Day Care
- Teaching Art to Young Children
- Daycare May Reduce Leukemia Risk
- Evaluating Daycare
- Publicizing Your Family Daycare
- Preschool Gardening Activities
- Daycare Conference
- 24 Hour Daycare
- St. Patrick's Day Crafts
- Holistic Approach to Daycare Diets
- National Nutrition Month
Teaching Art to Young Children
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Book review of Growing Artists: Teaching Art to Young Children by Joan Bouza Koster
Preschool teachers and daycare providers are responsible for providing the tools to help children learn and grow through artistic expression. If you're like me and could use a little help in planning and teaching art activities, I whole-heartedly suggest Growing Artists: Teaching Art to Young Children by Joan Bouza Koster.
This book isn't just a project book. It combines theory and curriculum, so that early childhood providers can get a firm grasp on the importance of art education and the correct way to foster an artistic, creative environment.
Why I appreciate this resource:
This book isn't just a project book. It combines theory and curriculum, so that early childhood providers can get a firm grasp on the importance of art education and the correct way to foster an artistic, creative environment.
Why I appreciate this resource:
- I like that the author doesn't just tell you WHAT to do but WHY you should be doing it. This should never be taken for granted.
- Koster truly keeps costs in mind and offers budget friendly ways to accomplish activities. For example, in some of her supply list for art projects, she will explain what items are necessities and what you items you can add if you have additional funds.
- Koster truly takes the time to walk the reader through the setup of each activity and explains the most appropriate group composition.
- The activities include modifications for special needs.
- Art activities include verbal cues which are so important in implementing activities that support curriculum objectives.
Daycare May Reduce Leukemia Risk
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
A study says that early social contact may provide a degree of protection against childhood leukemia
It is common for parents to be concerned with the infections and illnesses that their child may pick up at daycare or preschool playing amongst other children. However, I recently read an article which asserts that daycare may reduce leukemia risk. To be more specific, the researchers at University of California, Berkeley contend that children who attend daycare or play groups are about 30 percent less likely to develop leukemia.
While this sounds suspicious, the basis for theses studies comes from something called the "hygiene hypothesis”. Supposedly, when children are exposed to certain infections early on it helps them develop stronger immune systems. Those that have pets and older siblings also tend to develop stronger immune systems. I’ve read about this hypothesis applied to everything from asthma to atopic dermatitis to the flu.
I contracted chicken pox and mumps as an infant because of early social contact, and I’m glad I wasn’t old enough to remember any of it. Had I been isolated or not had older siblings, its possible I would have gotten those illnesses at a much later age. I wasn’t sick very often as a child and I’m not very often ill as an adult, and it may be that early social contact was a factor.
I think what we can take away from this study is that it is definitely beneficial for young children to have early social contact in groups. It not only benefits their health as well as all other areas of development. In contrast, isolation is definitely counterproductive to any child’s development.
While this sounds suspicious, the basis for theses studies comes from something called the "hygiene hypothesis”. Supposedly, when children are exposed to certain infections early on it helps them develop stronger immune systems. Those that have pets and older siblings also tend to develop stronger immune systems. I’ve read about this hypothesis applied to everything from asthma to atopic dermatitis to the flu.
I contracted chicken pox and mumps as an infant because of early social contact, and I’m glad I wasn’t old enough to remember any of it. Had I been isolated or not had older siblings, its possible I would have gotten those illnesses at a much later age. I wasn’t sick very often as a child and I’m not very often ill as an adult, and it may be that early social contact was a factor.
I think what we can take away from this study is that it is definitely beneficial for young children to have early social contact in groups. It not only benefits their health as well as all other areas of development. In contrast, isolation is definitely counterproductive to any child’s development.
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Top articles about evaluating and selecting family daycare, nannies, preschool, and infant care
Evaluating and selecting daycare is an important and sometimes daunting task for parents. I frequently get asked questions about what to look for in choosing child care. I also get emailed many questions about policies and regulations. With that in mind, I thought it was time for a roundup of pertinent articles and list some quick but important tips with regard to selecting daycare.
- Trust your instincts. If your gut instinct causes you to doubt a childcare provider for any reason, don’t ignore it. Ask questions, investigate, and if you are not satisfied and confident with your choice, keep searching!
- Pop in unannounced. Many times parents schedule appointments because they don’t want to intrude. I say, don’t hesitate to show up announced so you can get a true feel for your child’s child care environment before and after they are enrolled.
