For this post we are suppose to write about how we would set up our own Family Child Care Home. Over all like Bj Richards said, “ Children must feel safe, loved, and nurtured, to develop the basic trust they need for healthy development” (Derman-Sparks &Edwards, 2010, pg. 52). To start off, my home is warm and caring and provides a place where children can be loved, feel safe, grow, play and communicate with others. When you come in my entry way is where I would have the check in/check out area. This is where they would sign in and tell us our their child’s night was. Also according to Adriana Castillo (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.). this is a great place to let the parent and child to say good bye as the prepare to separate. This is place is cozy and makes every family feel welcomed.
Everywhere there will be pictures and books that represent the children and families in my Family Child Care Home, and children and families not represented. “...children also need materials that honor diversity both within and beyond their own identity groups” (Derman-Sparks &Edwards, 2010, pg. 43). However, as we continue through the house we will come to the living room where I would hold circle time and story time. I have seen this in my friend’s house when we were growing up, because her mom had a Child Care Home. There were lots of comfy chairs and pillows for story time. and then there was a big colorful rug that she had and used for circle time.
Moving on in the house I have another room that is for rest time or if a student needs some quite time. This room has soft music playing and lots of comfy pillows, blankets and mats for children to lay on. I feel that children need a space where they can relax and calm down if they are having a rough day. Adriana Castillo from the video, (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.) also had a room like this.
As I envision my Child Care Home, I want a place where families feel welcomed and respected. I want it to be a second home for them, so they can come a share stories and activities with the kids. “Relationships and interactions with children and families, the visual and material environment, and the daily curriculum all come together to create the anti-bias curriculum learning community.” (Derman-Sparks &Edwards, 2010, pg. 51). As I have learned this is going to take some time, and I am going to try things and they are not going to work well, and I am not going to have all the materials right away but, to take small steps. Eventually it will all work out.
Resources:
Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Laureate Education, Inc. (2011a). Strategies for working with diverse children: Welcome to an anti-bias learning community. Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education, Inc.
Rachael,
ReplyDeleteI thought that your post was very thoughtful. Specifically, the addition of diverse learning materials is very important. It is key for children to see a version of themselves reflected in their learning environment (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). This supports their identity and cultural development. If children believe that some aspect of themselves is not supported they can begin to reject that characteristic. Additionally, it is necessary that other children begin to experience diversity and learn positive attributes about personal differences (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). This is central to an anti-bias education.
Thank you for your thoughtful post,
Amanda
References
Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Rachel I find myself really enjoying the different take aways by our classmates for this assignment. Your post focuses on building trust and safety by creating an environment that nurtures and respects families. In my post I focused on making sure to reflect diversity through the materials in the classroom and to ensure my students and their families were represented in photos all over the center. On another students blog I read about how the goals of ABE could be furthered by the teacher and her response to student identity by being sure to use their names frequently throughout the day and allowing every student to participate in the role of class helpers. While we are all correct I find it intriguing that certain elements stood out more than others to each of us and the goals of ABE are furthered through such a diversity of responses. I think your final quote says it all; “Relationships and interactions with children and families, the visual and material environment, and the daily curriculum all come together to create the anti-bias curriculum learning community.” (Derman-Sparks &Edwards, 2010, pg. 51). Thank you for sharing your insights.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachael,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. I find the more your explore what others are doing the more you get inspired. I have always been in big centers or school systems. It is often hard for me to think on a home family childcare center level. I really like how you broke down the different rooms and how you would include this in your center.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteYou have a very, warm and welcoming environment here! I like your effort to to have families come in the home to do activities and read stories. That is a great idea! This brings children, families, and the caretakers closer only adding to the affirming environment. Thank you for sharing your quality Family Child Care Home.
~Jalice