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Posts From Last Day
Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 08:01 PM
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Replies: 12
Views: 5,800
Posted By
BigMama
Actually you can incorporate diversity...Actually you can incorporate diversity everywhere: Books Posters Art Area: use red clay, beads from different countries, weaving projects, have markers, paint, paper, and playdough in myriad... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 07:44 PM
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Replies: 12
Views: 5,800
Posted By
BigMama
One thing I would suggest as an alternative to...One thing I would suggest as an alternative to dress-up clothes is to get several yards of different cloth. You can get a yard of kente inspired cloth, tie dyed cloth, batik patterned cloth, brocade,... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 05:36 PM
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Replies: 12
Views: 1,736
Posted By
BigMama
My infants and young toddlers sleep in Pack and...My infants and young toddlers sleep in Pack and Plays. They used to be referred to as "play pens" but I guess that is politically incorrect now :D I wouldn't refer to it as a play yard though - to me... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 04:59 PM
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Replies: 111
Views: 22,491
Posted By
BigMama
I am very serious.
There are numerous studies...I am very serious. There are numerous studies about the negative effects of television watching on infants. Professor Christakis from Seattle Children's Research Institute explains why television... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 03:34 PM
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Replies: 6,246
Sticky: Venting Thread
Views: 809,731
Posted By
BigMama
No fire, no injury...she just wanted to tell me...No fire, no injury...she just wanted to tell me that my other neighbor had her baby this morning. Well, that is awesome but you HAD to tell me at 1:15 when you KNOW I do childcare and it is naptime.... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 02:55 PM
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Replies: 111
Views: 22,491
Posted By
BigMama
At first I thought you said "please talk TO him a...At first I thought you said "please talk TO him a lot" and I was glad. Poor baby sitting in front of a TV. Since she didn' t say it, I will, "Please talk TO him a lot." |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 02:48 PM
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Replies: 5
Views: 1,395
Posted By
BigMama
What is your nap set-up? Are they all in the same...What is your nap set-up? Are they all in the same room? I find that some children find it hard to settle down when they can see their little smiling friends faces just a few feet away.:o All of my... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 02:41 PM
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Replies: 29
Views: 3,987
Posted By
BigMama
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 02:39 PM
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Replies: 14
Views: 2,249
Posted By
BigMama
I remember attending an Easter Egg hunt when I...I remember attending an Easter Egg hunt when I was little (at church maybe? I don't exactly remember the locale). These eggs were not just strewn in the grass as described in the article, they were... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 02:10 PM
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Replies: 27
Views: 4,222
Posted By
BigMama
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 01:44 PM
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Replies: 29
Views: 5,066
Posted By
BigMama
I would be VERY VERY specific about this. I think...I would be VERY VERY specific about this. I think it is so much easier to provide lunches than to have parents send them in. Here are some things you may want think about and address: -parents... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 10:14 AM
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Replies: 6,246
Sticky: Venting Thread
Views: 809,731
Posted By
BigMama
Seriously?OMG!!! My neighbor just walked in my front door into my living room, where all my children are peacefully sleeping, and called my name! Normally my front door is locked during nap but my youngest... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-26-2012, 09:57 AM
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Replies: 34
Views: 4,808
Posted By
BigMama
I have three moms who text me daily to check in...I have three moms who text me daily to check in and get an update as to how our day is going...2 are teachers and one works in an office and it is easier for them to text than to call. I like it... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-23-2012, 11:28 AM
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Replies: 23
Views: 3,560
Posted By
BigMama
Oh, wow cool. I definitely want one. Today we saw...Oh, wow cool. I definitely want one. Today we saw mourning doves, cardinals, robins, and a woodpecker...all in the backyard. I think a bird bath would totally invite more feathered friends! I'm going... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-23-2012, 11:20 AM
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Replies: 2
Views: 1,790
Posted By
BigMama
FCCERS Pondering...When I was in college I took a class about assessment and evaluation in EC. In this class we were trained to use the ECERS, ITERS, and the FCCERS. Now, in my practice I use the FCCERS as a resource.... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-23-2012, 11:12 AM
