Little Sunflower Kids Family Daycare's Handbook will be given to interested families prior to the interview and will give more detailed information about our policies and procedures.
Values and Expectations
Behavior
I believe that children thrive on consistency, routine, and loving guidance and that it is very important to teach children empathy and to take responsibility for their own actions. Children in my care will be taught and expected to share with others, play cooperatively, express themselves verbally, clean up when asked, follow directions and, most importantly, to treat themselves and others (including yourself) with respect.
Children with challenging behavior If a child continues to have challenges with unacceptable behavior that endangers other children the child care may be terminated immediately.
Parents Behavior
The following is grounds for immediate termination:
If there is use of inappropriate words (name-calling, foul language), shaming, humiliating,
threatening or frightening a child, another parent, the provider’s family or the provider herself.
Such behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
Discipline
The following methods of discipline will never be used on any child at
• Spanking, hitting, pinching, slapping or any forms of physical force.
• Mental or emotional cruelty.
• Depriving meals, snacks, rest or toilet use.
Depending on the situation, a warning is usually given and the child is reminded of acceptable behavior and re-directed to a different activity.
I believe that any behavior a child shows is a kind of communication and we need to respond to those properly.
I see every situation as a possibility for the child to grow and learn a new skill from any kind of challenges who might come when he/she interacts with other children, toys, adults or with me. Instead of Judging and punishing certain behavior I will redirect and patiently teach the children alternate strategies to respond to distress and problems so they can learn lifelong skills they will even need in their adulthood. (Gentle Parenting)
That being said allowing a child to express his/her feelings does not mean allowing inappropriate expressions such as hitting or hurting others.
When those situations occur I will evaluate the environment and make adjustments if necessary, discuss the situation with the child, express the view of the other children who might be involved in those situations and offer guidance.
I also believe that providing a quiet time along with a favorite toy or blanket to help the child to relax and calm down is another great way to solve a problem and teach a new skill/ strategy. It is crucial, that children are able to express their emotions but understand that harming others is unacceptable, many children do not have the skills to control and voice their discontent- so this is something they will learn while attending Little Sunflower Kids Family Home Daycare.
Me as a responsive caregiver will support children by anticipating where they may have difficulties, preventing situations from occurring, reminding children of what they can do and creating a supportive environment.
This approach takes patience, consistency, ambition and passion- all features I as an Early Childhood professional can offer to each child that will enroll in my program.