What would you want to learn?

[kitykids3]

I also like to see how others structure their day and see their schedule.
I like getting ideas on how to run a preschool program with mixed ages.

I was thinking something along these lines, especially since my new assistant (and most of the assistants I've ever had) can't quite seem to do too well with the mixed age groups and being able to get needs for babies in and for the older kids and also be able to provide/implement activities for them all according to their age. I don't know if this is something I can actually teach with research, or if it is something you just kind of 'get' after doing it a while. What do you all think? I'll try to start researching to see what kind of info is out there.

[kitykids3]

I second this. I also think a class on room design and organization would be great.

Yes, I was thinking last night that sometimes some of the behavioral problems/transitions, etc can be helped if the environment is set up in a way that works better.

[kitykids3]

Thanks so much everyone! I think since last night I am coming to the realization that part of the difficulty of this might be my own self-esteem and thinking that anything I know is just simple stuff and everyone would know it and I wouldn't be any help. I guess I have to start thinking like a trainer and believe that I am able to be helpful. Oh goodness, did I just say all that in public? . oh well, good to learn and grow.

I love all the ideas, I don't know where I want to start. I do think having a backbone/policies and sticking to them is a great topic. Organization and set up of the environment I think can really make or break a daycare because it can all make things run smoothly and help us keep our sanity or can be chaos and time wasting. People say I'm organized although I always think I could be better. .

I'm big on lots of science and outside activities and bringing the outside into the classroom and vice versa.

I love the idea of burnout etc, but since I think I am trying to fight that myself, might not be a good idea. My burnout might be from my health issues and not necessarily related to daycare, because I seriously love what I do, and so much so when I have days when I don't feel too ill. Might be a topic for down the road.

Looks like a lot of trainings on ideas for different activities such as sensory, GM, etc. I always assumed people would just 'google' stuff like that, but maybe if I did a small 2 hour training with lots of ideas divided into the different categories and maybe even state standards (such as WMELS here), might be helpful.

I've taken the trainings on assessments, and have started portfolios for the kids, do assessments on the kids quarterly, screenings annually and do parent conferences annually plus have a lot of education and experience in child development and things to look out for possibly delays, planning curriculum more individualized to the child based on those observations, etc., so perhaps that might be a good way to start. These things are becoming more important, at least here in my area, and seem to be heading in the direction of being so important to QRIS that we may not be able to achieve 4-5 stars if we can't/don't do these things. We can be play based, child centered, but also have some teacher guidance to help promote their development and love of learning.

Encouraging parents and working with difficult parents and kids is important too. It's all too easy for us to say, well you aren't following our policies so we're terminating you, but if that happens too many times, it doesn't help solve the actual problem. We're just passing it to the next person. That doesn't help our future as a whole society.

I love the ideas of the fire training, book author and all the others that are so different. Those ideas all look like fun and very worthwhile trainings. That's how I want to be, different, exciting, being able to have my students walk away with motivation, and something new they can take and use, to their classrooms.

I also want to do some that are targeted more to taking care of ourselves so we can be the best possible teachers for our kiddos, which would include balancing our lives, our own stress relief, nutrition for us and the kids, ways to do things to run more smoothly to help cut down on wasted time and frustration.

I definitely will be using different methods, visual aids and more as I understand we all get bored just sitting being lectured at (and that's the technique that has the lowest retention rating) and all have different ways of learning. Time for me to start looking into resources of all kinds, including special presenters.

Again, thank you all for your help. I have gone from mental block to excited to decide where to start. happyface

Sorry for the book

[Unregistered]

Storytelling-flannel board stories or activities with patterns
Fun With Science
Family Child Care environments
Fun with Sensory Tables
Day to Day tips to help make things run smoothly
Music and Movement

[KiddieCahoots]

I'm a little late posting.....
What would be helpful in my area, now that the QRIS is becoming more established, and may be in your's too?....
Distinguishing QRIS requirements from state regulations. Seems like many providers and even licensors are getting confused by the two.

[Cat Herder]

Childcare Providers privacy rights.

Respecting and supporting Childcare Providers diversity.

Supporting Childcare Providers families through difficult transitions.

Helping Childcare Providers access resources.

Advocating for Childcare Providers.

Caring for children with disabilities; Helping Childcare Providers cope.

Etc., Etc,, Etc...