Curriculum? A Few Home Daycare Questions

[Unregistered]

yes they were

If they all "caught up" in six months they weren't behind in the first place.

Yes, they were behind according to the school district's voluntary kindergarten prescreening sessions - and it's their program, not yours, so they made the call and that's what they said. I believe licensed teachers who've been doing that job for 10+ years over a daycare's opinion anyday.

How do you figure a 3.5 year old not knowing any letters, numbers, colors or shapes and can't write their own name isn't behind for their age? (without any teaching beyond 3.5 on these areas)

Yes, it's possible to catch up in 6 months, because the headstart program is designed just for that, academically speaking, social aside for now. School starts in September and is done in June - that's roughly 9 months - there's been counless numbers of children who were determined by the prescreening to be behind and joined the head start program and were caught up by June in time for Kindergarten. So you're saying that every one of those teachers and their system is wrong? Do you believe headstart is just a scam or something? Then why are states moving to 4K if they don't believe in early academic and social intervention for kindergarten readiness? That's really the whole premise of the 4K program. Headstart is prescreened for at age 3.5 in many school districts and those children deemed to have a mild learning delay in certain areas (mentioned before) or social delays are referred to that program.

These particular parents I was talking about chose not to enroll in the head start program and choose to leave home based daycare and joined a center based daycare instead and all of their kids got caught up and they were thrilled, because they were voluntarily retested the following year to be sure they didn't need the summer session. Their daycares all tried to tell them their kids weren't behind while the school district could have sent their kids to special education because of the severity of learning delays these children had. I personally talked to these parents and they were beside themselves for choosing a "babysitter" versus a center curriculum based daycare with preschool program. Another thing, I've spoken with teachers who told me they know which children were referred to headstart and parents didn't enroll them because it stays in the child's folder - I was told that virtually every time, they're the kids who don't know any letters, numbers, colors or shapes and cannot write their own name in Kindergarten. Every packet I've every gotten for Kindergarten has said the school district wants the kids to know a certain pool of things. And doctor's screen for these items during wellness checkups.

How do you figure on your thinking? You baffle me sometimes - like only your opinion is the correct opinion. You were a nurse - you've never been a licensed grade school or high school or college teacher. I think their expertise far outweighs yours.

I don't want this OP making a wrong decision and I'm glad that she decided to pass on that daycare. I think she made the right decision.

[Unregistered]

You have every right to have your individual expectations for your child at daycare. As a parent you are your child's advocate and understandably want the very best for them. It is extremely important to have an open line of communication with your childcare provider whether it is center based care or a private in home program. When you interview for any placement, look for the specific things that will and can be a deal breaker for you. Ask questions! But please understand that a program does not have to change its daily routine, policies, or curriculum to meet your needs.

It is very hard for a child at any age to make frequent changes. A child develops a trust with their caregiver and so do you as a parent. The caregiver needs to learn each child's needs and will learn specific ways to comfort a child as they get to know them. At 9 months of age, it is more important for them to be in a nurturing environment where their physical and emotional needs are met. As their development progresses, your child will move forward in different areas and will need stimulation to help them grow.

There are positives for centers and home based programs. Centers (at least the one I was at) are geared for specific age groups. Infants with infants, toddlers with toddlers, etc... The staff work with that age group and work with those areas of development. There are different staff members that care for your child during the day. The turn over is more frequent due to work schedules and time limits. Your infant is exposed to the development of the other infants as well. A lead teacher in my state can be in charge of up to 8 infants, 4 by themselves. It can be challenging to give each child the individual attention they need when they need it and want it.

Home based child care is different and meets the needs of a child in a different way. Your child is exposed to a mixed age group. Because the group of children can range from school age to infant, your child is allowed to try the next developmental stage and even if they don't participate in that activity, they observe what is happening and a lot of learning goes on. It has been my experience that my toddlers move ahead quicker in their development because of that they are allowed to try. My toddlers (12 mo - 2 years old), have their own journals to color in because the other children have them on a daily basis. We have circle time and learn songs and finger plays, even though they can't talk they can dance and do the movement with us. They know it even though they can't say it. Their language tends to develop quicker for me. My preschoolers read books to the younger children and the younger ones strive to do the same. They can't read words but they "read" the pictures to my older ones. We play outside and my littlest ones ride the bikes (by pushing with their feet they are too short to reach the pedals), push trucks, write with chalk, run, roll and play. You get the idea.

