Those Of You Who Do Curriculum..(Sorry Kinda Long..)

[Blackcat31]

I am wondering since we have had several threads and posts about teaching and doing curriculum. Of those providers who buy or plan a curriculum that you follow on pretty routine daily schedule, do you get paid more than the going rate for your area?

I ask because I have been in this business for some time now and every year I plan a curriculum, pay loads of money for it, spend an enormous amount of my time outside of my regular hours sorting, buying, planning and organizing my curriculum and I am seriously starting to rethink the entire point of doing all this. I advertise as a "pre-school" like others do thinking that parents are looking for all the 1,2,3's and ABC's classroom type learning and I really feel as though 99.9% of my current parents are really only looking for a loving, caring, safe environment for their child. They aren't all that concerned about the "schooling" part of it because they all know their kid will get it in Kindy or they will learn from their parents and sibs or they will possibly even pull their child from daycare and put them in an actual "preschool" center as a pp vented about.

We have a good supply of venting on here in regards to parents not caring what craft items and projects their child did during the day and leaving most correspondence and daily notes in the cubby untouched. So I am wondering what the point of doing a preschool curriculum with dck's is when we, as providers, are collectively just trying to get the parents all to pay on time, remember our house rules, drop off/pick up on time, respect us and support us as we assist their child in learning developmentally appropriate skills such as toilet training, eating healthy foods, napping quietly and using self-help skills.

Another poster got me thinking about how tough it is to fit all this stuff into one day and I have to say, why are we trying? If we are not licensed to teach pre-school and are licensed as family childcare providers, why are we all trying so hard to do so much more?

I would think in this crazy, two parent working long hours, too many extra curricular activities and all world, kids would benefit much more (and have less challenging behaviors) if we only focused on the basic necessities and just played with them. No scheduled craft time, no strict routines to follow...just on the floor, hands-on fun stuff....lots of love and nurturing. No stress over trying to get Timmy to figure out why a "b" and a "d" are not the same.....

I went to a "NO TV" childcare in December and my dck's have been playing in ways I did not know they could so I am seriously thinking about just having a "Basics Only" childcare. I don't get paid any more than the regular going rate and all the families I have enrolled in the last few years are only looking for someone they can trust who will put her kids needs (the basic ones) ahead of her own. No one has been looking for a teacher or a tutor. I still will have all the activities and supplies I always have had but it will be up to them when and how they play with them. dck #1 might paint at 9:00 am while dck #2 might not paint until 3:00 pm. No structured activity...do what you want when you want. Just meals and nap/rest time on schedule.

Two rules will apply;
1. Play nicely/respectfully.
2. Pickup after yourself.

Learning will still be part of our day, just in a completely non-structured, non-routine, stress-free manner.

I always wanted to be licensed to run an actual preschool, but I am not. I am a licensed FAMILY CHILD CARE provider. I do not get paid any more than the regular going rate set by our county. I feel this will be less stressful and eliminate my need for the curriculum drama I go through every year.

Just wondering what everyone else's thoughts are on this....

[happykidschildcare]

free printouts monthly

http://thoughtsofesme.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-day-unit.html?spref=fb

I do preschool its included in the dc price. I try to do something everyday but it doesnt always workout we at least do 30-40 minutes of projects be it preschool or arts & crafts. I use to use the funshine express and highly recommend them if you can afford it. Since my group has grown from 4-6 to 12 kids I cant afford them anymore so I use the site above and enchanted learning is good for some stuff and they are $20 for a year but you have to take the time to print it yourself from thier site. Good luck!

[daycare]

I am wondering since we have had several threads and posts about teaching and doing curriculum. Of those providers who buy or plan a curriculum that you follow on pretty routine daily schedule, do you get paid more than the going rate for your area?

I ask because I have been in this business for some time now and every year I plan a curriculum, pay loads of money for it, spend an enormous amount of my time outside of my regular hours sorting, buying, planning and organizing my curriculum and I am seriously starting to rethink the entire point of doing all this. I advertise as a "pre-school" like others do thinking that parents are looking for all the 1,2,3's and ABC's classroom type learning and I really feel as though 99.9% of my current parents are really only looking for a loving, caring, safe environment for their child. They aren't all that concerned about the "schooling" part of it because they all know their kid will get it in Kindy or they will learn from their parents and sibs or they will possibly even pull their child from daycare and put them in an actual "preschool" center as a pp vented about.