- When interviewing daycare providers, always be prepared. Make a list of the important questions you need to ask about the facility, the staff, the childcare program, and center policies. Make your concerns known and leave no stone unturned.
Publicizing Your Family Daycare
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Daycare blogs create visibility for your business and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas
Not too long ago, I wrote an article about the many methods of marketing your family daycare. The internet is your friend when it comes to publicizing your family daycare or childcare center. One of the most effective means of doing so is through creating a weblog.
A weblog (usually called a blog) is an online journal or diary. Your blog can stand alone or can be a component of a website or webpage. My favorite blog site is Blogger. It’s a free website that allows you to publish your blog using simple yet professional templates. If you are ambitious and would like to create a blog from scratch, more power to you! There is a great tutorial from Howstuffworks.com on how to create a blog which is definitely worth checking out.
Create an informal, entertaining, and personal blog which talks about your current activities, lesson plans, and your day-to-day experiences. You can talk about things like your daily menus, your policies, behavioral strategies, and developmentally appropriate practices. Update it regularly and encourage others to post comments. Upload photos, make it personal, and get creative.
The blog benefits you in two ways: It creates visibility for your business and it also creates a platform for parents and childcare providers to also share their ideas and experiences, which can never be bad for improving your business. So get blogging!
A weblog (usually called a blog) is an online journal or diary. Your blog can stand alone or can be a component of a website or webpage. My favorite blog site is Blogger. It’s a free website that allows you to publish your blog using simple yet professional templates. If you are ambitious and would like to create a blog from scratch, more power to you! There is a great tutorial from Howstuffworks.com on how to create a blog which is definitely worth checking out.
Create an informal, entertaining, and personal blog which talks about your current activities, lesson plans, and your day-to-day experiences. You can talk about things like your daily menus, your policies, behavioral strategies, and developmentally appropriate practices. Update it regularly and encourage others to post comments. Upload photos, make it personal, and get creative.
The blog benefits you in two ways: It creates visibility for your business and it also creates a platform for parents and childcare providers to also share their ideas and experiences, which can never be bad for improving your business. So get blogging!
Preschool Gardening Activities
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Activities for daycare and preschoolers in observance of garden month
April is Garden Month according to the National Gardening Association. As we continue with spring themed activities and lesson plans, take the opportunity to celebrate garden month by adding fun garden themed activities and crafts to your daycare or preschool curriculum.
The most interactive way to observe garden month is by planting a small garden with children. The easiest plants for children to grow are sunflowers, lettuce, radishes, snow peas, cherry tomatoes, nasturiums, carrots, potatoes, bush beans, and pumpkins. These seeds are easy to grow and have a short growing season.
If you are not able to plant a garden, because of the weather or you don't have the space, try reading books about gardens, gardening or nature. I like The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds: A Book About How Living Things Grow by Joanna Cole [Scholastic, 1995] It's an exciting adventure and in the process children learn about the growth of living things. And there is always one of my favorite classics The Little Red Hen which is about planting and harvesting wheat.
For language and alphabet lessons you can create or print out gardening themed coloring sheets such as "G is for garden", "L is for Leaf or Lilly" and "D is for Daisy".
You can also spend time talking about farmers and their role as a community helper.
As always, have fun and be creative!
Happy Garden Month!
The most interactive way to observe garden month is by planting a small garden with children. The easiest plants for children to grow are sunflowers, lettuce, radishes, snow peas, cherry tomatoes, nasturiums, carrots, potatoes, bush beans, and pumpkins. These seeds are easy to grow and have a short growing season.
If you are not able to plant a garden, because of the weather or you don't have the space, try reading books about gardens, gardening or nature. I like The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds: A Book About How Living Things Grow by Joanna Cole [Scholastic, 1995] It's an exciting adventure and in the process children learn about the growth of living things. And there is always one of my favorite classics The Little Red Hen which is about planting and harvesting wheat.
For language and alphabet lessons you can create or print out gardening themed coloring sheets such as "G is for garden", "L is for Leaf or Lilly" and "D is for Daisy".
You can also spend time talking about farmers and their role as a community helper.
As always, have fun and be creative!
Happy Garden Month!
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
24th Annual NACCP National Conference sponsored by the National Association of Child Care Professionals
I just had to make mention of a great learning and networking opportunity.
If you're going to be in the New Orleans area try to get to the 24th Annual NACCP National Conference sponsored by the National Association of Child Care Professionals. With the theme "How Successful Directors Manage" it is the perfect conference for preschool and daycare owners as well as preschool directors and administrators. It is being held April 16-19 in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel.
