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Childcare Chatboard

Need some info ASAP

by melanie young

Dec 23, 2009

I attend Walden Uni. Get a degree in infant/toddler care and i wanted to know if i can get a little info on how it is to be teacher and working with kids of all ages for a paper that i havr to write. If anyone can help Please email. Thank You,Mel future teacher

Donna Lynn On 12/23/09, melanie young wrote: > I attend Walden Uni. Get a degree in infant/toddler care > and i wanted to know if i can get a little info on how it > is to be teacher and working with kids of all ages for a > paper that i havr to write. If anyone can help Please email. > Thank You,Mel future teacher

Hi melanie Which sta...See More

Dec 23, 2009

melanie j young On 12/23/09, Donna Lynn wrote: > On 12/23/09, melanie young wrote: >> I attend Walden Uni. Get a degree in infant/toddler care >> and i wanted to know if i can get a little info on how it >> is to be teacher and working with kids of all ages for a >> paper that i havr to write. If anyone can help Please email. >> Th...See MoreOn 12/23/09, Donna Lynn wrote: > On 12/23/09, melanie young wrote: >> I attend Walden Uni. Get a degree in infant/toddler care >> and i wanted to know if i can get a little info on how it >> is to be teacher and working with kids of all ages for a >> paper that i havr to write. If anyone can help Please email. >> Thank You,Mel future teacher > > Hi melanie > Which state are you in? I am in California and I am certified > as a Child Development Site Supervisor. I also work in the > high school setting. I will be happy to help. Have a happy > holiday! > Donna Lynn I live in Hampton Ga its like 20 min from Atl. I really appreciate your help. Thank You very much. I dint know any teachers here that could have helped me with this questionaire so i do really want to Thank You. Here are the questions.Sheet Teacher Interview Kindergarten, Primary-Grades, or Intermediate-Grades Teacher

To begin your interview, ask such introductory questions as:

• What ages of children do you work with? • What are the demographics of the children and families with whom you work? • How long have you been working with children? • What do you enjoy most about your work? • Why did you choose to go into this field? • What do you hope to accomplish as a teacher?

Then, engage in a discussion that will enable you to increase your knowledge about education, teaching, and the field that the teacher is involved in; consider your own assumptions/misconceptions; think about similarities and differences between what you have read in the Learning Resources and what this teacher shares; and gain additional insights. Following are some questions to spark your conversation:

• What do you believe are the essential components of quality education at the grade level that you teach? • Describe an ideal learning environment or learning experience for children at the grade level that you teach. • In what ways do you believe that families should be involved in their children’s education and why? • What advice do you have for people who are new to working with children and their families? • What do you wish that you learned while you were preparing to work with children and families? • How do you keep current on the latest research and thinking in your field? • Do you have any books, resources, and/or professional organizations that you can recommend? • What is the most valuable lesson that you have learned about working with young children and their families so far in your career? • Who is the person in your field who you most admire, and why?

Dec 24, 2009

Staff motivation

by anon for this

Dec 23, 2009

Wondering what great ideas you have or have experienced for staff motivation/appreciation? We need some pick me ups.

Please share your great ideas or books you have used to find ideas.

Leah Does your staff attend their state Association for the Education of Young Children conference? That's a fun thing to do together.

Ask your parents to fill out a form naming things they like about the program and concerns that they have. Make a poster(s) of the positive things they said.

Observe the staff and write specific, posi...See More

Jan 1, 2010

msmichelle On 12/23/09, anon for this wrote: > Wondering what great ideas you have or have experienced for > staff motivation/appreciation? We need some pick me ups. > > Please share your great ideas or books you have used to > find ideas.

Sign Everyone up for a workshop, that tends to motivate staff. If you can afford to hire someone ...See More

Jan 1, 2010

Toddler Schedule

by Anne

Jan 12, 2010

What is a typical schedule for a toddler 1.5-2.9 yrs. old. The class I have been observing is very unstructured. Other than project, circle, lunch, nap, pm snack and diapers, it is all free play. Is this normal?

view previous comments

Schari Cheryl, no matter the situation, bravo for you to self reflect on what you are doing with your children. Children's abilities and interests are ever changing and we should always have a fluid environment that can change with them.

