Day Care
- Sepetember ECE Conferences
- Kindergarten Readiness
- Christian Preschool Activities
- Free Childcare for Foster Children
- Preschool Behavioral Issues
- Ice Cream Activities for Daycare
- Vacation Daycare
- Green Daycare
- Cooking With Preschoolers
- Daycare Health Articles
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
CAEYC's Early Childhood Education Trainer Conference, CWLA's Western Region Training Conference, and VAFCA's 17th Annual Training Conference
September holds some very exciting and informative conferences and continuing education opportunities.
If you are in the Los Angeles area, look forward to California Association for the Education of Young Children's Training the Early Childhood Education Trainer Conference. If you train staff, parents, and teachers, this is the conference for you. This conference will be held September 12-13, 2008 in Anaheim. Enjoy keynote speakers Dr. Debra Sullivan, Luis Hernandez, and Stacie Goffin.
If you're in the Portland, Oregon area, you may want to attend the Child Welfare League of America's Western Region Training Conference. The theme is "It Takes Courage and Compassion to Serve Children and Families," which promises to provide you with "a greater understanding of how to be a more effective caregiver, direct-service worker, advocate, or administrator serving America's at-risk children and families". It will be held at the Portland Hilton on September 15-17, 2008.
If you're near Virginia, The Virginia Alliance of Family Childcare Association's 17th Annual Training Conference. It will be held in Fredericksburg, Virginia on September 19-21, 2008. This is a three day conference with workshops, keynote speakers, and a variety of vendors.
There should still be time to register and/or arrange for hotel accommodations.
Happy Conferencing!
If you are in the Los Angeles area, look forward to California Association for the Education of Young Children's Training the Early Childhood Education Trainer Conference. If you train staff, parents, and teachers, this is the conference for you. This conference will be held September 12-13, 2008 in Anaheim. Enjoy keynote speakers Dr. Debra Sullivan, Luis Hernandez, and Stacie Goffin.
If you're in the Portland, Oregon area, you may want to attend the Child Welfare League of America's Western Region Training Conference. The theme is "It Takes Courage and Compassion to Serve Children and Families," which promises to provide you with "a greater understanding of how to be a more effective caregiver, direct-service worker, advocate, or administrator serving America's at-risk children and families". It will be held at the Portland Hilton on September 15-17, 2008.
If you're near Virginia, The Virginia Alliance of Family Childcare Association's 17th Annual Training Conference. It will be held in Fredericksburg, Virginia on September 19-21, 2008. This is a three day conference with workshops, keynote speakers, and a variety of vendors.
There should still be time to register and/or arrange for hotel accommodations.
Happy Conferencing!
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Parents should choose a preschool which focuses on collaboration, communication, content, creative innovation, and confidence
Skimming the news today, I came across an article about a unique approach to kindergarten readiness and choosing a preschool that ties in with my series of articles about learning through play.
Hirsh-Pasek, co-author of A Mandate for Playful Learning: Presenting the Evidence, says that parents should select a preschool with a kid-friendly environment and the five “Cs”.
Those five C’s are: collaboration, communication, content, creative innovation, and confidence.
When selecting a quality preschool, look for one that fosters a strong social environment. Consistent with my articles on learning through play and verbal cues, there should be a balance of guided and unguided play (creative innovation). Also be sure to look for a healthy amount of dialogue and communication in the classroom.Your use of verbal cues is an important component of creative innovation and communication.
There should also be a balance of objective (content) focused learning and social and creative learning. The school should also foster a sense of confidence by allowing opportunities for students to try new things and take harmless risks.
When you think along these lines you may increase your chances of choosing a preschool that will best prepare your child for kindergarten.
Hirsh-Pasek, co-author of A Mandate for Playful Learning: Presenting the Evidence, says that parents should select a preschool with a kid-friendly environment and the five “Cs”.
Those five C’s are: collaboration, communication, content, creative innovation, and confidence.
When selecting a quality preschool, look for one that fosters a strong social environment. Consistent with my articles on learning through play and verbal cues, there should be a balance of guided and unguided play (creative innovation). Also be sure to look for a healthy amount of dialogue and communication in the classroom.Your use of verbal cues is an important component of creative innovation and communication.
There should also be a balance of objective (content) focused learning and social and creative learning. The school should also foster a sense of confidence by allowing opportunities for students to try new things and take harmless risks.
When you think along these lines you may increase your chances of choosing a preschool that will best prepare your child for kindergarten.
