Daycare Habits

[dolores]

I have a habit of buying too many things (supplies, materials, toys) for my daycare. Due to covid I moved out a lot of things from my daycare space to my basement where I now see that my buying went overboard. Anyone with a daycare habit they'd like to rehabilitate?

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by dolores

I have a habit of buying too many things (supplies, materials, toys) for my daycare. Due to covid I moved out a lot of things from my daycare space to my basement where I now see that my buying went overboard. Anyone with a daycare habit they'd like to rehabilitate?

I open up every day with high expectations but those dwindle quickly right now, usually before 8:00 AM.

I would like to be more consistent and able to follow through a whole day like I did in my early years before QRIS, Covid and the state expectations, in general, along with having the families like I had in the beginning. While I didn't have the strict contract, I did have NORMAL clients back then....Make sense?

[dolores]

Originally Posted by Annalee

I open up every day with high expectations but those dwindle quickly right now, usually before 8:00 AM.

I would like to be more consistent and able to follow through a whole day like I did in my early years before QRIS, Covid and the state expectations, in general, along with having the families like I had in the beginning. While I didn't have the strict contract, I did have NORMAL clients back then....Make sense?

Of course it makes sense! The things you've mentioned, especially stacked, make one weary which affects motivation which affects consistency.

[Cat Herder]

I am getting rid of all the useless, boring, pre-fab curriculum I purchased over the years. I am tired of storing it, sorting it, planning it, prepping it then doing something else because it is just so beige and blah. Not to mention the one voice on the coordinating music CD's, for the last 10 years is making me lose my mind.

Throwing away almost $2000 is killing me, but not throwing it out is doing the same. Lesson learned.

I am dropping QRIS and having more fun with the kids this year. Enter color, mess, fun music and joy, again, please.

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

I am getting rid of all the useless, boring, pre-fab curriculum I purchased over the years. I am tired of storing it, sorting it, planning it, prepping it then doing something else because it is just so beige and blah. Not to mention the one voice on the coordinating music CD's, for the last 10 years is making me lose my mind.

Throwing away almost $2000 is killing me, but not throwing it out is doing the same. Lesson learned.

I am dropping QRIS and having more fun with the kids this year. Enter color, mess, fun music and joy, again, please.

[dolores]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

I am getting rid of all the useless, boring, pre-fab curriculum I purchased over the years. I am tired of storing it, sorting it, planning it, prepping it then doing something else because it is just so beige and blah. Not to mention the one voice on the coordinating music CD's, for the last 10 years is making me lose my mind.

Throwing away almost $2000 is killing me, but not throwing it out is doing the same. Lesson learned.

I am dropping QRIS and having more fun with the kids this year. Enter color, mess, fun music and joy, again, please.

EVERYTHING you've said! My goal this year is to work towards creating a minimalist daycare space. I thought downsizing would increase clashes amongst the littles as they have less to play with but it has had the opposite effect. They have become creative with what's left and cooperative with each other. Less is surely more sometimes.

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by dolores

EVERYTHING you've said! My goal this year is to work towards creating a minimalist daycare space. I thought downsizing would increase clashes amongst the littles as they have less to play with but it has had the opposite effect. They have become creative with what's left and cooperative with each other. Less is surely more sometimes.

Yes; on the downsizing....I did that the very next day that I heard the FCCERS-R book was no longer being used.

So happy about that !!!!

[flying_babyb]

spending way too much at the dollar tree on stuff we play with once or twice.
Not fallowing though on the lesson plan, and Not doing observations

[Cat Herder]

Originally Posted by flying_babyb

Not doing observations

Right? Mine (2.8 - 3.6) have started freezing in place then just staring at me whenever they see me watching anything or anyone specific. They won't play freely or creatively unless I am "busy" with "computer work" (that's you guys), cleaning or tending to an infant. If I look over my desk, they all. just. stare....

I am going to have to get a turkey hide in there or something to catch up.

[Annalee]

I am back this morning with my High Expectations for the day Let's see how far this goes.

[coloradoprovider]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

I am getting rid of all the useless, boring, pre-fab curriculum I purchased over the years. I am tired of storing it, sorting it, planning it, prepping it then doing something else because it is just so beige and blah. Not to mention the one voice on the coordinating music CD's, for the last 10 years is making me lose my mind.

Throwing away almost $2000 is killing me, but not throwing it out is doing the same. Lesson learned.

I am dropping QRIS and having more fun with the kids this year. Enter color, mess, fun music and joy, again, please.

Have a give away day/week. Donate your stuff to childcare families, another provider, etc.