Don't know if I can be helpful, but here's some thoughts on your questions.

> In the younger group...See More

Jan 16, 2010

Caroline On 1/12/10, Anne wrote: > What is a typical schedule for a toddler 1.5-2.9 yrs. old. > The class I have been observing is very unstructured. > Other than project, circle, lunch, nap, pm snack and > diapers, it is all free play. Is this normal?

I don't think it is normal. The teachers should be teaching the children things like...See More

Jun 4, 2011

Montessori in the Home - Schari

by montmo

Jan 15, 2010

Schari: We sort of high jacked the original topic so I thought I would start a new thread.

My hours are Monday through Friday and the full day class is 9AM to 3PM. There is also the option of half day of three hours either AM or PM.I no longer offer before/after care.

I follow the schedule of our local elementary for holidays and...See MoreSchari: We sort of high jacked the original topic so I thought I would start a new thread.

My hours are Monday through Friday and the full day class is 9AM to 3PM. There is also the option of half day of three hours either AM or PM.I no longer offer before/after care.

I follow the schedule of our local elementary for holidays and vacation dates. I am going to try something different this year and run my main school term starting the day after Labor Day and have the tuition over a nine month schedule rather then 10 months. However, instead of having summer camp in just June and July, I am having three weeks in each of those two months and do all four weeks in August. I only offer full day for the summer program. I do that because we do a lot of "out in the town" trips via public transportation and it allows us to be relaxed in doing that. Otherwise we have to cut short our trips to get back in the middle of the day. It worked well last summer for us.

I NEVER had any interest in being a teacher. Didn't enjoy school except for recess and seeing my friends. I actually was in another totally different field until I became a full time mother. My first daughter went to a Montessori school and that is how I became familiar with Montessori. (very typical of many Montessori teachers - got interested through their children who attended Montessori) The philosophy fit perfectly with how I was raising my own children and it all made such sense on how it worked. I got my Montessori training at an area university as part of a Master's Degree. I have been teaching ever since. I am expecting to continue until I retire which I am assuming is for a long time. People often ask me why I have never been "burned out" and I think that is easy. If one feels passionate about one's work, there is an inner motivation to keeps one going with joy. I am from a very large family and I vowed that I would never raise my own children the same way I was raised. Hence Montessori came at the right time for me and I took to it so easily.

I know what you mean about many teachers not appreciating the beauty of Montessori. My personal philosophy for that is that traditional schools attract personalities who like control. That is why teachers on the other boards are so frustrated by the overall behavior of their classrooms. The children today are not responding well to that control their teachers want to have. The emphasis on behavior management is way too much in classrooms. I don't like to control people. However, I love being able to control the environment to assist the children in developing intrinsic motivation. It is so easy for me to do that I often wonder why teachers continue to spin their wheels on trying to maintain a quiet and orderly classroom, when it is the children who need to be doing that on their own not because an adult tells them to. It takes an ability to know how to be humble and not be the hub of the classroom. Training at our teacher's colleges do not do that. Most people have never seen an authentic Montessori classroom work and they balk at changing their very idea as to what education and teaching is to them. The preparation of the teacher is a critical component of being a successful Montessori teacher. One has to look within and overcome or at least work to overcome our personal shortcomings. My challenge was eliminating sarcasm which I was very accomplished at due to my upbringing.

So, that is my background in a nutshell. Are you in Illinois if I recall correctly? montmo

view previous comments

Schari On 1/16/10, montm wrote: > change in a major way with my eldest daughter because her first > school experience was in first grade after she left home and she > had a disaster of first grade experience. The teacher was not one > that we would like our children to have to put up with, let alone > as a first experience. There were sever...See More

Jan 19, 2010

montmo I'm thankful to say that I'm not aware of teachers that are cruel. > If my children had them, they never told me. > > Teaching is such a gift. And being a superior teacher that can > really teach to each individual child is a rare trait. My children > had a few of them during their school years. Just a few. I see > many good /adeq...See More