The notes can be a big deal to parents with infants, I understand that. If that is important communicate that, but remember with a home based child care provider you will get their individual time at the end and beginning of each day to talk about your child. Your provider will listen and give feedback. If they don't and you need that, it isn't a good fit. You need to remember that caregiver (center or home based), is responsible for more than your child. They need to be attentive and supervise everyone in their care. I do a monthly newsletter or sometimes every two months depending on how busy we are to let my parents know what we are doing. But that is just my program, the best part of daycare is finding the unique place that fits you best.

A parent needs to be open minded but have specific expectations for the care of their child. You sound like a loving parent that wants a quality program for their child. But remember a child's development progresses in a certain manner and can't be pushed beyond its limits. A child's development grows in so many different ways, it needs to happen in little steps. They need to master one level before moving to the next and no steps can be missed. Also they will regress in one area as they move ahead in another.

I don't want anyone to think I think center care is inferior to home based care but I made the change to develop my own program because of the stringent scheduling and the pressure to conform the children to what the board of directors felt was most important and that was $$$$. I could provide a program at my home, developed around the needs of the children in my care. If we didn't want to paint at 10:00 we don't have to. If I don't want to base an entire week of curriculum on one subject I don't have to. I could expose the children in my care to different cultures and the foods they have as well as celebrating holidays and expanding their world. It just works better for me.

One of my points, exactly. In Kindergarten, children don't have the choice. The schedule is the schedule and it's critical that children understand that they have to mind that and transition to the next part of the curriculum.

[wdmmom]

9 month old??? Curriculum??? Are you kidding me? What is it exactly that you are looking for? If this is the only center in town and they are closing, clearly you live in a small community. Finding that "perfect" daycare that is going to do everything you want them to do isn't very likely.

Sounds to me like you need to weigh out the pros and cons of this daycare. Maybe you even need to interview several others just so you can see how each are run and what you like about one over the other, etc.

I understand your concerns regarding TV...everyone's lifestyle is different and so is everyones daycare. I would consider talking to the provider and asking how often children are permitted to watch TV and what programs they allow. I highly doubt a 9 month old is going to watch TV anyway but if this is a substancial concern, address it.

[Unregistered]

9 month old??? Curriculum??? Are you kidding me? What is it exactly that you are looking for? If this is the only center in town and they are closing, clearly you live in a small community. Finding that "perfect" daycare that is going to do everything you want them to do isn't very likely.

Sounds to me like you need to weigh out the pros and cons of this daycare. Maybe you even need to interview several others just so you can see how each are run and what you like about one over the other, etc.

I understand your concerns regarding TV...everyone's lifestyle is different and so is everyones daycare. I would consider talking to the provider and asking how often children are permitted to watch TV and what programs they allow. I highly doubt a 9 month old is going to watch TV anyway but if this is a substancial concern, address it.

Um, I don't even know how to respond to your post, wdmmom. If you had actually read the whole thread, you would know that I do not expect a curriculum for my 9-month-old. I am choosing a daycare with a curriculum with her future years in mind. I see reading here that "curriculum for a 9-month-old" was picked up and spouted in another thread, too. And not only have I weighed the pros and cons of this daycare, I have interviewed with another daycare that I liked much better. My goodness, the conclusions that have been jumped to! Thank you to those of you who have been helpful, anyway. I really appreciate it.

[JenNJ]

9 month old??? Curriculum??? Are you kidding me? What is it exactly that you are looking for? If this is the only center in town and they are closing, clearly you live in a small community. Finding that "perfect" daycare that is going to do everything you want them to do isn't very likely.

Sounds to me like you need to weigh out the pros and cons of this daycare. Maybe you even need to interview several others just so you can see how each are run and what you like about one over the other, etc.

I understand your concerns regarding TV...everyone's lifestyle is different and so is everyones daycare. I would consider talking to the provider and asking how often children are permitted to watch TV and what programs they allow. I highly doubt a 9 month old is going to watch TV anyway but if this is a substancial concern, address it.

Yikes! Did you read the thread? She said curriculum but in follow up posts, she stated she was really looking for basic teaching, structured activities (art, music, outdoor exploration, etc.) and a routine. Don't attack her for being new to the subject of daycare. She is a first time mom to an infant and does not have the daycare "language" down yet.

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=How do you figure on your thinking? You baffle me sometimes - like only your opinion is the correct opinion. You were a nurse - you've never been a licensed grade school or high school or college teacher. I think their expertise far outweighs yours.[/QUOTE]

I agree, I am also baffled by her responses at times. Your way of doing things may work great for you.. But that does not mean it is the best way or only way of doing things and that is how you come across..

[nannyde]

How do you figure on your thinking? You baffle me sometimes - like only your opinion is the correct opinion. You were a nurse - you've never been a licensed grade school or high school or college teacher. I think their expertise far outweighs yours.