[Cat Herder]

Originally Posted by Annalee

I am back this morning with my High Expectations for the day Let's see how far this goes.

I was looking at those "Intentional Year" notebooks. They list the 1st priority of the day along with a few smaller goals that can be moved to the next day for all eternity.

They seemed pretty cool, until I saw how big they are (I would prefer half-sheet due to desk size). I like the idea, though, so will add that to my usual planning lists. They do keep me on track and give me other options for the days some of the tasks are just too big for my pain or energy level.

Keep in mind that quiet time, healing rest, exercise and mental stimulation time are also important daily tasks. I have a bad habit of skipping those too often to complete routine tasks that can wait.

Anyway, here is the link to my current inspiration because they deserve the props and maybe someone will be interested: https://theintentionalyear.com/produ...action-planner

I may still grab one to start the new process from my currently crazy long to-do list that make me tired just looking at it. If my DH happens to start using them, too, I think I could share (He has his Masters in Procrastination, mine is in Overtasking, what a pair ).

[Cat Herder]

Originally Posted by coloradoprovider

Have a give away day/week. Donate your stuff to childcare families, another provider, etc.

I have been. Often. No one has the time or desire, it seems. I also reclaim things from each envelope I can use like colored construction paper (rare), wiggly eyes, ribbon, etc.

Things like the thin, floppy or bent paper plates, bland colored tissue paper and flimsy beige/tan/manila craft paper that won't hold paint or their shape have to go. There are a lot of magnet and peel-n-stick crafts that don't stick requiring more work. Things like that. Way too many of them require me to cut things out, times six, in advance.

I am simply over those types of crafts. So are the kids.

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

I was looking at those "Intentional Year" notebooks. They list the 1st priority of the day along with a few smaller goals that can be moved to the next day for all eternity.

They seemed pretty cool, until I saw how big they are (I would prefer half-sheet due to desk size). I like the idea, though, so will add that to my usual planning lists. They do keep me on track and give me other options for the days some of the tasks are just too big for my pain or energy level.

Keep in mind that quiet time, healing rest, exercise and mental stimulation time are also important daily tasks. I have a bad habit of skipping those too often to complete routine tasks that can wait.

Anyway, here is the link to my current inspiration because they deserve the props and maybe someone will be interested: https://theintentionalyear.com/produ...action-planner

I may still grab one to start the new process from my currently crazy long to-do list that make me tired just looking at it. If my DH happens to start using them, too, I think I could share (He has his Masters in Procrastination, mine is in Overtasking, what a pair ).

Thanks and yes on the "never taking time for myself"....gotta change that!

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

I was looking at those "Intentional Year" notebooks. They list the 1st priority of the day along with a few smaller goals that can be moved to the next day for all eternity.

They seemed pretty cool, until I saw how big they are (I would prefer half-sheet due to desk size). I like the idea, though, so will add that to my usual planning lists. They do keep me on track and give me other options for the days some of the tasks are just too big for my pain or energy level.

Keep in mind that quiet time, healing rest, exercise and mental stimulation time are also important daily tasks. I have a bad habit of skipping those too often to complete routine tasks that can wait.

Anyway, here is the link to my current inspiration because they deserve the props and maybe someone will be interested: https://theintentionalyear.com/produ...action-planner

I may still grab one to start the new process from my currently crazy long to-do list that make me tired just looking at it. If my DH happens to start using them, too, I think I could share (He has his Masters in Procrastination, mine is in Overtasking, what a pair ).

Ironically, I had purchased a notebook/calendar similar to what you posted at TJMAXX during my Christmas Break. You have motivated me to write in it TODAY! LOL Haven't even opened it till TODAY! But I had good intentions!

[Cat Herder]

Originally Posted by Annalee

Ironically, I had purchased a notebook/calendar similar to what you posted at TJMAXX during my Christmas Break. You have motivated me to write in it TODAY! LOL Haven't even opened it till TODAY! But I had good intentions!

Awesome. I started my health journal yesterday. Ugh. I dreaded it, but it is not so bad, yet. My Doc asked me to. Buzzkill, that one.

1. Resting Blood Pressure
2. Resting Heart Rate
3. Resting Oxygen Concentration
4. Weight
5. Meals and Snacks plus sweetened beverages (I hate this one, wants 1200 calories per day, crazy talk)
6. Total Minutes of Moderate Exercise (wants 60 minimum, easy enough)
7. Total Minutes of Vigorous Exercise (wants 30 minutes minimum, I don't think I like him anymore)

I have to get my blood pressure down. I am one of those lucky people who have high blood pressure at a healthy weight. Yay.