Jan 19, 2010

Toddler Schedule

by Anne

Jan 16, 2010

Wow, what great responses! I absolutely agree that free play is so important and agree with everything you all are saying. I am not a teacher yet, just observing right now. when I asked what a typical toddler schedule was I meant like what time do you have snack, am circle, project, music, lunch, nap, pm snack, pm circle, (free play all in between)...See More

view previous comments

Anne On 1/18/10, my thoughts wrote: > responses in-line..... > > On 1/16/10, Anne wrote: >> Wow, what great responses! I absolutely agree that free >> play is so important and agree with everything you all are >> saying. I am not a teacher yet, just observing right now. >> when I asked what a typical toddler schedule was...See MoreOn 1/18/10, my thoughts wrote: > responses in-line..... > > On 1/16/10, Anne wrote: >> Wow, what great responses! I absolutely agree that free >> play is so important and agree with everything you all are >> saying. I am not a teacher yet, just observing right now. >> when I asked what a typical toddler schedule was I meant >> like what time do you have snack, am circle, project, >> music, lunch, nap, pm snack, pm circle, (free play all in >> between)and when all that is done, there is 1 1/2 hours >> left before class is over - do you let them free play for >> that long or do you do something structured for some of >> that time like table top toys or a gross motor activity. > > Our schedule is as follows, with the caveat that the actual > times are determined by the children, their concentration, > their interest, etc. each day. Basically, the routine is the > same each day, but the actual times may be lengthened or > shortened as needed.... > > 8:30 to 9:30 - Outdoor play > 9:30 to 10:00 - circle and snacks > ***Circle time is singing, dancing, introduction of something > new, etc. > 10:00 to 11:30 - Worktime...(what you refer to as free play). > Teachers overview classroom, help children, monitor the art > activities and assist, etc. Spontaneous story times, group > singing, etc. may happen during this time, as well. > 11:30 to 12:00 - Outdoor play > 12:00 to 12:45 - Lunch > 12:45 to 2:45 - nap / rest time > 2:45 to 3:30 - Outdoor play / worktime...depends on what > children are interested in. > >> Where I am at, they do not like to see the >> children "getting out of control" with free play because >> the parents come in and see this and have gotten mad >> because they don't feel that their child is learning >> anything. (stupid huh?) But having said that, the center >> wants free play, but they also want structure. > > I think this is an area where education and information is > needed....for the parents, and for the admin. maybe as well! > Unless the classroom is truly chaotic and out of control, what > are the parents seeing? Are they seeing puzzles being used, > blocks and manipulatives, small motor activities, art? I teach > toddlers within the Montessori philosophy, and I know many > things we do are different, but I would look at the program and > activity from the perspective of the parents when they > arrive....what are they truly seeing and are the children > really getting 'out of control' at that time of the day. It > could be that this time of the day is when the activity and > energy level is quite high. > >>They want to see more group activities. Thank you for all > your responses, I am searching for the right teaching >> environment for myself for when I get my degree (soon) and >> look for a permament job. Your input is so helpful! > > This is also where some more education for the adults may be > needed. Toddlers rarely move about or function in "group" > activities. I've heard other teachers describe enforcing > group activities with toddlers to be "similar to the idea of > herding cats". It isn't going to happen naturally! Yes, you > may get lucky a time or two, but for the most part, toddlers do > not move about in groups! They tend more towards wandering in > and out of activities...especially the really young ones. > > > >