Christian Preschool Activities
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Review of The Humongous Book of Preschool Ideas by Joani Schultz, Patty Anderson, and Christine Yount Jones.
I just discovered the cutest book: The Humongous Book of Preschool Ideas by Joani Schultz, Patty Anderson, and Christine Yount Jones. It’s an excellent resource for Christian preschool teachers and daycare providers. It’s filled with Bible stories, crafts, games, finger plays, prayers, and even snacks!
What I love about this book is that it’s well organized and comprehensive, making it easy for preschool teachers and child care providers to create a complete lesson play relatively effortlessly. First you pick a Bible story from either the Old or New Testament. Then, based on the Bible Story, the authors provide you with activities in various categories along with the supply lists and the verbal cues necessary to enhance learning.
My favorite snack activity is the Jericho’s Walls where kids can build the Walls of Jericho on a paper plate out of graham crackers and cream cheese.
I also like the “edible ark”. Using pretzels and animal crackers, children are encouraged to outline an arc on paper plates, then to identify and match animal pairs. As they snack children can discuss each animal and how each animal is special.
The lesson plans are fun, easy to implement and creative. I would definitely consider adding this to your preschool resource library.
What I love about this book is that it’s well organized and comprehensive, making it easy for preschool teachers and child care providers to create a complete lesson play relatively effortlessly. First you pick a Bible story from either the Old or New Testament. Then, based on the Bible Story, the authors provide you with activities in various categories along with the supply lists and the verbal cues necessary to enhance learning.
My favorite snack activity is the Jericho’s Walls where kids can build the Walls of Jericho on a paper plate out of graham crackers and cream cheese.
I also like the “edible ark”. Using pretzels and animal crackers, children are encouraged to outline an arc on paper plates, then to identify and match animal pairs. As they snack children can discuss each animal and how each animal is special.
The lesson plans are fun, easy to implement and creative. I would definitely consider adding this to your preschool resource library.
Free Childcare for Foster Children
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Benefit program helps prepare foster kids for kindergarten and helps them lead healthier, more successful lives
The news can be filled with disturbing stories about situations that happen in preschools and daycares all over the world. So when I read about positive things that preschools are doing, I’m stoked and can't wait to share them with you.
Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) has launched an awesome and inspiring community-benefit program which will enroll children in foster care (or relative care) into high-quality preschools at no cost! The purpose of this program is to help properly prepare this population for kindergarten and beyond.
According to a Business Wire article [June 2008], studies show that only 18 percent of eligible foster children in Los Angeles County currently attend preschool. I was also shocked to find out that 73 percent of publicly preschools in Los Angeles County have waiting lists!
The article explains that 25 percent of foster care children are placed in special education, and in the state of California almost 75 percent of foster children function below grade level.
In many of my articles, I discuss the importance of quality daycare and kindergarten readiness. When a child receives quality childcare, they are more likely to do well later in life. They are more likely to lead healthier lives, more likely to earn a higher income, and are less likely to be involved in crime.
If you are a foster parent or you are caring for a relative’s child, you can enroll him or her by visiting Los Angeles Universal Preschool or call (866) 581-5287.
Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) has launched an awesome and inspiring community-benefit program which will enroll children in foster care (or relative care) into high-quality preschools at no cost! The purpose of this program is to help properly prepare this population for kindergarten and beyond.
According to a Business Wire article [June 2008], studies show that only 18 percent of eligible foster children in Los Angeles County currently attend preschool. I was also shocked to find out that 73 percent of publicly preschools in Los Angeles County have waiting lists!
The article explains that 25 percent of foster care children are placed in special education, and in the state of California almost 75 percent of foster children function below grade level.
In many of my articles, I discuss the importance of quality daycare and kindergarten readiness. When a child receives quality childcare, they are more likely to do well later in life. They are more likely to lead healthier lives, more likely to earn a higher income, and are less likely to be involved in crime.
If you are a foster parent or you are caring for a relative’s child, you can enroll him or her by visiting Los Angeles Universal Preschool or call (866) 581-5287.
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Top articles about daycare and preschool behavioral issues
Behavioral issues and how to effectively manage them is usually a topic of concern for preschool teachers, daycare providers, and parents. I've rounded up my top articles that address behavioral issues that are most common with the preschool set:
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
Many preschool teachers wonder if their students have ADHD and how to manage ADHD behaviors in the classroom. These articles answer a lot of questions:
ADHD in Preschool
Diagnosing ADHD in Preschool
Managing ADHD in Preschool
ADHD in Daycare
Preschool Biting
The majority of questions come from parents and center on issues with biting. I always tell my readers that child safety comes first. If your child is being traumatized by a biter, remove the child until the situation can be resolved.