We have a good supply of venting on here in regards to parents not caring what craft items and projects their child did during the day and leaving most correspondence and daily notes in the cubby untouched. So I am wondering what the point of doing a preschool curriculum with dck's is when we, as providers, are collectively just trying to get the parents all to pay on time, remember our house rules, drop off/pick up on time, respect us and support us as we assist their child in learning developmentally appropriate skills such as toilet training, eating healthy foods, napping quietly and using self-help skills.

Another poster got me thinking about how tough it is to fit all this stuff into one day and I have to say, why are we trying? If we are not licensed to teach pre-school and are licensed as family childcare providers, why are we all trying so hard to do so much more?

I would think in this crazy, two parent working long hours, too many extra curricular activities and all world, kids would benefit much more (and have less challenging behaviors) if we only focused on the basic necessities and just played with them. No scheduled craft time, no strict routines to follow...just on the floor, hands-on fun stuff....lots of love and nurturing. No stress over trying to get Timmy to figure out why a "b" and a "d" are not the same.....

I went to a "NO TV" childcare in December and my dck's have been playing in ways I did not know they could so I am seriously thinking about just having a "Basics Only" childcare. I don't get paid any more than the regular going rate and all the families I have enrolled in the last few years are only looking for someone they can trust who will put her kids needs (the basic ones) ahead of her own. No one has been looking for a teacher or a tutor. I still will have all the activities and supplies I always have had but it will be up to them when and how they play with them. dck #1 might paint at 9:00 am while dck #2 might not paint until 3:00 pm. No structured activity...do what you want when you want. Just meals and nap/rest time on schedule.

Two rules will apply;
1. Play nicely/respectfully.
2. Pickup after yourself.

Learning will still be part of our day, just in a completely non-structured, non-routine, stress-free manner.

I always wanted to be licensed to run an actual preschool, but I am not. I am a licensed FAMILY CHILD CARE provider. I do not get paid any more than the regular going rate set by our county. I feel this will be less stressful and eliminate my need for the curriculum drama I go through every year.

Just wondering what everyone else's thoughts are on this....

I know exactly what you mean. I teach here and it most, not all, but most of my parents just want a safe place. I look at it like this. I am not going to change what I offer. I keep moving forward everyday. I know in my heart of hearts that these children are learning and I really dont care if their parents appreciate it or not. Some of my parents will go out of their way to tell me wow I am impressed, while others keep their kid out until midnight on a week night and then the kid sleeps all day long...
I teach becuase there is nothing better than seeing a child learn from your lessons....

If I were you, I would charge a monthly curriculum fee, even if it is only $5.00 per family. This might make you feel a little better too...???

[Blackcat31]

http://thoughtsofesme.blogspot.com/2....html?spref=fb

I do preschool its included in the dc price. I try to do something everyday but it doesnt always workout we at least do 30-40 minutes of projects be it preschool or arts & crafts. I use to use the funshine express and highly recommend them if you can afford it. Since my group has grown from 4-6 to 12 kids I cant afford them anymore so I use the site above and enchanted learning is good for some stuff and they are $20 for a year or printables.
Good luck!

Thanks, but I am a former user of Funshine Express....great company/product but I quit for the reasons I mentioned above in my post. I am well schooled on preschool activities and curriculum as I am thiscloseto completing my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.

I am only wondering why family child care providers are trying so hard to stuff their days so full of stuff that I am unfortunately finding is really not that high in demand. We are paid accordingly and although I do get a slightly higher rate than some of the family daycare homes in my area, it is NOT because of the curriculum I offer/teach...it is the quality of care I am offering. I know this because I have been asking and paying attention to the needs of the parents/children in the last few years.