Jan 23, 2010

Anne On 1/23/10, Anne wrote: > On 1/18/10, my thoughts wrote: >> responses in-line..... >> >> On 1/16/10, Anne wrote: >>> Wow, what great responses! I absolutely agree that free >>> play is so important and agree with everything you all are >>> saying. I am not a teacher yet, just observing right now. >...See MoreOn 1/23/10, Anne wrote: > On 1/18/10, my thoughts wrote: >> responses in-line..... >> >> On 1/16/10, Anne wrote: >>> Wow, what great responses! I absolutely agree that free >>> play is so important and agree with everything you all are >>> saying. I am not a teacher yet, just observing right now. >>> when I asked what a typical toddler schedule was I meant >>> like what time do you have snack, am circle, project, >>> music, lunch, nap, pm snack, pm circle, (free play all in >>> between)and when all that is done, there is 1 1/2 hours >>> left before class is over - do you let them free play for >>> that long or do you do something structured for some of >>> that time like table top toys or a gross motor activity. >> >> Our schedule is as follows, with the caveat that the actual >> times are determined by the children, their concentration, >> their interest, etc. each day. Basically, the routine is the >> same each day, but the actual times may be lengthened or >> shortened as needed.... >> >> 8:30 to 9:30 - Outdoor play >> 9:30 to 10:00 - circle and snacks >> ***Circle time is singing, dancing, introduction of something >> new, etc. >> 10:00 to 11:30 - Worktime...(what you refer to as free play). >> Teachers overview classroom, help children, monitor the art >> activities and assist, etc. Spontaneous story times, group >> singing, etc. may happen during this time, as well. >> 11:30 to 12:00 - Outdoor play >> 12:00 to 12:45 - Lunch >> 12:45 to 2:45 - nap / rest time >> 2:45 to 3:30 - Outdoor play / worktime...depends on what >> children are interested in. >> >>> Where I am at, they do not like to see the >>> children "getting out of control" with free play because >>> the parents come in and see this and have gotten mad >>> because they don't feel that their child is learning >>> anything. (stupid huh?) But having said that, the center >>> wants free play, but they also want structure. >> >> I think this is an area where education and information is >> needed....for the parents, and for the admin. maybe as well! >> Unless the classroom is truly chaotic and out of control, what >> are the parents seeing? Are they seeing puzzles being used, >> blocks and manipulatives, small motor activities, art? I teach >> toddlers within the Montessori philosophy, and I know many >> things we do are different, but I would look at the program and >> activity from the perspective of the parents when they >> arrive....what are they truly seeing and are the children >> really getting 'out of control' at that time of the day. It >> could be that this time of the day is when the activity and >> energy level is quite high. >> >>>They want to see more group activities. Thank you for all >> your responses, I am searching for the right teaching >>> environment for myself for when I get my degree (soon) and >>> look for a permament job. Your input is so helpful! >> >> This is also where some more education for the adults may be >> needed. Toddlers rarely move about or function in "group" >> activities. I've heard other teachers describe enforcing >> group activities with toddlers to be "similar to the idea of >> herding cats". It isn't going to happen naturally! Yes, you >> may get lucky a time or two, but for the most part, toddlers do >> not move about in groups! They tend more towards wandering in >> and out of activities...especially the really young ones. >> >> >> >> Thank you very much. I started my training so I have been given some responsibility other than observing (which I still have to do). The teacher leaves at 3:30 and I have been doing table top activities with the children for the last hour. We've done puzzles, playdoh, peg boards and coloring so far. It is a much calmer environment for the parents to come into when picking up their kids. Prior to this the kids would just would "free play" and it was crazy (and messy). I still don't like the fact that the kids don't get a morning snack (I'm working on that).

Jan 23, 2010

Graduate School

by CW

Jan 27, 2010

Is there any legal responsibility by a day care to let you out early for graduate courses? I work at a daycare and although a bachelors degree in Education is required I am not allowed to leave work to go to my grad classes at 4:30. Any suggestions or proof saying they must let me out?

view previous comments

goodness gracious On 1/27/10, CW wrote: > Is there any legal responsibility by a day care to let you > out early for graduate courses? I work at a daycare and > although a bachelors degree in Education is required I am > not allowed to leave work to go to my grad classes at 4:30. > Any suggestions or proof saying they must let me out?

What da...See More

Feb 16, 2010

kp On 1/27/10, CW wrote: > Is there any legal responsibility by a day care to let you > out early for graduate courses? I work at a daycare and > although a bachelors degree in Education is required I am > not allowed to leave work to go to my grad classes at 4:30. > Any suggestions or proof saying they must let me out?

In our ...See More

Apr 7, 2010

GIVE ME TWENTY READING CHALLENGE MARCH 1-APRIL 25, 2010

by msmichelle

Feb 9, 2010

GIVE ME TWENTY READING CHALLENGE (through Book It program)

MARCH 1-APRIL 25, 2010

Read More.......

Anecdotal Notes Form

by Up for Review

Feb 9, 2010

We are an early childhood program in need of a form to record our daily anecdotal notes on. Does anyone know where I can download one from?

