My Family Child Care Home
Welcome to my program called Children’s Learning Home Care, where there are ten children, ages 2 to 5 years old, and two adults. I would have a bulletin board of the children in the home care explaining who they are with a picture. For instance, a picture of them and their family, their names, favorite color, things they like to do). “A child’s identity is constructed within their family, within their culture, within their ethnicity, within their language, within their family structure, within their home relationships” (Laureate Education, 2011A). I would also include a picture of the staff with their names and information for parents and also our contact information.
Like the media segment (2011B), I would like to make a space allowing children and their families to transition to starting the day (Laureate Education). I like that children have to sign in, it is something I already do in my classroom. Therefore, I would continue to have children to sign in. Allowing that space also allows parents to see the work their child has created, meet other families and children, have a chance to talk to the staff.
I would also like to provide anti-bias materials, such as diverse books and materials that helps children’s needs (ie squeeze scissors, grips, thicker crayons and pencils etc). Even games like jenga, stone soup, and count the chickens and puzzles that can relate to them. One interesting puzzle to create is using their own picture of their own families (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p.45). Specially materials such as dolls, mirrors, clothing etc because this allows the child to not feel out of place, but rather comfortable in a new setting (ie home vs. home care/school).
In addition, I would like to allow children to incorporate their traditions by doing a show and tell, inviting families to share food, books, objects with other families and their children. This helps to ensure we build a relationship and work together as a community, so that we feel as partners (Laureate Education, 2011B).
Definitely will provide children with choice time, where they will be able to explore in various areas. For instance, sensory table, discovery center, table toys/manipulatives, art, cozy corner, library etc. All of which will allow children to incorporate their play through hands on learning and allowing their influence of culture and their upbringing to be brought into it as well.
Reference
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Laureate Education, Inc. (2011A). Strategies for working with diverse children: Building on children’s strengths. Baltimore, MD: Author
Laureate Education, Inc. (2011B). Strategies for working with diverse children: Welcome to an anti-bias learning community. Baltimore, MD: Author
Teaching Adventures 
I like the idea of including the staff in pictures. I would not put my staff’s number up for parents. I feel if parents have questions or concerns, they should talk to the director. Children may say the teacher did something to them and the parent calls you and gives you a few choice not so nice, words. If parents want to talk with you, it’s probably best to talk to them at the center, this way if your conversation goes wrong, someone is there to step in.
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Antonietta,
Having a board with information about the teachers is a very a good idea. We all focused on the children and their families and didn’t think about staff. Having an anti-bias classroom means that we include everyone, teachers too.
Thank you for sharing,
Asilah
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Antoinetta,
I also like your idea about having pictures of staff on a bulletin board. I recently went to a school and they had pictures of the teachers with information such as how long they have been teaching and their hobbies. I think this adds a more community feel, to learn something about teachers outside of the classroom. This may also add a connection for some families that may have similar hobbies and interests.
You mentioned having a space for families to meet each other and speak to staff was something you would include in your home care program. Ensuring that every family feels welcome and comfortable creates a crucial foundation for mutually respectful relationships (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards 2010).
Derman-Sparks, L., Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
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Hi Antoinetta,
I love your idea about having a show and tell time within the classroom day. I believe it does offer every one of your families the ability to use their funds of knowledge to share their culture. It also gives the children a diverse experience of rich cultures to learn from. According to Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010), in addition to children needing to see themselves in their learning environment, they also need to see other identities and diverse groups.
Derman-Sparks, L., Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
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