the problem was. I also believe that parents of the "victim" appreciate when the parents of the "biter" are notified. We adhere to a biting policy that is a written policy which states that once biting becomes an issue with a child, steps are taken to try and get the behavior controlled. This lets parents know that biting can be a serious issue if not taken care of properly.
I visualize my business as a high quality, educational facility that offers the best to my students, teachers, and families. I consider myself an affordable childcare center. I do not have the cheapest rates, but the care and educational opportunities that are offered are far above average. My staff is qualified and competent and adhere closely to all state and national guidelines. Although academics are a priority in my facility, we also recognize the importance of learning through play. We offer a mixture of hands on learning through games, songs, activities, and other stimulating opportunities. We provide a curriculum for teachers to use which we put together from our knowledge of early education and other websites and development books. We do however encourage teachers to implement their own ideas and activites. Teachers submit lesson plans each week and they are able to implement their own ideas pending approval from their supervisor. The strengths of my center are professionalism, dedication to families and children, and knowledge of childrens development. I believe that the facility could improve on our communication between staff, and sharing ideas between classes. I believe everyone should be a team player and help each other out.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Journal 1
Hi! My name is Ashley Rimer,and I work as an assistant director/floater at a childcare facility in Moore, Oklahoma. I am in child care because I love children and truly think that it helps me be a better parent as well as a better person. Children are our hope for the future,and we all need to step up and help shape them into the best person they can be! Education is a very important part of my life. I am a lifelong learner, and being educated gives you the tools to succeed in this world!
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