Laminate or Hardwood Flooring?

by montmo

Feb 19, 2010

Hi. we will be replacing our flooring in the future and we had not bought our house with the intention of opening a home care program. We were in the process of remodelling when we opened the pre school and just left the flooring there which is a combination of cheap carpeting and old fashioned laminate flooring. The house was built in the 70's so ...See More

Schari I have hardwood in my kitchen area and it takes a beating with child care. I've had to refinish it several times. That is the area that I have water play, sand play, painting, not to mention the foot traffic from children and families. I put a "gym finish" on it this last time and hope that will last more than 3 yrs.

Tile would be a good c...See More

Feb 22, 2010

by LEB

Feb 20, 2010

I have a biter in my class and need suggestions. This child has bitten another child twice but the child mainly goes after me or my para. It is usually during transition times and when we try to move him (take his hand, etc.) he goes to bite our hands or arms. He has bitten me once and my para once. He will also throw himself, bang his head into us...See More

view previous comments

aspiring teacher On 3/07/10, msmichelle wrote: > On 2/20/10, LEB wrote: >> I have a biter in my class and need suggestions. This child >> has bitten another child twice but the child mainly goes >> after me or my para. It is usually during transition times >> and when we try to move him (take his hand, etc.) he goes to >> bite our ...See More

Mar 31, 2010

Sharon Scallion On 3/31/10, aspiring teacher wrote: > On 3/07/10, msmichelle wrote: >> On 2/20/10, LEB wrote: >>> I have a biter in my class and need suggestions. This child >>> has bitten another child twice but the child mainly goes >>> after me or my para. It is usually during transition times >>> and when we try to...See MoreOn 3/31/10, aspiring teacher wrote: > On 3/07/10, msmichelle wrote: >> On 2/20/10, LEB wrote: >>> I have a biter in my class and need suggestions. This child >>> has bitten another child twice but the child mainly goes >>> after me or my para. It is usually during transition times >>> and when we try to move him (take his hand, etc.) he goes to >>> bite our hands or arms. He has bitten me once and my para >>> once. He will also throw himself, bang his head into us or >>> try to, kick, hit and scratch. My hands look like I have >>> been attacked by a kitten from the scratch marks. HELP! I >>> am needing suggestions on what to do with this child. Any >>> child books, tips, etc. >>> >>> Thanks! >> > > Depending on the age of the child i would suggest > getting down on the childs level and explaining to him that if > he does not stop biting that he is going to have to sit on time > out. You also need to tell him that it is owies! If the child > gets frustrated with the new enviorment or the transition times > explain to him what is going to happen. if you have the same > schedule everyday i would suggest making a velcro story board so > he can take move his picture to the next activity picture on the > board. > Apsiring teacher

I see that you have written down some assessments you have observed for your biter that is great. I would suggestion that you sing a transition whenever you are ready to move from point A- B. This of coarse must be explained to the class on a daily basis and throughout the day until the children understand the new rule. this will not only set the pace of structure, it will also give that children a heads up that you are getting ready change the direction of their play. Furthermore, using a Count down method from 5 minutes, 4, 3, 2, and 1) will give that child time to wind down from his/her play. This can also be done by use of transition cards ( worn around your neck). I would also suggest that before you reach toward the child to take him by the hand,ask if it is okay that you hold his hand. No child likes to be handled abruptly. This will allow you to shadow the child and watch his behavior so he does not bit someone else. This will also give you the opportunity to model the proper behavior you would like to see. My third and last suggestion would be to continue to track the child's behavior break it up in 4 categoris- Concerns, Strengths, What has worked, What has not worked. After you have tracked all of your data under the necessary columns start brain storming on ideas to tackel the behavior. Example as follows: Concern: He has difficulties with transitioning- He Bites when we are trying to move him, etc.

Strengths: He works well independently

What has worked: Shawdowing him

What has not worked: Time out Removing the toys from his grip, etc.

This will allow you to pull the problem away from the child so you wont hold any anomosity toward him, and it will also give you a better plan of action to put into place. Good Luck! Your Well rounded Trainer

Mar 31, 2010

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