Curriculum? A Few Home Daycare Questions

[daycare]

I would pass on a dc that doesn't offer structure. I would also NOT enroll my child in a DC that allows viewing of those two channels. Especially nickelodeon. Those two channels show horrible shows that offer no educational programs I would think teach anything.

I take back my previous post an keep looking for another DC.

Just because it's dinsney or nick does nor mean it's child appropriate

[countrymom]

everyone has very valid points. I just want to point out that just because daycare rooms have tvs doesn't mean children watch them. I have one, but my own kids use the room after (right now during summer vac.) but I use it more as a noise factor. I know it sounds funny but some kids just love the noise from the tv, don't ask I have no idea why.

I love talking with my parents at pick up time thats why I don't think you need a paper report, by talking to your provider you get to know each other and you can work together if there is a problem.

as for cirriculum when they are older, I wouldn't worry too much, your child won't be behind unless there are some issues. Education keeps being shoved down the kids throats so early that they lack other stuff like sharing, making friends....

and remember always go with your gut!!!

[countrymom]

I would pass on a dc that doesn't offer structure. I would also NOT enroll my child in a DC that allows viewing of those two channels. Especially nickelodeon. Those two channels show horrible shows that offer no educational programs I would think teach anything.

I take back my previous post an keep looking for another DC.

Just because it's dinsney or nick does nor mean it's child appropriate

those are awful channels for littles, I don't even like it when my own older kids watch them but they are way older. Doesn't anyone watch barney anymore.

[cheerfuldom]

No structure whatsoever? Does she not have a daily routine for meals, naps and whatnot?

[PolarCare]

Yes, I see red flags.

I would not enroll my child with a provider that didn't have structured activities or much of a schedule. There are times of day to "let them play" but generally kids do well with routine and schedules.

I also wouldn't care for the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon viewing. I don't let my kids watch that at home. Especially my little ones. We Netflix shows we want to watch but most stuff on those channels are mindrotting garbage.

I mean, are there any other providers you can talk to who are more in line with what you're looking for?

As far as progress reports, though, just print one off and ask any provider to do them. I'd fill them out for any diaper aged kid I had full time if a parent asked me to, but I don't currently fill them out. I usually care for only school aged or preschool aged kids (I prefer not younger than 3, and I prefer potty trained).

[JenNJ]

I would pass on a no structure daycare. There should be a routine in place that is followed everyday. Drop off, circle time, snack, free play, outside time, storytime, lunch, nap, snack, outside time, pick up. Its basic but it lets the child know what is coming next. Kids thrive under a routine.

Kids also like activities. Sitting in the same playroom day after day doing free play constantly would become stagnant. Kids need new opportunities to explore, learn, & grow. You want someone who offers art time, music time, outside time, etc. It offers her opportunities to learn naturally without curriculum.

[Unregistered]

JenNJ - YES, that is exactly what I want. I don't think that's really too much to ask?

I am not getting a good feeling about this at all now. The TV comment really puts me off. If she had said that sometimes the kids watch Sesame Street or had a movie day, I'd be fine with that. But Nickelodeon is basically junk, right? (I don't know, I've never watched it.) There's an ad in this week's paper for another daycare and we're going there to visit tomorrow. I had to convince my husband since it is a mile out of town and he is worried about getting there in the winter. I just think we at least need to give it a try. Sadly, we're kind of in panic mode here, because with the center closing there are a lot of families who are going to be scrambling to find care and we don't want to be the last ones standing and have no care at all.

[daycare]

JenNJ - YES, that is exactly what I want. I don't think that's really too much to ask?

I am not getting a good feeling about this at all now. The TV comment really puts me off. If she had said that sometimes the kids watch Sesame Street or had a movie day, I'd be fine with that. But Nickelodeon is basically junk, right? (I don't know, I've never watched it.) There's an ad in this week's paper for another daycare and we're going there to visit tomorrow. I had to convince my husband since it is a mile out of town and he is worried about getting there in the winter. I just think we at least need to give it a try. Sadly, we're kind of in panic mode here, because with the center closing there are a lot of families who are going to be scrambling to find care and we don't want to be the last ones standing and have no care at all.

have you talked wtih the center to see if they are giving out referrals? Or maybe talk to the other parents to see where they will be sending their child???

Don't panic, I am sure things will work out just fine. You are doing a great job by researching all you can with DC for your child... you found the perfect site to come to for you to ask questions.

Like someone else said follow your gut!! Mommy knows best....

[youretooloud]

Are you sure she means NO structure? Or just that they don't have a structured curriculum?

Surely they must do everything at the same time each day. (within reason) and eat, nap, clean, free play...??? I can't imagine just WINGING it all day.

Like nap... I can make it til about 1:00 p.m if something is going on... but, somewhere between 12:30-1:00 I realize why naptime is so important to daycare providers. I'm pretty sure I tell all the kids too.... "I can't wait til nap time!"

[Unregistered]

Meal/snack times are structured and there is an afternoon nap time. There are no scheduled activities such as circle time, story time, outdoor time, crafts, etc., like JenNJ mentioned. I think we're going to pass on this one, based on lack of activities and the TV issue. I'm hopeful about the one we are visiting today. There is also a chance that our center will stay open but we're unsure about what to do there. While we don't want to move her, if we wait around we could be stuck with no care at all three months from now. I'm going to have a chat with the director about it when I pick my daughter up this afternoon.

[Rachel]

How did the one you visited go? I also would steer clear of this one. I am all for free play and kids being kids, but structure of some sort is a must IMO.

[Unregistered]

The second visit went much better. I got a much better vibe there. I don't know how to describe it. It was a very inviting environment and I instantly got a good feeling from the provider and her family. This one does have a more structured day and a curriculum for the older kids. She said the TV is usually on for a little while in the morning during arrival time to keep her own son occupied (she admitted it was a bad habit), but after that it is turned off. They had a neat outdoor play area. Interestingly, my daughter seemed to feel right at home there, too. She got right down on the floor and started playing with a neat toy. At the other one we visited, we tried to put her down to play but she wanted to cling to us. It could have just been that she was in a different mood, of course. I'm an idiot and forgot to ask about the daily reports but it's pretty low on my list of priorities right now so I'm not worried about it. I've read through her policies and contract and everything looks good. Now we just have to make a decision. There's so much uncertainty regarding whether our center is actually closing or not. We hate to pull her and then have it stay open, but at the same time we don't want to wait around too long and then miss a chance at getting into this daycare. I feel like we're between a rock and a hard place. I'd go with my gut, but it's pulling me in two different directions!

[JenNJ]

I'm glad you felt more comfortable there!!!

[nannyde]

Every friend I have that used a home based daycare moved to a center for preschool - not because the home daycare didn't provide "preschool" curriculum - it's because every one of their kids were behind where they should have been during their kindergarten prescreening and all of them were recommended to headstart. The parents all opted out and chose center based preschool instead and every one of their kids got caught up within 6 months of being there.

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

[Doodlebug]

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.