[Blackcat31]

I know exactly what you mean. I teach here and it most, not all, but most of my parents just want a safe place. I look at it like this. I am not going to change what I offer. I keep moving forward everyday. I know in my heart of hearts that these children are learning and I really dont care if their parents appreciate it or not. Some of my parents will go out of their way to tell me wow I am impressed, while others keep their kid out until midnight on a week night and then the kid sleeps all day long...
I teach becuase there is nothing better than seeing a child learn from your lessons....

If I were you, I would charge a monthly curriculum fee, even if it is only $5.00per family. This might make you feel a little better too...???

That is a good idea, but I am really just trying to either be a family childcare provider or a preschool teacher that does not deal with anything but the preschool age.
As a FCC provider, I am just feeling as though for the little money we earn/are paid it is not worth all the effort we put into all these fancy curriculums and scheduled routines.

I am looking to focus more on the other thing you mentioned.....the wonderful feeling we get when a child learns something that was not pre-planned but simply learned through regular daily interaction with playmates and friends. Every activity is a "teachable moment" it just doesn't always have to come from elaborate pre-packaged curriculums that we devote hours and hours of time and money investing in....

[daycare]

oh i agree... I am very in to teaching on that moment.... I dont really like a lot of the preplanned stuff, a little cheesy and I don't like the fact that it does not allow for the child to create their own ideas.
I am starting to phase out a lot of the pre written and am leaning more on the stuff like reading books, teaching zoo phonics (only pay start up cost), creative free art, music, dancing, math with water and sand...things that dont require me to always have to purchse a package deal...

like today. we wrote and illustrated our own stories. We took a walk outside and observerd all kinds of things. We then came back and wrote about what we saw some fact some stories fiction. I actually got the idea from MGT but it was from almost 2 years ago. Maybe you should just try using what you have on hand and see how that worksout.
I also put a gathering list together each month and ask parents to donate things. Like jars, egg cratons, sticks, yarn, paper, and etc. Just about all of my parents get involved. I pretty much make them, as I will put thier list up by the front door and wont cross their name off until they bring it....

[countrymom]

seriously it all depends on my mood and the kids moods. some days they would rather play all day and other days they want art. Most of the time, as long as they are well cared for none of the parents care what we do all day. Heck they are so happy that I take the kids outside so they don't have too. I find that most days I feel like a parent to 5 more kids than a provider, I do everything with them that I do with my own kids, I even bring them for haircuts, cut their nails, bake with them....
I don't advertise as a preschool, just a "home daycare" I'm a home that offers a homey atmosphere while watching children.
But I have to agree, there is not enough time in the day to do things, sometimes during the day I spend doing my stuff because thats the only time things are open or things need to be done before the evening.

[Abigail]

Blackcat, I agree that we shouldn't feel we need to buy a fancy curriculum and go all out. I disagree that children should learn to do what they want when they want. For my own sake, I NEED structure. I would follow a "basic routine", but don't advertise as "Basic Care" because it looks like it's just eat/sleep/potty kind of basic. LOL

I have a simple routine set up with lots of free play (keep in mind, I have this all ready for the future, so you don't have to take my word since I haven't given it a test run!). I have set times for snacks/meals/diaper checks/naps/outside time. I want to have a circle time where we learn a song or fingerplay and work on the basics like you mentioned. As far as no routine, I would have to stick to one. It's best for the child too.

[Pammie]

I think I was the one that posted about my frustration with parents pulling their kids out of my daycare to go to a "real preschool". I'm still frustrated (and saddened) that that seems to be the course that most parents feel is best for their child. But I've been doing childcare for over twenty years now, and over the last 5-8 years, it's a rare family that doesn't think their child will be left behind their peers if they don't attend a real preK before entering kindergarten - and the couple of years - parents seem to feel that their kids need 3yo PreK as well as 4yo PreK.


So my goal now is not to "teach" preK, but to get the kids "ready" for preK.


