Sheri Johnson

Program Standard: The program promotes positive relationships among all children and adults to encourage each childs sense of individual worth and belonging as part of a community and to foster each childs ability to contribute as a responsible community member.

Building positive relationships with children which include trust, honesty and security are essential in a child care program. Having affectionate and positive connections with children will help each child develop their own type of self worth and help the children achieve self-regulation.

Program Standard: The program implements a curriculum that is consistent with its goals for children and promotes learning and development in each of the following areas: social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive.

Having a planned curriculum help teachers in recognizing important concepts to teach the children. A curriculum also helps teachers in planning a daily schedule that increases childrens learning because the time is used efficiently. It will allow children to be creative as well as giving children a chance to learn individually and in groups.

Program Standard: The program uses developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and effective teaching approaches that enhance each childs learning and development in the context of the programs curriculum goals.

Teachers need to use multiple teaching methods to maximize childrens chances for acquiring new concepts. They need to include structured and un structured opportunities as well teacher lead and child lead. Children need have a positive learning environment that is nurturing and inviting.

Program Standard: The program is informed by ongoing systematic, formal, and informal assessment approaches to provide information on childrens learning and development. These assessments occur within the context of reciprocal communications with families and with sensitivity to the cultural contexts in which children develop. Assessment results are used to benefit children by informing sound decisions about children, teaching, and program improvement.

If a teacher is aware of each childs strengths and weakness they can adjust the curriculum to each childs needs.

Program Standard: The program promotes the nutrition and health of children and protects children and staff from illness and injury.

Children rely on healthy adults to make healthy choices for them and to teach them how to make healthy choices for themselves by being a good example. A quality program promotes a safe environment both inside and out for children, free from potential hazards.

Program Standard: The program employs and supports a teaching staff that has the educational qualifications, knowledge, and professional commitment necessary to promote childrens learning and development and to support families diverse needs and interests.

Teachers who have a higher education in early childhood are more likely to have positive connections with children and create more appropriate learning environments. They understand how a childs mind works as a result, are more prepared to effectively interact with them.

Program Standard: The program establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with each childs family to foster childrens development in all settings. These relationships are sensitive to family composition, language, and culture.

To support childrens ideal growth, programs need to recognize the importance of childrens families. Relationships need to created with families based on a common trust and respect. Keep families involved and informed in their childrens educational development, and encourage family participation in the program.

Program Standard: The program establishes relationships with and uses the resources of the childrens communities to support the achievement of program goals.

When programs help keep families informed about community recourses they may need, children greatly benefit by receiving the healthy development and education they need.

Program Standard: The program has a safe and healthful environment that provides appropriate and well-maintained indoor and outdoor physical environments. The environment includes facilities, equipment, and materials to facilitate child and staff learning and development.

Shelves and containers with picture labels on them as well as sectioned off areas of play support a healthy learning environment for children. The space for children should be clean, comfortable and well maintained. Toys should be updated and rotated on a regular bases. The environment should be welcoming and everything easily accessible for children and families.

Program Standard: The program effectively implements policies, procedures, and systems that support stable staff and strong personnel, fiscal, and program management so all children, families, and staff have high quality experiences.

Outstanding programs need structure , stability and well-informed leaders. Policies need to work well for the program and be carry out by all staff. Management must make sure staff is in compliance with all regulations and guidelines. Programs should offer ongoing career development opportunities for staff.