I agree, I am also baffled by her responses at times. Your way of doing things may work great for you.. But that does not mean it is the best way or only way of doing things and that is how you come across..

Ummm is this for me?

I "am" a Nurse.

From your first post you said you were planning on putting your baby in preschool so why the concern about curriculum for your current day care?

You said "As far as curriculum goes, when we first started looking at daycares I was all about needing a curriculum. Now my perspective has changed somewhat. However, I don't want my child to be left behind in any way because she's not getting this at daycare. We do plan to enroll her in preschool when she is older."

That's the part that confuses me.

You don't want her "left behind" in any way because she's not getting this at daycare.

To me this sounds like "what curriculum do you have for my infant?"

When providers hear that... they KNOW what that means.

[Unregistered]

First of all, the two unregistered posts you just quoted were not me (the OP). Secondly, you seem to be looking for a fight and I'm really not in the mood. Do you have anything helpful to add or do you just want to point and laugh at the stupid parent?

[VTMom]

I see that you're struggling with the decision to move to a new daycare because you're uncertain if your current center will stay open. Before I started doing daycare, we were in this situation twice. The first time, my daughter was just about a year old and we were seeing signs that things weren't going so well for our provider (long story). We decided to start looking to see what was out there "just in case". Well... the "just in case" scenario came and she gave us one week's notice. Fortunately we found a daycare that we loved and they agreed to take us on after an interview on short notice. The second time came a couple years later with several month's notice but the end date was not determined because it was based on when our provider was offered a position that she would accept outside of her home. We decided to find another daycare before we had to scramble. We felt bad leaving, but felt with our daughter beginning preschool that same year, it would be best for her to be transitioned to a new place before starting school.

Anyway... my point is, you may be better off finding something now, otherwise you may be scrambling later. Just my two cents.

Good luck!

[Unregistered]

I am a parent looking at enrolling my 9-month-old daughter in a home daycare. She started out in a home daycare but due to concerns we moved her to a center. We love the center, but unfortunately it is now closing (there are no other centers in town). I'm not at all happy about having to move her again, but there isn't much we can do.

The new home daycare we're looking at seems very nice. She's got a great play area and there is also a nice outdoor play area. My concerns are these:
• No daily reports are sent home
• No curriculum; very little in the way of structured activities apart from coloring, games, etc.
• There is a TV in the playroom.

Basically I wanted to feel out some of you providers to see what you thought. I'm not overly upset about the lack of daily reports. The ones we've gotten up until now have given us pretty limited information anyway and tend to always be the same. The new provider prefers to give her reports on the child's day to us at pickup and welcomes questions at that time. As far as curriculum goes, when we first started looking at daycares I was all about needing a curriculum. Now my perspective has changed somewhat. However, I don't want my child to be left behind in any way because she's not getting this at daycare. We do plan to enroll her in preschool when she is older. Finally, there's the TV. We don't allow our daughter to watch TV at home and will follow the AAP guidelines of no TV before age 2 (and then very limited after that) and would like to make sure those guidelines are followed at daycare as well. How do we broach this subject with the new provider?

Any advice is welcome. Thank you in advance.

Nine month olds don't need a curriculum. What are you worried she will miss out on, or not get because there is no curriculum?

Did you ask questions while you were there? IE: Why is there a tv in the room.. how much is it used?

I have no curriculum for infants, I think the whole idea is absurd personally. Let's see.. they play, they eat, they nap, we go for walks and play outside, we read very simple books. We are constantly talking and interacting. Whatever naturally comes from the activity we're doing. The most structured I get with kids that age is playing with blocks, etc. We do have the tv on sometimes, sometimes it's on an actual show, but more often than not I have it on a music station. We clap, sing and dance with the music. At Christmas I had the "fireplace channel" on... It was nice and relaxing.

I much prefer face to face discussion about a child's day. I used to fill out daily journals until my hand hurt, with real information about the child's day. I invited parents to use the journal to communicate if they wanted to as well. (Reminders of days the child would be away, did they have a rotten night's sleep.. whatever.) After the first week of care I don't think the journals were even read. They end up being nothing but a waste of the provider's time. Talking to parents is far more valuable.

[Mom_of_two]

It depends on what you are looking for.

I do not do curriculum, and I won't. I am not a teacher. Also I only watch until preschool age (my daughters will go outside the home for preschool as well) because I am not a teacher. If you are worried about what she is getting once she is preschool age, why not go to a preschool at that point??