So rather than continuing to frustrate myself, I've decided NOT to include **formal** PreK curriculum in my childcare. In the past, I've purchased boxed curriculum, made my own weekly/daily theme based curriculum, tried to keep to a scheduled day - no more. My kids now play, play, play - we read lots of books, sing lots of songs and fingerplays, make great art masterpieces, cook in the kitchen, build tremendous block towers, play dress-up, explore nature, have no tv ever. But as we're playing, the kids are learning. I currently have 4 kids all under 2 (all turn two between March and July) who can all count to 20 that they learned from being the seeker from hours of playing hide-and-seek. They all have in their repertoires about 30 songs that they know all the motions/fingerplays - and can sing them all unprompted, including their ABCs.

I now emphasize what I call our *7 core values* at daycare: Responsibility, Honesty, Trustworthiness, Patience, Cooperation, Kindness and Respect. It's long been my belief that if children learn and practice these core values, then they'll be ready for school and will go far in life. So these values are now my "curriculum". Our days are spent "playing" and I no longer knock myself out spending hours and hours planning-out a curriculum. And I personally feel better about the start that I'm giving these little children. I feel better personally that the children ARE learning, without me spending hours and hours and hours and dollars researching, preparing and purchasing components for a preK curriculum experience.

[dEHmom]

Blackcat...

I do a laid back setting for my childcare. I feed off of the kids.

Everyone has good days and bad days, and sometimes it is impossible to try get timmy to trace an A, and billy to draw a circle, and charlie to draw on the paper not on the table!

But I feel that without some form of structure, some form of routine, kids are lost. They need to know this is free time, this is coloring time, this is reading time, lunch time, snack time, etc.

I don't think every kid has to paint at the same time, but I think the children should have an option of 3 things (so that you don't have one kid painting, one throwing playdough, and one making crafts- that would be impossible to keep your house clean). This will help them to become more independent. I always include my kids in the choices we make for lunches, snacks, suppers, or what they want to wear. It gives them a sense of pride as well.

So I totally agree with everything you have said, and I believe maybe you just need to discuss with the parents you have now, whether the curriculum is why they come to you, and if you pulled that out of the day, would they continue care. But I just think you need to remember that free play all day is going to cause you ALOT more stress. You will have kids running around everywhere, destroying your house, and you will feel worse than you do now! .

And I also think, that children are constantly forced to grow up faster than they should. They miss out on being a child. More and more responsibilities are placed on children. My daughter when she was in kindergarten had homework! I didn't get any homework until grade 4! I didn't have to count to 100, count by 2's or count by 5's until grade 3. I think the only homework I had in grade 1 was bring home a library book every week to read. There is so much pressure, so much learning forced on the children, and now as parents we have to get our children school ready. Fine! But school ready means they are reading, writing, counting to 30 by the time they enter school. When I started school, the teachers taught us that stuff.

To me, it just seems like they are packing the school curriculum so full now, that they are pushing what the children used to learn in school onto the parents or child care providers.

Yes Timmy should know how to spell his name when he goes to kindergarten, and Timmy should know how old he is.

I went off there a little, but basically, I think it's not fair for the kids to sit down several times a day and be forced to learn. They should only be learning morals and values in the first 3 yrs of life. They should learn how to interact with others, share with others, teamwork, etc.

[Blackcat31]

Pammie....That is EXACTLY what I was talking about. What you call the 7 core things.....I want to focus on that and have days just like you explained in your post! Well said!

Blackcat...

But I feel that without some form of structure, some form of routine, kids are lost. They need to know this is free time, this is coloring time, this is reading time, lunch time, snack time, etc.


So I totally agree with everything you have said, and I believe maybe you just need to discuss with the parents you have now, whether the curriculum is why they come to you, and if you pulled that out of the day, would they continue care. But I just think you need to remember that free play all day is going to cause you ALOT more stress. You will have kids running around everywhere, destroying your house, and you will feel worse than you do now! .

To me, it just seems like they are packing the school curriculum so full now, that they are pushing what the children used to learn in school onto the parents or child care providers.

