Earning Naeyc Accreditation

Earning NAEYC Accreditation

Lisa Anctil

ECE 497 Child Development Capstone Course

Instructor: Susan Hoagland

Ashford University

May 14, 2012

Abstract

For the purpose of this paper, I will call my childcare program Play and Learn. The philosophy of Play and Learn is to provide countless opportunities for children to learn and develop individually in a developmentally, age-appropriate, and hands-on learning environment. Children are encouraged to explore their environment, and learn through experiences of play. Teachers follow theorists Lev Vygotsky's lead linking learning and development together through his theory Zone of Proximal Development. Teachers feed off from a child's current interest and knowledge, than engage in their play to encourage steps of further growth and development (Charlesworth, 2011).

As a center seeking national accreditation, Play and Learn is putting a lot of focus on incorporating the ten Early Childhood Program Standards developed by the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). These standards are: relationships, curriculum, teaching, assessment of child progress, health, teachers, families, community relationships, physical environment, and leadership and management. This report will share five of the standards, and examples of activities or scenarios Play and Learn incorporates into our program to meet the specific standards.

Relationship

At Play and Learn relationships with children and families take top priority. One criteria under relationship states that "teaching staff evaluate and change their responses based on individual needs. Teaching staff vary their interactions to be sensitive and responsive to differing abilities, temperaments, activity levels, cognitive and social development (naeyc, 2012)." At Play and Learn teachers are sensitive to the children's individual needs. They take the time to get to know children on an individual basis, learning their likes and dislikes, as well as any special circumstances the child may have to better meet their needs. Through this teachers learn how each child learns best, how to best approach them, and ways to help the child to have a successful experience in our center. To help meet this criteria teachers also assure that their weekly curriculum is meeting the varying needs of the children in the classroom. Learning styles, differing abilities, activity levels, temperament cognitive and social development is all taken into consideration as plans for each week are made.

While Play and Learn teachers treat all children fairly, they also take time to use different approaches based on what works best for individual children. Teachers begin by reaching out to families to meet the NAEYC criteria, "Teachers communicate with families on an on-going basis (NAEYC, 2012)." The teachers at Play and Learn begin this process by meeting with families prior to the child's first day of attendance. The purpose of this meeting is to get to know the child and family a little before they start. At this time we ask for parents to share routines and schedules their child is used to, likes and dislikes, any special requests we might be able to meet, fears, special people in the child's life, family traditions and hopes and dreams of their child's experience at Play and Learn. This helps pave the path for the teacher family relationship. Once the child is a participant at Play and Learn teachers continue this relationship through daily face to face communication about their child's day, weekly newsletters about the happening in the classroom, and the use of parent boards. Teachers are also available through e-mail as well for a means of communication.

Curriculum

Another standard we take seriously at Play and Learn is Curriculum. One criteria states, "The curriculum guides the development of daily schedule that is predictable yet flexible and responsive to individual needs of the children (NAEYC, 2012)." Each classroom at Play and Learn has a daily schedule posted at the children's level, as well as an adult friendly one up higher. The adult friendly schedule shows time frames of each activity period although in fine print states that schedules can change without notice to better meet the needs of the children. Children play a role in the child friendly schedule. Many teachers have a helper each day that helps move the arrow to show what activity time the classroom is at. Time is also taken to discuss what will happen next. Children quickly become familiar with the schedule, and can determine their day by it. A child who might be missing a parent, can look at the schedule, and see that he will have circle time, eat lunch, rest time, go out to play then his Mom or Dad will be there to pick him up. This often helps an emotional child see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Play and Learn teachers also assure the classroom schedules have a balance of structured and unstructured time to allow children to explore their environment, make choices, and practice the skills they are learning. Being a full day program Play and Learn also incorporates outdoor time twice daily.

Play and Learn teachers use their curriculum to help children develop in all areas. This meets NAEYC criteria, "the curriculum guides teachers to incorporate content, concepts, and activities that foster all areas of development (naeyc, 2012)." Large motor activities that get children moving are part of the daily curriculum. Movement games and songs that teach children their body parts, how to follow directions, and how to have self control are all part of a young child's physical development. Through stories read a word wall area is available in our Preschool classrooms. Words are attached to pictures, and paper and writing supplies are available to encourage children to write letters from the words, and draw. This helps advance a child's language skills, and broadens their vocabulary. Puzzles, counting blocks, matching games, manipulatives and a discovery area is available and changed to meet the differing needs of the children to help advance cognitive development.

Teaching

Teaching staff at Play and Learn put the safety of children at the utmost importance. Supervision of children is one of the best way