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Replies: 23
Views: 3,560
Posted By
BigMama
Alysa's law (in NY) has to do with the...Alysa's law (in NY) has to do with the requirements regarding water safety (such as barriers around pools and other "water features", alarms on doors, etc.) on family child care property. A 2 year... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-23-2012, 10:19 AM
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Replies: 12
Views: 2,119
Posted By
BigMama
So you are not closing early? You are not missing...So you are not closing early? You are not missing any daycare days? You are taking a second job instead of raising your fees? So...she is mad because you are NOT inconveniencing her in any way? Wow.... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-23-2012, 09:39 AM
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Replies: 23
Views: 3,560
Posted By
BigMama
I've done some serious bird watching with the...I've done some serious bird watching with the kids and would love to have a bird bath but was told they weren't allowed under Alysa's law. Do you have a bird bath? I am wondering if there is a type... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-23-2012, 07:58 AM
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Replies: 4
Views: 1,409
Posted By
BigMama
Awesome project. The best thing to paper mache...Awesome project. The best thing to paper mache with is liquid starch. |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-23-2012, 07:57 AM
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Replies: 8
Views: 3,265
Posted By
BigMama
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-22-2012, 03:41 PM
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Replies: 27
Views: 3,788
Posted By
BigMama
All of my school-agers are drop-ins so I don't...All of my school-agers are drop-ins so I don't have them around enough for them to get bored and have other issues. I have two lovely young ladies, both 7 1/2, who come over on Wed. afternoons. I... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-22-2012, 02:34 PM
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Replies: 8
Views: 3,265
Posted By
BigMama
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-22-2012, 02:28 PM
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Replies: 18
Views: 3,056
Posted By
BigMama
I welcome blankies and lovies for little guys and...I welcome blankies and lovies for little guys and new children. The older ones are allowed to bring them for nap time or if the want to go to the quiet area and cuddle and read a book (but they have... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-22-2012, 02:19 PM
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Replies: 23
Views: 3,560
Posted By
BigMama
Wow. Just wow. I am in awe. You. Rock. Just...Wow. Just wow. I am in awe. You. Rock. Just wondering a couple of things: What aspects of the rating scales are you struggling with? What part of the country do you live in? What will winter look... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-22-2012, 09:29 AM
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Replies: 2
Views: 1,473
Posted By
BigMama
We've done colored sand art like Pitter Patter...We've done colored sand art like Pitter Patter described. We've also done: -Sand jar art (layering colored sand in baby food jars) -Used colored sand with our spin art. The children squeeze glue... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-21-2012, 11:15 AM
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Replies: 8
Views: 3,265
Posted By
BigMama
Mural IdeasOne of my DCM's is an art teacher and she has offered to paint a large mural on the wall in my backyard. I am super, uber excited about this. I am trying to come up with a creative and fun theme for... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-21-2012, 10:00 AM
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Replies: 6
Views: 1,419
Posted By
BigMama
We play
parachute
Ring Around the Rosie ...We play parachute Ring Around the Rosie Doggy Doggy Where's You Bone? Red Light Green Light Tag Mother May I? Mr. Fox, what time is it? Duck Duck Goose |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-20-2012, 05:06 PM
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Replies: 16
Views: 2,554
Posted By
BigMama
I've considered instituting this rule as a way to...I've considered instituting this rule as a way to teach responsibility and caring for materials, but am worried that I will spend valuable time that I could be interacting with the children hounding... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-20-2012, 04:25 PM
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Replies: 16
Views: 2,554
Posted By
BigMama
Wanted to Ask This on the "I'm Sick" Threadbut some posters were getting ugly so I got scared:eek: How is clean-up done in your program? It sounds like many providers expect the children to clean up everything after play. I find that every... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-20-2012, 04:04 PM
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Replies: 39
Views: 5,443
Posted By
BigMama
My younger brother and his girlfriend recently...My younger brother and his girlfriend recently had a baby and the comments have already started: "Oh, your sister will "watch" her." "At least your daycare will be free." etc. etc. I am a single... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-20-2012, 11:32 AM