I went off there a little, but basically, I think it's not fair for the kids to sit down several times a day and be forced to learn. They should only be learning morals and values in the first 3 yrs of life. They should learn how to interact with others, share with others, teamwork, etc.

dEHmom....Oh, I completely agree with you and I do have structure; it just isn't laid out like some of the daily routines I have seen posted recently. It USED to be but now I let the kids dictate the activity and they separate off into smaller groups. I only have 3 rooms to play in and who ever asks for an activity in one room first is how the choice is made. So, if Abby asks to play dress-up in one room, those that want to play go in there while Timmy is playing trains in the other room. I do not allow the kids to just take whatever out whenever they want.....that would be the kind of chaos you are referring to and I definately could not deal with that!!

I so TOTALLY agree with everything you said about growing up too fast and being over loaded with activities and such...

I have had more problems in the last few years with kids not having a clue how to say "please" and "thank you" or how to be respectful or have table manners or to remember to flush or any of the basics that I thought all parents taught their children as they grew. I am finding that I spend so much time teaching the kids the basic manners and such that I have NO time left for any curriculum type things.

I am sure parents would love for me to teach a boxed curriculum but honestly, they would love for me to do all the work/raise their child and still accept the measly few dollars an hour I make and then let them reap the rewards (and tax deductions... !) and frankly, I am done with doing EVERYTHING!

I am not stressed out or burned out....I am just sort of having an epiphany...kwim? I forgot why I am even doing this in the first place which was to have enjoy the "fun part" of children without having to do the hard part (parenting). But somehow, child care providers are really having to do so much more! Just read back on all the last few months threads and besides money...the biggest vents on here are related to manners and basic needs like sleep patterns, eating habits, weaning from paci's, bottle's, lovies, and dcp's bringing supplies, proper clothing etc. Seems we are not being teaches we are being substitute parents and I can not do both.

Most of my current parents say they love the curriculum and all but when I look at all the kids cubbies...every one of them have crafts and papers from over a week ago left in them, I send out newsletters and announcements and seems as though I always get "Oh, wait, when did you tell us that?" ummm. yeah, in the newsletter I give out evry single month!!

Bottom line is either I am doing one or the other in regards to the kind of childcare people are going to receive and I am choosing to do what is the least stressful and most fun for me and the kids and that is playing (while learning) like PAMMIE said in her post.

[dEHmom]

I know you're always got the right ideas blackcat!

And it's nice because I was starting to feel less worthy as a provider reading half of all of your posts about curriculum's and stuff because I don't do that, never planned to. I started searching out some websites trying to find some stuff.

I do the old fashioned way, where I take a pen/marker and make dots to form an A a, B b, etc and get the kids to trace it.

My son learned to write his name in 10 minutes by tracing it, then copying ti below.

I think we are responsible for a small amount of academic learning with the children we care for. But we are not home school teachers, we are not professors, tuitors or anything of the sort. We are providers, here to care for children, help instill values in them, and teach them how to interact with others. Other than that, if parents want their children to be einsteins, they can home school them from years 0-5 ( or whatever age they start school).

[SilverSabre25]

I don't have time to read all the responses right now, but Blackcat, you might want to read about the Montessori Method. What you're describing (having the activities available but letting them choose what they do and when) sound VERY Montessori. Montessori is a wonderful approach, although it does have a learning curve for you as well as for the kids. The "curriculum" I'm slowly, slowly developing is very Montessori-based, because I love that approach.

You can have things like Tot Trays set up--simple works that the kids do all on their own--including clean up ( a HUGE part of the Montessori method is "control of error" where the kids can tell for themselves whether they've done the thing correctly, as well as cleaning up after themselves for the next person)

I'll be back later with more thoughts.

[Blackcat31]

I know you're always got the right ideas blackcat! Ahhh...you make me feel so good!

And it's nice because I was starting to feel less worthy as a provider reading half of all of your posts about curriculum's and stuff because I don't do that, never planned to. Oh Oh, I don't want you to feel bad.....your posts have shown what a competent and worthy provider you are!!!

I think we are responsible for a small amount of academic learning with the children we care for. But we are not home school teachers, we are not professors, tuitors or anything of the sort. We are providers, here to care for children, help instill values in them, and teach them how to interact with others. Other than that, if parents want their children to be einsteins, they can home school them from years 0-5 ( or whatever age they start school). WELL SAID!!!!

I couldn't agree more!!!

[dEHmom]