Poems Regarding Children/ Day Care

Why I Became a Child Care Provider:

1. So I could run through the sprinkler, at the age of ??, without the fear of being committed.

2. So I could start buying and wearing all those cool glow-in-the-dark bandages.

3. So I could tell all my friends that I am the most intelligent person in MY work place.

4. So I'd have a legitimate reason for all those gray hairs.

5. So I can work from home thus avoiding all the crazies in rush hour traffic.

6. So I can look forward to all those surprise visits from county personnel.

7. So I can increase my body's immune system by being exposed to every virus known to man.

8. So I can claim a portion of my therapy bills as a business expense.

9. So I can try out all those new stain removers that claim to remove paint, marker, grape juice, etc.

10. So at the end of the day I know, there is nothing more rewarding than all the smiles, hugs, and kisses that go along with being a childcare provider!!!!!!

A House Full of Kids

A Place Full of Noise

A Heart Full of Love

For Each Girl and Boy

"THEY WILL REMEMBER"

I take care of your children.

I love them, I teach them.

I clean them and feed them.

And when night comes,

My heart worries for them.

I take care of your children.

I see their first steps,

I hear their first words,

I share their happiness,

And I feel their hurts.

I take care of your children.

As if they were my own.

And when they are grown and

My love will be a part of them

Deep within the heart of them.

They will know that I was

There for them unconditionally.

And I hope they will remember.

What is the Role of the Teacher?

The early childhood teacher holds several roles.

The teacher must love all of her children and treat them as equal but special individuals, thus she is a mother.

The teacher must ask thought provoking questions and encourage exploration and investigation, thus she is a scientist.

The teacher must sing loud and proud, even if she can not carry a tune, thus she is a musician.

The teacher must encourage children to use their words and talk out their feelings, thus she is a mediator.

The teacher must run, hop, jump, skip, and tumble with the children, thus she is a gymnist.

The teacher must share accounts of far away lands and imaginary people, thus she is a storyteller.

The teacher must bandage scraped knees and kiss "ouchies," thus she is a nurse.

The teacher must give words of encouragement, louder and stronger than anyone thought possible, thus she is a cheerleader.

The teacher must listen with open ears and an empathetic heart, thus she is a friend.

The teacher does not entertain, dictate, police, referee, lecture, demolish, or judge.

The teacher is a facilitator, enabler, questioner, organizer, nurturer, backer, advocator, and supporter.

The early childhood teacher holds several roles, each different in action, but equal in importance.

To teach is to touch a life.

And that is the most important role of the teacher.

"When Your Child Comes Home Messy"

Red paint in the hair? Blue paint on the jeans? Sand in the shoes? Peanut Butter on the favorite shirt? White socks that look brown? Sleeves a little damp?

YOUR CHILD probably....

worked with a friend

created a masterpiece

negotiated a difference

developed new language skills

YOUR CHILD probably didn't.....

do repetitive tasks that are too babyish

do worksheet tasks that are too easy

do sit down work that is discouraging

Paid good money for those clothes

Will have trouble getting the red paint out

Are concerned that the caregiver isn't paying enough attention to your child

THE CAREGIVER probably.......

Was aware of your child's needs and interests

Spent time planning a challenging activity for the children

Encouraged the children to try new things

Put smocks on the children

** Try to remember your favorite activity when you were three years old. Was it outdoor play with water, mud, dress up clothes with friends? Young children really learn when they are actively involved in play, not when someone is talking to them. There is a difference between "messy" and "lack of care." The caregiver made sure your child was fed, warm, took a nap, washed hands after toileting and before eating, and also planned messy fun things to do because that's how young children learn!

Send your children in clothes that can get dirty! Keep extra old clothes at the day care for times when the child gets wet or really messy! If you need to take the child out, bring the dress up clothes and allow time to change. Keep calm. Remember in a few years, teenagers will use your shampoo, mirrors, and most of your towels to be clean. But young children need time to be kids. If you have any concerns, talk to your child's caregiver about active play.