My Improved Family child care

My home has been opened up for family child care for the last 15 years. Much like Adriana's home I take time to talk with the parents daily at both parts of the day. I ask about their morning, what else they need for school or start the day and how was their evening. When parent pick up I talk about the things we did during the day and with my school age children I tell them if homework has been done. I also talk about any behavior issue we may be having or working on and let them know of the good things they did during the day. In the morning each child gives their parent a hug and says “I love you" to their parent, something I insist on long story to be told later.

I have posters that show different ethnic groups as well as some books but those I read out loud have more diversity. Although this collection of books and poster could and should be expanded to include more of a diverse population and extra copies for them to look at when they want to, I plan on expand time and money allow me.  I have a doll house that my children love to play with that has a family that could be configured how a child wants from two mommies to grandma heading the house to mixed racial coupling and different types of siblings as well.

I could include more pictures of my students on the walls as well as what their families look like and their favorite things to do. Through looking for pictures for the power point presentation I found wonderful picture, books, puzzles and adaptive equipment to add to my curriculum.  These will show feelings, families and children with disabilities that many of my children will not experience in everyday life.

I have an array of art supplies that that reflect not only the diversity of cultures but let each child create what they want.

I do allow respectful sharing of feelings but unlike Adriana I do not allow a child to carry on about crying.  Yes they can cry but there is a limit what many of my other students and I can take.  I teach them to slow down, calm down and breathe. By doing this I can help give them the words or they can tell me what is wrong. 

I have started to change the way I do my planning and implementing what I do in my home, much of it is to reflect what I have learned here as well as in my BA program.  Although I know when I make the move to a school building I will lose some piece of what I love about my work I will also gain because I will be able to share easier with other teachers.