Controlling Biting in Daycare
Daycare Biting Policies
Preschool Temper Tantrums
In the three and two year olds, temper tantrums are common. Don’t despair! There are easy tips in the following articles for dealing with temper tantrums in the preschool classroom:
Daycare Temper Tantrums
Managing Daycare Temper Tantrums
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
Many preschool teachers wonder if their students have ADHD and how to manage ADHD behaviors in the classroom. These articles answer a lot of questions:
ADHD in Preschool
Diagnosing ADHD in Preschool
Managing ADHD in Preschool
ADHD in Daycare
Preschool Biting
The majority of questions come from parents and center on issues with biting. I always tell my readers that child safety comes first. If your child is being traumatized by a biter, remove the child until the situation can be resolved.
Controlling Biting in Daycare
Daycare Biting Policies
Preschool Temper Tantrums
In the three and two year olds, temper tantrums are common. Don’t despair! There are easy tips in the following articles for dealing with temper tantrums in the preschool classroom:
Daycare Temper Tantrums
Managing Daycare Temper Tantrums
Ice Cream Activities for Daycare
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Preschool activities in honor of National Ice Cream Month
Just in case you didn’t know, July is National Ice Cream Month! Apparently in 1984, Ronald Regan declared July National Ice Cream Month and, additionally, the third Sunday of the month National Ice Cream Day. I couldn’t resist doing a short blog on a few ice cream themed daycare or preschool activities.
In honor of National Ice Cream month, I suggest the following activities:
Happy Ice Cream Month!
In honor of National Ice Cream month, I suggest the following activities:
- “I is for Ice Cream” letter activity. First School has convenient ice cream activities and worksheets
- Ice cream nutrition activities which focus on the importance of dairy and calcium. You can make ice cream in the classroom, letting children take turns adding fresh ingredients to the ice cream maker.
- Physical activity using Play and Freeze Ice Cream Balls. I recently came across this item which is loads of fun for children. Basically it’s a specialized ball that you add ice and rock salt in one end and ice cream mix in the other. Next, let the kids pass, toss and shake the ball around, and in no time you have homemade ice cream.
Happy Ice Cream Month!
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Vacation childcare service is an emerging trend
As I was preparing for my trip to Cabo San Lucas and going over some of the particulars, a smile came across my face as I realized my resort is “adults only”. Hoorah!
Then, as my slight attention deficit disorder began to kick in, I thought about parents who need vacation daycare and what their options for childcare might be since I’m always interested in new and emerging childcare trends.
In my research I came across a handful of vacation childcare sites. One such site is Babysitters Los Cabos. If you are vacationing in Los Cabos, Mexico you can make a reservation with this company which claims to provide high-level child-care services, on a 24-hour basis. The sitters are supposedly trained in CPR, childcare, and first aid.
So, say you have a day of parasailing ahead or a romantic evening planned and you need childcare. You can arrange to have your child(ren) taken care of by their babysitting services for a particular window of time, anytime of the day.
I am by no means endorsing or condemning this service. I’m just letting my readers know what’s out there.
I would suggest exercising caution, as with any childcare service, and I would advise you to do your research and evaluate your options carefully. I’m not sure how I would feel about leaving my kids with an unknown babysitter in another country, but it is a convenient option for some parents. Apparently, this is now a trend toward vacation childcare that may warrant some consideration and/or investigation.
Hope you’re having a great summer so far
Then, as my slight attention deficit disorder began to kick in, I thought about parents who need vacation daycare and what their options for childcare might be since I’m always interested in new and emerging childcare trends.
In my research I came across a handful of vacation childcare sites. One such site is Babysitters Los Cabos. If you are vacationing in Los Cabos, Mexico you can make a reservation with this company which claims to provide high-level child-care services, on a 24-hour basis. The sitters are supposedly trained in CPR, childcare, and first aid.
So, say you have a day of parasailing ahead or a romantic evening planned and you need childcare. You can arrange to have your child(ren) taken care of by their babysitting services for a particular window of time, anytime of the day.
I am by no means endorsing or condemning this service. I’m just letting my readers know what’s out there.