I DO have scheduled meals and naps, circle time, art and crafts, and we do work on letters, numbers, colors, shapes etc, large and fine motor skills, silly songs, tons of stories, outside time etc! So just because I don'd do 'curriculum' doesn't mean we aren't continuously learning. I want my girls to know letters, numbers, etc before they get to preschool and do the same for the DCK's. BUT if it is wonderful weather one week or something, we will be outside all day! Because it is fun, and once school starts kids don't get to do that.

I turn off the TV once all of our friends arrive around 8:30 (my girls watch prior. Honestly I am not anti-tv, and they have learned things from it as well, just another tool if you watch the right stuff. But in moderation, and not during the day) I do not do tv at all after that, and would not be comfortable doing so. I, too, would be concerned about that. Trust your gut! Good luck.

ETA- I do daily reports. I like them, also write needed supplies or issues about mood/behavior (not warranting a call or email) since I am many times too busy to have a discussion at pick up time. My parents read them, comment about food or diapers, etc.

[Unregistered]

OP, don't be hesitant to ask whatever questions you have of any potential provider. That person will spend a lot of time with your child.. you have to be comfortable and happy with the arrangement. Hopefully the potential provider will understand that you are new to this. Ask away.. it's the only way you will find these things out, right? Also, read any information you are given carefully.

What you're looking for as far as scheduling and routine "should" be pretty common. To start with yes you said curriculum, and I responded to that earlier. However, I now see that you explained more what you meant.

Good luck with your search!

[Unregistered]

I wanted to add that if you're getting attitude out of the provider because you're asking reasonable questions, move on. Maybe the provider has been doing this for years but you haven't. The last thing you need is a provider who acts like or treats you like you're a PITA because you're new to daycare.

I see so often providers talking about respect, and I agree with it completely. But it's a two way street - if you don't feel respected by the provider then you don't want to be there.

[youretooloud]

I got confused with all the "unregistered" posters...so, I've lost track of where this post got out of hand.

The OP wasn't looking for a curriculum for her infant. She's looking for a structured environment for her daughter to grow up in until school starts.

The OP doesn't want to keep moving her to different schools before the poor kid is in kindergarten. Her gut feeling was that this first lady just didn't have everything she wanted for her kids as they grow.

But, then the rest of the post got murky. I just wanted to say that I understood the OP's post in the first place.

[justgettingstarted]

Daily Reports are Great!!

I've always thought the reports were stupid. LOL. Especially in a large group. What happens, is at the end of nap time, one teacher just throws in a bunch of info that may or may not have happened that day, then tosses it in the pile and moves on to the next one. The teachers are extremely busy, and don't have time to write a daily report, so they just stick whatever they have time on the sheet.

(other than incident reports, or medication I think those daily reports are a waste of a teacher's time)

I think what you should look at is, are the other kids happy? Do the other kids have fun? Are they friends? If you don't see a happy group, then it might not be the right place. If you have any gut feelings that it's not the right fit, keep looking. Ask your friends where their kids go. Ask complete strangers where their kids go. The exact, perfect place is out there. You just have to trust your instincts.

As I type this, I have five little girls playing hot chocolate store. They are having fun... I am not intervening. If they need something from me, they ask... but, otherwise, I'm staying out of it.

At nap time, we watch a movie every day.

My daughter is in college now, and she has some of the same friends she met when she was five months old. They've been friends for over 18 years. She's going to try a new church this week with a girl she's known since they were two years old.

If I teach nothing else in my daycare, as long as they know how to make friends, and take care of their own needs, I've done my job.

*however..I do a loosely based curriculum here, so I can't pretend we just play all day and the kids just flutter happily through the day. We do opened ended art projects, and the kids all learn to recognize letters and numbers, and other basics before school starts*

As a parent with a 1.5 year old in an in-home daycare I have to disagree about the daily reports. I get a daily report with the type of each diaper (wet/BM), what he ate that day at each meal and snack, and how long his nap was. This is also how she lets me know when she's running low on his supplies. All the other kids are older and don't get the daily report since they're potty trained and eating fine so I know she has the time to really keep track and gives me truthful information. And it is extremely helpful to me. It allows me to know if he'll need to go to bed earlier because he had a short nap, allows me to plan his dinner so I'm not duplicating (I'm big on nutrition and variety), and allows me to adjust his diet if he's constipated (which he's prone to). I also speak with his provider every time I pick him up but there's usually a couple of parents picking up at the same time and so its hard to get all the details. It also helps when DH picks him up because he often forgets what she told him I definitely don't think its a waste of time for a provider if they really put the effort into it. I would be concerned that a provider was overloaded or just getting burned out if they couldn't do something as simple as scribble a few notes on a piece of paper throughout the day.