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Replies: 10
Views: 1,776
Posted By
BigMama
I call anyone who isn't here by 1/2 hour later...I call anyone who isn't here by 1/2 hour later than their normal time. If they normally come at 7:30 and aren't here by 8, I call them. "Hi, this is _______! I just wanted to make sure that... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-20-2012, 08:42 AM
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Replies: 16
Views: 2,977
Posted By
BigMama
Did that sound snooty? Wasn't meant to be...I am...Did that sound snooty? Wasn't meant to be...I am just (very) curious. |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-20-2012, 08:40 AM
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Replies: 16
Views: 2,977
Posted By
BigMama
Really? If you feel it is appropriate to share...Really? If you feel it is appropriate to share I'd be curious to know exactly what the reply was. |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-19-2012, 07:42 PM
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Replies: 18
Views: 3,519
Posted By
BigMama
This is a difficult one because we don't know the...This is a difficult one because we don't know the child's regular temperment, behavior, etc. When I worked at one early childhood program other children and staff were regularly physically harmed by... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-19-2012, 11:34 AM
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Replies: 13
Views: 1,865
Posted By
BigMama
I apply sunscreen every time we go out which I...I apply sunscreen every time we go out which I feel is really really important as my own skin is so fair I call it clear :lol:. I also HIGHLY encourage the parents to send in hats, lip balm, and... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-19-2012, 11:15 AM
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Replies: 18
Views: 3,002
Posted By
BigMama
I would just keep it light and to the point. ...I would just keep it light and to the point. DCD, the children are free to make their own choices during activity time. We don't make a distinction between "girl" and "boy" toys as all types of... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-19-2012, 10:17 AM
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Replies: 18
Views: 3,002
Posted By
BigMama
Ok, I want to share this story because I feel...Ok, I want to share this story because I feel that it is important. I do not want to start a philosophical or religious argument so if you disagree with me or have strong opinions about this please... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-19-2012, 03:10 AM
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Replies: 5
Views: 2,258
Posted By
BigMama
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-17-2012, 09:21 PM
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Replies: 5
Views: 2,258
Posted By
BigMama
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-17-2012, 05:48 PM
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Replies: 5
Views: 2,258
Posted By
BigMama
Glue Gun Art - Help Please!I apologize for starting a new thread for this but I am SO SO bad at the search feature. A few weeks ago someone commented in an art thread that they use crayons in hot glue guns for an art activity.... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-17-2012, 05:11 PM
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Replies: 46
Views: 6,695
Posted By
BigMama
Wow. Nan, you're post makes me really sad. I...Wow. Nan, you're post makes me really sad. I can't believe how disrespectful your neighbors are. It seems as though they have no respect for the fact that what you do is your business & livelihood. I... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-17-2012, 12:48 PM
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Replies: 46
Views: 6,695
Posted By
BigMama
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-15-2012, 01:03 PM
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Replies: 5
Views: 3,404
Posted By
BigMama
Manhattan
22 Cortlandt St., 28th Fl., Box CN 68...Manhattan 22 Cortlandt St., 28th Fl., Box CN 68 (between Broadway & Church St.) Tel: (212) 313-5120 |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-15-2012, 10:46 AM
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Replies: 12
Views: 3,408
Posted By
BigMama
I see "fill and dump" as a type of play, very...I see "fill and dump" as a type of play, very developmentally appropriate for a 1-2 year old. If children haven't had a lot of these types of experiences, I think this stage tends to last even... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-15-2012, 10:34 AM
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Replies: 14
Views: 2,143
Posted By
BigMama
Ok, I can't believe I am writing these words, but...Ok, I can't believe I am writing these words, but I agree with Nannyde (on this). :lol: Nice warm cloths applied gently are the KEY to getting the infants and toddlers to not get so upset with every... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-15-2012, 10:16 AM
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Replies: 5
Views: 3,404
Posted By
BigMama
In NYC child care centers are regulated by the...In NYC child care centers are regulated by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. What borough are you in - I will send an appropriate contact number for where you can voice your concern. |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-14-2012, 09:33 AM
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Replies: 1,218
Views: 285,329