I would suggest exercising caution, as with any childcare service, and I would advise you to do your research and evaluate your options carefully. I’m not sure how I would feel about leaving my kids with an unknown babysitter in another country, but it is a convenient option for some parents. Apparently, this is now a trend toward vacation childcare that may warrant some consideration and/or investigation.
Hope you’re having a great summer so far
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Simple ways to teach environmental responsibility in the daycare and preschool setting
As I was working on a recycling preschool lesson plan for preschool aged kids, it got me thinking about some environmentally friendly things that preschool teachers and daycare providers can incorporate into their programs, curriculum, activities or atmosphere. I've been reading about organic preschools, such as Le Petit Paradise in Manhattan, and I'm blown away by how people, businesses, and young children are taking the intiative to care for our earth.
Right now the trendy thing to do is to “go green”, but it’s much more than a trend in my eyes. Learning about and getting in the habit of considering the environment and its precious resources is a lifestyle worth examining and something that children should participate in early on.
Some simple things early childhood educators can do in their classrooms with kids:
Right now the trendy thing to do is to “go green”, but it’s much more than a trend in my eyes. Learning about and getting in the habit of considering the environment and its precious resources is a lifestyle worth examining and something that children should participate in early on.
Some simple things early childhood educators can do in their classrooms with kids:
- Grow an organic garden and/or trees
- Teach the children about recycling and practice it in the classroom everyday
- Serve items with organically grown ingredients for lunch and snack
- Use recycled materials for crafts
- Use nontoxic cleaning products and recycled paper products like toilet paper and paper towels
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
Hot-weather cooking activities and age-appropriate tasks for children ages 2-3
Cooking with kids age 2-3 can be tricky because their gross and fine motor skills are still developing. I know that when I work with kids these age, I’m most concerned with safety issues and the amount of cleanup the activity will entail.
When you’re cooking with kids this age, they usually can help with the following tasks:
When you’re cooking with kids this age, they usually can help with the following tasks:
- Stirring and mixing
- Mashing (think bananas)
- Pouring from a large measuring cup into a bowl
- Patting or packing ingredients in a measuring cup like brown sugar.
- Using a plastic butter knife to spread soft foods like butter or jelly
- Shaking ingredients in a plastic container with a lid
- Using a cookie cutter on soft cookie dough
- Ice cream sandwiches (using graham crackers and ice cream)
- Homemade ice cream (let the children pour ingredients into the ice cream maker)
- Fruit and yogurt parfait using whipped topping, pudding, and raisins and nuts for garnish
- Fruit smoothies (let kids select fruit and pour ingredients into the blender)
Posted by
Carla Snuggs
Carla Snuggs
A listing of key articles and blogs about nutrition and health in the daycare and preschool setting
As I was reading through my daily newsfeeds, I was moved by the number of articles about childhood obesity as well as those concerning food contamination issues.
It got me thinking about the many health and nutrition related questions to which many parents and child care providers need answers and practical solutions.
Are hand sanitizers safe? What kind of shots does your child need for preschool? How can you minimize the spread of illness in your classroom? How can we keep food safe in the classroom? How can I enhance my nutrition curriculum?
I’ve rounded up my top articles on health and nutrition in the daycare and preschool setting which my answer many of these questions.
Nutrition Articles and Blogs
Daycare Nutrition
Daycare Nutrition Programs
Nutrition Activities for Daycare
Daycare Food Safety
Daycare Illness Policies
Health Articles and Blogs
Controlling Illness in Daycare
Preschool Immunizations
Daycare and Preschool Handwashing
Yoga for Preschoolers
Reducing SIDS in Daycare
Daycare May Reduce Leukemia Risk
Are Hand Sanitizers Safe?
It got me thinking about the many health and nutrition related questions to which many parents and child care providers need answers and practical solutions.
Are hand sanitizers safe? What kind of shots does your child need for preschool? How can you minimize the spread of illness in your classroom? How can we keep food safe in the classroom? How can I enhance my nutrition curriculum?
I’ve rounded up my top articles on health and nutrition in the daycare and preschool setting which my answer many of these questions.
Nutrition Articles and Blogs
Daycare Nutrition
Daycare Nutrition Programs
Nutrition Activities for Daycare
Daycare Food Safety
Daycare Illness Policies
Health Articles and Blogs
Controlling Illness in Daycare
Preschool Immunizations
Daycare and Preschool Handwashing
Yoga for Preschoolers
Reducing SIDS in Daycare
Daycare May Reduce Leukemia Risk
Are Hand Sanitizers Safe?
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