Don't miss this chance to see keynote speaker Dr. Harvey Karp of Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block fame. I'm definitely a fan of Dr. Karp.
Some sessions of interest include "Taming Toddler Tantrums", "Ten Musts to Motivate and Energize Staff and Prevent Turnover", "Building Enrollment", and Influenza Prevention.
Along with over 30 sessions there are also exhibitors and cool entertainment opportunities like jazz and karaoke. The conference offers 20 hours of training in management and administration as well as CEU credits.
If you're going to be in the New Orleans area try to get to the 24th Annual NACCP National Conference sponsored by the National Association of Child Care Professionals. With the theme "How Successful Directors Manage" it is the perfect conference for preschool and daycare owners as well as preschool directors and administrators. It is being held April 16-19 in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel.
Don't miss this chance to see keynote speaker Dr. Harvey Karp of Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block fame. I'm definitely a fan of Dr. Karp.
Some sessions of interest include "Taming Toddler Tantrums", "Ten Musts to Motivate and Energize Staff and Prevent Turnover", "Building Enrollment", and Influenza Prevention.
Along with over 30 sessions there are also exhibitors and cool entertainment opportunities like jazz and karaoke. The conference offers 20 hours of training in management and administration as well as CEU credits.
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
24 hour and emergency daycare facilities: Yea or Nay?
Today as I was sifting through the news, I came upon a news story about a 24-hour daycare facility that was approved by the Mississippi State Board of Health. Heaven Sent, a daycare center in Scott County, will now be able to offer around the clock daycare for newborn babies and children through the age of 5. This daycare facility offers changing areas, a shower, and a bathtub. In addition, children sleep on mattresses at night instead of mats or cots.
So I decided to do a little bit of research and found that 24 hour daycare facilities are not new. There are plenty of 24-hour daycare centers around the country, and I assume they must be pretty popular and convenient.
I applaud a daycare center that offers extended childcare hours in order to support those parents who work the late shift. I believe that there should be all sorts of affordable daycare options for parents who work regular 9 to 5 shifts, weekend, and nights, or for those who need emergency childcare. However, my second instinct is to think about those parents that will abuse this service. I imagine parents dropping their kids off and flying to Jamaica for a week, but that is the cynic in me. I figure there must be some regulations with regard to how long you can leave your child in the daycare center. I also feel that as a parent I would be concerned with various safety issues. At any rate, I am having a mixed reaction to what is, for me, a new discovery.
I have created a new discussion thread because I would love to get your opinions, comments, and experiences about 24 hour daycare service.
So I decided to do a little bit of research and found that 24 hour daycare facilities are not new. There are plenty of 24-hour daycare centers around the country, and I assume they must be pretty popular and convenient.
I applaud a daycare center that offers extended childcare hours in order to support those parents who work the late shift. I believe that there should be all sorts of affordable daycare options for parents who work regular 9 to 5 shifts, weekend, and nights, or for those who need emergency childcare. However, my second instinct is to think about those parents that will abuse this service. I imagine parents dropping their kids off and flying to Jamaica for a week, but that is the cynic in me. I figure there must be some regulations with regard to how long you can leave your child in the daycare center. I also feel that as a parent I would be concerned with various safety issues. At any rate, I am having a mixed reaction to what is, for me, a new discovery.
I have created a new discussion thread because I would love to get your opinions, comments, and experiences about 24 hour daycare service.
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Preschool Activities and Lessons for St. Patrick's Day and Irish-American History Month
March is Irish-American history Month.For preschool teachers and daycare providers, this provides a great opportunity to teach children about different countries and cultures. I would begin with a simple lesson that about Irish history. You can take out a map or a globe and show kids the location of Ireland for starters. Talk about what the Irish flag looks like, discussing the colors of the flag and what each color represents.
Next, I suggest you explore and explain the significance of the color green. Discuss that green tends to symbolize hope and nature. Have the children name some things that are green in nature.
In conjunction with Irish-American history Month, you can include a lesson about St Patrick’s Day. Talk about the significance of the 4 leaf clover and leprechauns, and of course include a small history lesson about St. Patrick. Introduce the children to the national emblem of Ireland: the shamrock. Make sure to use plenty of visual aids when introducing new concepts to children.