Posted By
BigMama
As we were getting ready to trek down to the...As we were getting ready to trek down to the playground this morning, I reminded each child to use the potty. "I don't want to," very newly potty-trained DCG said. "But DCG, there is no potty at the... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-13-2012, 10:25 AM
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Replies: 39
Views: 6,152
Posted By
BigMama
So Nannyde, what do your child care children do...So Nannyde, what do your child care children do outside? Do you have climbers, trikes, balls, room to run? Do you take them to the playground? I was a VERY timid child - to the point of anxiety... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-12-2012, 09:30 AM
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Replies: 14
Views: 2,924
Posted By
BigMama
I have the stackable Angeles cots from Discount...I have the stackable Angeles cots from Discount school supply too. I love them and so do the children! They are very durable and washable. I really like that they come in different colors as each... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-11-2012, 02:12 PM
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Replies: 14
Views: 2,837
Posted By
BigMama
Yay for you Sprouts! happyface I got a grant from...Yay for you Sprouts! happyface I got a grant from CSEA as well but mine was not a reimbursement so I had to choose items from the VOICE/Kaplan website. Not that I am complaining - there was so much... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-11-2012, 10:09 AM
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Replies: 17
Views: 2,937
Posted By
BigMama
Are pajamas distinguishable from other clothes at...Are pajamas distinguishable from other clothes at 5 months? :rolleyes: I think all of my guys lives in sleepers, onesies, and "Sweet'pea" style outfits until at least 7 or 8 months. I would totally... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-09-2012, 03:18 PM
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Replies: 22
Views: 3,215
Posted By
BigMama
Yup, read through the report from the field test....Yup, read through the report from the field test. They will plow ahead with it anyways! I can think of soooo many ways the money they are spending on it could actually be used to improve programs! ... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-08-2012, 11:23 AM
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Replies: 22
Views: 3,215
Posted By
BigMama
Our state is currently piloting a "star program"...Our state is currently piloting a "star program" like you describe. Thus far, it appears to be voluntary. I haven't looked into it for the very reason you describe: how can we providers be assured... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-07-2012, 02:11 PM
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Replies: 15
Views: 2,042
Posted By
BigMama
On my wish list is knitted food. I saw some...On my wish list is knitted food. I saw some really cute sets on Etsy. They are a little more pricey than the other alternatives, but mesh well with the aesthetic I am going for. I also think that... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-07-2012, 11:31 AM
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Replies: 20
Views: 1,990
Posted By
BigMama
I too get overwhelmed by all the cleaning that...I too get overwhelmed by all the cleaning that has to be done. I am not a naturally organized person nor do I have a knack for or need to clean for the sake of cleaning. I only clean because I have... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-05-2012, 02:26 PM
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Replies: 15
Views: 1,886
Posted By
BigMama
It is stored on a shelf in the coat closet in the...It is stored on a shelf in the coat closet in the living room. The reg. says it must be out of reach of children but accessible at all times. If it wasn't so darn heavy I'd hang it on a hook on the... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-05-2012, 11:49 AM
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Replies: 15
Views: 1,886
Posted By
BigMama
We are required to even take it in the backyard...We are required to even take it in the backyard so daily lol. We go for walks or to the playground 3-4 times a week. I wear the backpack on my back or put it in the stroller basket. |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-05-2012, 10:30 AM
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Replies: 15
Views: 1,886
Posted By
BigMama
In NY we are required to have an emergency bag. I...In NY we are required to have an emergency bag. I use a backpack. It has a first aid kit, slippers for every child, blankets, jackets, diapers & wipes, bottles, formula, hand sanitizer, tissues, and... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-05-2012, 10:24 AM
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Replies: 49
Views: 12,012
Posted By
BigMama
I am going to assume the provider is licensed,...I am going to assume the provider is licensed, has education in early childhood, no criminal history, and has a pleasant demeanor. I am also going to assume the house is tidy, safe, and there is... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-05-2012, 09:56 AM
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Replies: 16
Views: 2,434
Posted By
BigMama
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-05-2012, 09:44 AM
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Replies: 19
Views: 2,865
Posted By
BigMama
