Resources for Program

The Childrens Center Augusta

Concern:
There are currently an estimated 75 staff members employed in 4 different
departments inside the Childrens Center Augusta. Education, family services,
therapy, and administration. The education department alone has six classrooms
consisting of teachers (specialists and generalists), behavioral health professionals,
and aides who provide an array of services including childcare, specialized group
services, individual specialized services, section 28, section 65, and an ABA
program.
With so many different services provided and age groups served,
communication between staff members can be weak at times, especially on days
when the center is low on staff due to call outs, trainings, or other various reasons.
In order to maintain structure and routine for the children we serve, a baseline for
communication must be established.


1. Head Start Center for Inclusion. Tips for Teachers: Zoning in the Preschool
Classroom. Retrieved from
http://depts.washington.edu/hscenter/sites/default/files/01_15m_inclusion
_inservice/06_zoning/documents/zoning_tips_for_teachers.pdf

The technique of zoning a classroom would be beneficial for when
staff members are rotated to different classroom for coverage purposes. A
chart to designate which teachers are in charge of certain areas during
specific times of the day would assist staff in knowing what is expected, while
making staff members feel like they are a part of the classroom, and limiting
the amount of in between or transition time for children.

2. Connors, N, A. (2000) If You Don't Feed the Teachers They Eat the Students:
Guide to Success for Administrators and Teachers: Incentive Pubns

Because communication in the workplace is a team effort, it must come
from all areas. Not only does the author put a lighthearted spin on her
wisdom, she addresses teachers points of view, while inspiring
administration as well. The practical tips from this one book improve
communication skills in staff while suggesting how to maintain a quality
environment in the education workplace.

3. Brewster, C., Railsback, J. (2003) Building Trust Among Teachers. In Building
Trusting Relationships for School Improvement: Implications for
Principals and Teachers. (p. 15) Retrieved from
http://educationnorthwest.org/webfm_send/463

This article discusses how staff members can improve their working
environment through building trusting relationships with other teachers and
coworkers. From creating and supporting meaningful opportunities for
teachers to work collaboratively, to making new teachers feel welcome, the
key is taking the time to make communication a priority.

4. Power, M. (2010, September 20) Parent, Teacher, Student Communication
Going Beyond Paper Newsletters and Emails. Retrieved from
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/top-teaching/2010/09/parent-
teacher-student-communication-going-beyond-paper-newsletters-and-emails

In the last decade, technology has had a huge influence in the work
place. A personalized website for an education department in a early
education program would allow staff members to post ideas, ask questions,
and have discussions with one another. It would also give the option for
specific classrooms to have their own page where lesson plans, activities, or
classroom happenings can be posted. This not only a great way to inform staff
members that work in the classroom (regularly or not), but a great way to
open the lines of communication to parents.

Concern:
The playground equipment at the Childrens Center Augusta is in need of a
renovation, upgrade, or addition. The wooden playground structure that sits back
did not get much the use last summer season due to splintering wood, broken steps,
missing screws, and an excessive amount of stumps sticking out of the ground.
Although the remainder of the outdoor area is quite large, the program lacks
sufficient equipment to stimulate multiple developmental domains of the 85 (and
growing) children who attend the center. As a non-profit organization, it is essential
to come up with cost-efficient ways to update the playground area.


1. Keeler, R., & Smith, L. (2013). Earthplay. Retrieved from
http://earthplay.net/

Earthplay provides a cost efficient, natural play environment that
promotes childrens imaginations and discovery of the world around them.
They provide ideas on how to easily create your own playscape, and offer
community construction projects that save on money and strengthens ties to
the community.

2. Filth Wizardry. (2010, May 23). Music Wall Tree (R.I.P. Music Tree)
Retrieved from
http://www.filthwizardry.com/2010/05/musicwall-rip-music-tree.html

This blog provides a creative idea for a music wall using common
materials that can be found in most homes. Having the combination of nature
and fine arts provides a great opportunity for an outdoor classroom.

3. Hutton, S., Ridley-Burns, D. (2013) Irresistible Ideas for Play Based Learning.
Retrieved from http://www.playbasedlearning.com.au/early-
childhood-directory/

Each idea or activity posted in the Play Outside! area of this blog, are
not only fun interactive ways for children to learn, they combine the use of
multiple developmental domains such as science, math, dramatic play, gross
motor, creative arts, and early language and literacy. The activities are easy to
implement in any outdoors area and call for recycled materials or items found
within the home.