Keep it simple in terms of activities. Read simple picture books about Irish history, let the children decorate your bulletin board with personalized shamrocks, present an “L is for Leprechaun letter activity”, or make an Irish flag of construction paper. Crafts for St. Patrick’s Day [Millbrook Press, 2000] by Kathy Ross has tons of ideas for simple crafts for preschoolers perfect for celebrating Irish history.
Dont overwhelm them with too much information. Keep it easy and fun! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Next, I suggest you explore and explain the significance of the color green. Discuss that green tends to symbolize hope and nature. Have the children name some things that are green in nature.
In conjunction with Irish-American history Month, you can include a lesson about St Patrick’s Day. Talk about the significance of the 4 leaf clover and leprechauns, and of course include a small history lesson about St. Patrick. Introduce the children to the national emblem of Ireland: the shamrock. Make sure to use plenty of visual aids when introducing new concepts to children.
Keep it simple in terms of activities. Read simple picture books about Irish history, let the children decorate your bulletin board with personalized shamrocks, present an “L is for Leprechaun letter activity”, or make an Irish flag of construction paper. Crafts for St. Patrick’s Day [Millbrook Press, 2000] by Kathy Ross has tons of ideas for simple crafts for preschoolers perfect for celebrating Irish history.
Dont overwhelm them with too much information. Keep it easy and fun! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Holistic Approach to Daycare Diets
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Book review of Food and Health in Early Childhood: A Holistic Approach by Deborah Albon and Penny Mukherji
Today's rates of childhood obesity are alarming and frightening. I believe that early childhood educators are called to protect and educate children as well as support their emotional and social well-being. Nutrition education along with children seeing adults model proper health and nutrition behavior is essential.
With that said, in support of National Nutrition and Health Month, I have a fabulous book suggestion. I usually don't review books that are not yet released because readers will have to wait to purchase them, but I was so excited about this one that I couldn't wait.
The title that I suggest parents and educators get enthusiastic about is Food and Health in Early Childhood: A Holistic Approach [Sage Publications, 2008] by Deborah Albon and Penny Mukherji, a book and CD Rom combo with a release date of April 17, 2008. For educators, this is a must because it discusses healthy eating guidelines and policy development in early childhood education. I am impressed with the food related socio-cultural information and psychological tie-ins, as the authors discuss food, culture and identity as well as food and emotion. The text is supplemented with case studies, supporting activities, and vital links to website and related pertinent information. A must-read!
With that said, in support of National Nutrition and Health Month, I have a fabulous book suggestion. I usually don't review books that are not yet released because readers will have to wait to purchase them, but I was so excited about this one that I couldn't wait.
The title that I suggest parents and educators get enthusiastic about is Food and Health in Early Childhood: A Holistic Approach [Sage Publications, 2008] by Deborah Albon and Penny Mukherji, a book and CD Rom combo with a release date of April 17, 2008. For educators, this is a must because it discusses healthy eating guidelines and policy development in early childhood education. I am impressed with the food related socio-cultural information and psychological tie-ins, as the authors discuss food, culture and identity as well as food and emotion. The text is supplemented with case studies, supporting activities, and vital links to website and related pertinent information. A must-read!
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Preschool health and nutrition related activities and nutrition guidelines for children.
Parents: do you wonder if your kids are getting the proper nutrition at daycare or preschool? Daycare providers, are you aware of the new (2005) food pyramid guidelines for children?
With March being National Nutrition and Health Month, I am urging you to check out the MyPyramid.gov website, a site sponsored by The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Here you will find guidelines for kids (and adults) and a wealth of materials. There are games, tips for families, coloring pages, and worksheets. For teachers, there are also classroom materials.
There are a host of cool nutrition related preschool activities at one of my favorite resource sites First-Preschool. My suggestion is to engage the children in activities in which they prepare healthy foods using fresh fruits and vegetables, plant a garden, or learn about healthy bodies.
Now is also the perfect time to evaluate your daycare meal plans and mealtime environments to make sure there is balance, variety, and moderation.
With March being National Nutrition and Health Month, I am urging you to check out the MyPyramid.gov website, a site sponsored by The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Here you will find guidelines for kids (and adults) and a wealth of materials. There are games, tips for families, coloring pages, and worksheets. For teachers, there are also classroom materials.
There are a host of cool nutrition related preschool activities at one of my favorite resource sites First-Preschool. My suggestion is to engage the children in activities in which they prepare healthy foods using fresh fruits and vegetables, plant a garden, or learn about healthy bodies.
Now is also the perfect time to evaluate your daycare meal plans and mealtime environments to make sure there is balance, variety, and moderation.
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