I must be the odd man (ahem, woman) out because I...I must be the odd man (ahem, woman) out because I LOVE Mondays! Sundays are my clean and organize day so everything is all tidy and neat for the children on Monday mornings. I miss the kids over the... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
03-02-2012, 08:14 AM
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Replies: 22
Views: 5,974
Posted By
BigMama
Our sensory table is open everyday. We put many...Our sensory table is open everyday. We put many different things inside but I don't use food (rice, pasta, beans, etc.) It is wasteful and sends a bad message about playing with food. In some Asian... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-17-2012, 09:58 AM
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Replies: 10
Views: 2,519
Posted By
BigMama
Saw it with my two teenagers last weekend. I am...Saw it with my two teenagers last weekend. I am not a "romantic comedy" type person at all, but I liked it. It was funny and sweet but not in a goofy way. Good date movie for you and DH! |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-16-2012, 11:12 AM
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Replies: 15
Views: 2,792
Posted By
BigMama
We go outside everyday unless it is a)below 20...We go outside everyday unless it is a)below 20 degrees or b)pouring rain. I work on self-help skills from the moment the kids enter my program so most can put on snowpants, boots, do a jacket flip,... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-16-2012, 10:55 AM
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Replies: 19
Views: 2,668
Posted By
BigMama
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-16-2012, 10:50 AM
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Replies: 56
Views: 9,720
Posted By
BigMama
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-15-2012, 09:49 AM
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Replies: 13
Views: 2,274
Posted By
BigMama
I like the idea of trading one toy for a toy of...I like the idea of trading one toy for a toy of equal value. I also think a deposit would work well (and might be less complicated). Oh, and I definitely will not loan out things that are... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-14-2012, 10:47 AM
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Replies: 13
Views: 2,274
Posted By
BigMama
Toy Lending - What Do You Think?I love love love being a family child care provider. I really like that I am my own boss and that, within the state regs, I can design my program the way I think it should be. I really enjoy working... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-14-2012, 10:21 AM
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Replies: 60
Views: 13,923
Posted By
BigMama
Somehow "Kindergarten preparation" has become a...Somehow "Kindergarten preparation" has become a huge deal in early childhood. Somehow our country has been led to believe that the children must be made ready for Kindergarten when in fact... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-10-2012, 08:36 AM
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Replies: 47
Views: 6,855
Posted By
BigMama
I live in a city of approximately 145,000. It is...I live in a city of approximately 145,000. It is a fairly diverse area with a mixture of upper, middle, and working class folks. I am definitely a city-girl - I cannot imagine living in the suburbs... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-08-2012, 09:54 AM
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Replies: 13
Views: 2,872
Posted By
BigMama
I obviously don't know the situation but maybe...I obviously don't know the situation but maybe Mom and Dad look nice because they have to look nice for work? Maybe they are trying to get by by dressing her in hand-me-downs? I once had a... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-08-2012, 09:27 AM
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Replies: 24
Views: 3,906
Posted By
BigMama
Legal?! For real? :eek::eek::eek: Is it commonly...Legal?! For real? :eek::eek::eek: Is it commonly practiced? I would go ape $@*% if someone spanked my child at school! |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-07-2012, 09:50 AM
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Replies: 15
Views: 2,517
Posted By
BigMama
Oy! I can sooooo relate to the teenage drama! My...Oy! I can sooooo relate to the teenage drama! My 16 y.o. "B." has had the same best friend since sixth grade. Sweet, smart girl and I totally thought I was going to be able to avoid all the drama I... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-03-2012, 10:40 AM
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Replies: 84
Views: 20,810
Posted By
BigMama
I think what it all boils down to is...I think what it all boils down to is professionalism - something the field of early childhood is sorely lacking. When one refers to someone as a baby-sitter he or she is saying that this person is a... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-01-2012, 11:10 AM
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Replies: 3
Views: 2,953
Posted By
BigMama
Because the passage of time is such an abstract...Because the passage of time is such an abstract concept for young children, I find it best to teach the days of the week in as concrete a way as possible. When referencing a certain day I will say,... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
02-01-2012, 07:30 AM
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Replies: 2
Views: 2,318
Posted By
BigMama
-Mine all get new toothbrushes.
