Ten Steps to Better Childcare

© 2012 Training and Curriculum Productions

Safety is the most important factor to consider. You want the children in your care to feel safe and free to explore activity areas. You also want parents to feel good about leaving their children with you. Keep informed on the latest safety issues and important recalls.

Take into consideration the needs of the children in your care,including special needs. Bring in specialists who can determine strategies to work with children who have special needs, talk to their parents to determine what works for them, and stay informed by attending workshops and classes that talk about special needs in early childhood.

Observe others in the field to learn more about effective discipline strategies and how to build successful relationships with children and their families.

© 2012 Training and Curriculum Productions

Serve nutritious foods so that children get the vitamins they need. Nutritious foods are not only important for physical health, but also mental health. When children receive the nutrients they need, this not only helps prevent illness, but it also helps decrease aggressive behavior and improve their attention spans.

Encourage cooperation and teamwork amongst everyone. Circle time discussion, cooperative games, and keeping a positive attitude are some ways to help encourage cooperation and teamwork.

Keep an open door policy so that parents feel welcome. Having open house, getting to know the parents, and encouraging parent participation activities are a few of the ways to get parents involved.

© 2012 Training and Curriculum Productions

Be a resource for parents and fellow co-workers and/or students. Everyone has an experience to share that others can learn from.

Provide for developmentally appropriate learning experiences that allow children to build their cognitive, physical, language, and social skills. By using resource books, taking into consideration the abilities of the children in your care, and collaborating with others, this will help make the learning experiences more meaningful.

Build relationships with the children in your care. This helps build trust, self-esteem, and will encourage positive social skills.

Be a lifelong learnerso that you will be informed of the latest and greatest information available. By attending ongoing training, reading subjects related to childcare, and not being afraid of asking questions, this will allow you to learn more and be successful.

© 2012 Training and Curriculum Productions