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.

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!

• 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!

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.

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.