-We practice...-Mine all get new toothbrushes. -We practice brushing our (stuffed) alligator's teeth. -Crocodile Dentist game. -Get some little toothbrushes from the Dollar Store & let them paint with them. ... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-30-2012, 10:03 AM
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Replies: 31
Views: 5,218
Posted By
BigMama
One of my DCB's was diagnosed with a peanut...One of my DCB's was diagnosed with a peanut allergy this past fall. I did the following to accommodate him: -We no longer serve peanut or peanut products. Instead of peanut butter we serve sunflower... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-30-2012, 09:27 AM
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Replies: 5
Views: 4,514
Posted By
BigMama
Thanks meganlavonnesmommy! I love the Melissa and...Thanks meganlavonnesmommy! I love the Melissa and Doug products! Great idea! |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-30-2012, 06:10 AM
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Replies: 5
Views: 4,514
Posted By
BigMama
Toys With No Pieces - Any Ideas?I have my large finished basement as my main daycare space. I am very happy with the set-up down there and the children really enjoy the centers, sensory table, easel, and multitude of toys and... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-27-2012, 10:49 PM
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Replies: 4
Views: 1,993
Posted By
BigMama
I started homeschooling my youngest last year...I started homeschooling my youngest last year when he was in 8th grade. Though he is older than your daughter some aspects of our schedule may work for you. He likes to sleep in so our compromise is... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-27-2012, 11:46 AM
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Replies: 18
Views: 4,627
Posted By
BigMama
My personal philosophy is that it is my job to...My personal philosophy is that it is my job to buy the healthy food, prepare the healthy food, serve the healthy food, but it is the children's job to eat it or not. I am lucky that I have really... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-25-2012, 09:45 AM
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Replies: 8
Views: 1,801
Posted By
BigMama
I do this but only for my 2 year old's and...I do this but only for my 2 year old's and younger. I make the forms myself. They are very simple. They read: Name: Date: I enjoyed: (here I put a sentence or two about what we did that day or... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-24-2012, 11:35 AM
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Replies: 9
Views: 2,396
Posted By
BigMama
Ok...I emailed the new family and explained that...Ok...I emailed the new family and explained that Family A had changed their mind. I apologized profusely but explained that I felt that keeping the little guy was the right thing to do. I also... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-24-2012, 10:25 AM
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Replies: 35
Views: 4,312
Posted By
BigMama
Today we had whole wheat penne pasta with ground...Today we had whole wheat penne pasta with ground turkey meat sauce, steamed broccoli, and a fresh melon medley (and skim milk). I serve the same lunch once a week: sunflower butter & jelly on... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-19-2012, 10:01 AM
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Replies: 23
Views: 4,877
Posted By
BigMama
I think the biggest difference with children now...I think the biggest difference with children now is that so many of them aren't taught self-help skills! They don't even TRY to put on their shoes or coat. They just stand there and wait because they... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-18-2012, 11:35 AM
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Replies: 9
Views: 2,396
Posted By
BigMama
DCM changed her mind because she wasn't happy...DCM changed her mind because she wasn't happy with her two full-day pre-school options (one was with a less-than-stellar teacher and one was too pricey). The half day pre-k is free and then DCB would... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-18-2012, 09:56 AM
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Replies: 9
Views: 2,396
Posted By
BigMama
How To Handle?I have been caring for DCB for two years and from day one his mom has been saying how when he turns 4 she planned to send him to pre-k. Well, he is turning 4 this summer and would therefore be going... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-17-2012, 02:41 PM
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Replies: 28
Views: 6,144
Posted By
BigMama
P.S. The painted shells are REALLY bad for hermit...P.S. The painted shells are REALLY bad for hermit crabs! Sometimes the paint chips off and the crabs ingest the chips. Also, there have been cases of crabs getting stuck in their shells (and dying)... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-17-2012, 02:39 PM
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Replies: 28
Views: 6,144
Posted By
BigMama
Hermit crabs are a great pet but contrary to the...Hermit crabs are a great pet but contrary to the above post, they are NOT low maintenance! They require a tank with 5-6 inches of moist sand substrate, a heat lamp, and a constant humidity of about... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-12-2012, 10:25 AM
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Replies: 4
Views: 1,696
Posted By
BigMama
Playdough Ideas PleaseI make homemade playdough often with the children. It is definitely a favorite activity. I think we are stuck in a rut with our playdough accessories though. I have rolling pins (some with texture,... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-12-2012, 10:11 AM
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Replies: 4
Views: 1,808
Posted By
BigMama
Hey Melskids I am in upstate NY too! I would love...Hey Melskids I am in upstate NY too! I would love to go see Ooey Gooey Lady but you are right - it is a little pricey! |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
01-05-2012, 09:26 AM
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Replies: 27
Views: 3,859
Posted By
BigMama
I don't have any kiddos with the same or similar...I don't have any kiddos with the same or similar names but three of my six DCM's and I have very similar names. It is weird saying your own name to someone else! :p |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
12-23-2011, 01:39 AM
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Replies: 16
Views: 4,404
Posted By
BigMama
I have my older pre-schoolers that have outgrown...I have my older pre-schoolers that have outgrown the need for an afternoon nap rest on their cots for 30 min. This gives me a chance to get everyone else to sleep (including the babies who get... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
12-19-2011, 08:09 AM
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Replies: 19
Views: 5,658
Posted By
BigMama
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
12-18-2011, 09:00 AM
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Replies: 19
Views: 5,658
Posted By
BigMama
I think you are right :(. In my state, after you...I think you are right :(. In my state, after you file all of the required paperwork, all you really need to open a home based child care is a background check, CPR/ first Aid training, an initial... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
12-17-2011, 09:11 PM
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Replies: 19
Views: 5,658
Posted By
BigMama
No Respect For Home Daycare Providers...My good friend (who works at a child care center) had her annual holiday party this evening. She and I used to work together before I opened my home daycare. Well, people were mingling and one... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
12-17-2011, 08:49 PM
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Replies: 49
Views: 9,848
Posted By
BigMama
To screen people and refuse to interview/enroll...To screen people and refuse to interview/enroll them based on their race is called RACISM. Point blank. End of story. It is disgusting and I hope she isn't passing her bigotry down to the children in... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
12-16-2011, 10:14 AM
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Replies: 7
Views: 5,054
Posted By
BigMama
"Goop" and "silly putty" are two different..."Goop" and "silly putty" are two different substances to me. Goop is equal parts cornstarch and water (and a few drops of food coloring if desired). This is solid in the sensory table or... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
12-15-2011, 02:20 PM
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Replies: 17
Views: 5,032
Posted By
BigMama
You can get those natural wooden "peg" people...You can get those natural wooden "peg" people Blackcat posted about above at a craft store like Michael's or AC Moore. They come in 2 sizes so you could have adults and children. You get a few in a... |
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Forum: Daycare Center and Family Home Forum
12-13-2011, 03:21 PM
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Replies: 103
Views: 31,253
Posted By
BigMama
This makes me sad. Decades of research has proven...This makes me sad. Decades of research has proven that babies learn through their senses and movement: through touch, through hearing soothing voices and sounds, through touch, through being free to... |