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

Awesome. I started my health journal yesterday. Ugh. I dreaded it, but it is not so bad, yet. My Doc asked me to. Buzzkill, that one.

1. Resting Blood Pressure
2. Resting Heart Rate
3. Resting Oxygen Concentration
4. Weight
5. Meals and Snacks plus sweetened beverages (I hate this one, wants 1200 calories per day, crazy talk)
6. Total Minutes of Moderate Exercise (wants 60 minimum, easy enough)
7. Total Minutes of Vigorous Exercise (wants 30 minutes minimum, I don't think I like him anymore)

I have to get my blood pressure down. I am one of those lucky people who have high blood pressure at a healthy weight. Yay.

Only health issue I have is my "stomach issues" which are largely stress related....Have been taking a probiotic and pepcid and claritin each morning. Oddly, my dr says a mixture of claritin and pepcid is the best med for my stomach. However, alleviating stress and binge eating would eliminate all my health issues

[Cat Herder]

I was told early on at the family reunion that if I did not have a chronic health issue by 45 not to worry, one would be assigned shortly thereafter.

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

I was told early on at the family reunion that if I did not have a chronic health issue by 45 not to worry, one would be assigned shortly thereafter.

[dolores]

Originally Posted by flying_babyb

Not fallowing though on the lesson plan, and Not doing observations

I NEVER fully understood the separate exercise and purpose of documenting observations as we already do it in so many other ways. We can identify relatively quickly, based on our training and experience, when a child is lagging behind/ontrack developmentally/needs extra support in areas. Why the documented vignettes? Aren't the daily verbal communication, children's work we send home, incident reports, assessments, parent teacher conferences, texts (more than) enough? I stopped doing daily report sheets since last March (a positive casualty of covid) and parents have not asked for it not once. I transitioned to just texting a pic with a blurb a day, and they love it! Looking into the recommended apps on here to transition that to but I'm not ready yet to learn another thing.

[Cat Herder]

Originally Posted by dolores

I NEVER fully understood the separate exercise and purpose of documenting observations as we already do it in so many other ways. We can identify relatively quickly, based on our training and experience, when a child is lagging behind/ontrack developmentally/needs extra support in areas. Why the documented vignettes?

I always had a suspicion they were about staff turnover. In effect training your replacement. I was taught it was so we could go back and look at long trends and evaluate any regressions, but still....

[dolores]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

Awesome. I started my health journal yesterday. Ugh. I dreaded it, but it is not so bad, yet. My Doc asked me to. Buzzkill, that one.

1. Resting Blood Pressure
2. Resting Heart Rate
3. Resting Oxygen Concentration
4. Weight
5. Meals and Snacks plus sweetened beverages (I hate this one, wants 1200 calories per day, crazy talk)
6. Total Minutes of Moderate Exercise (wants 60 minimum, easy enough)
7. Total Minutes of Vigorous Exercise (wants 30 minutes minimum, I don't think I like him anymore)

I have to get my blood pressure down. I am one of those lucky people who have high blood pressure at a healthy weight. Yay.

High blood pressure....uggh! Sorry you're in the club. I'm on medication for it. Hoping to wean myself off with lifestyle changes. Talk about breaking habits! Your dedication to your health IS motivating!

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by dolores

High blood pressure....uggh! Sorry you're in the club. I'm on medication for it. Hoping to wean myself off with lifestyle changes. Talk about breaking habits! Your dedication to your health IS motivating!

High BP runs rampant in my dad's side of the family but I must have got my genes from my mom's side.

My high-strungness, though, keeps me on stroke stage and I got to FIX that!

[dolores]

Originally Posted by Annalee

High BP runs rampant in my dad's side of the family but I must have got my genes from my mom's side.

My high-strungness, though, keeps me on stroke stage and I got to FIX that!

Let's bump up taking care of ourselves to #1 on the list. Easier said than done. I'm making a vision board to remind myself.

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by dolores

Let's bump up taking care of ourselves to #1 on the list. Easier said than done. I'm making a vision board to remind myself.

Yep; easier said than done, but a treadmill set up downstairs is calling my name.....had my son unhook his xbox and hook the 'dish' back to the TV so I can watch TV while walking....Gotta do this!

[flying_babyb]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

Right? Mine (2.8 - 3.6) have started freezing in place then just staring at me whenever they see me watching anything or anyone specific. They won't play freely or creatively unless I am "busy" with "computer work" (that's you guys), cleaning or tending to an infant. If I look over my desk, they all. just. stare....

I am going to have to get a turkey hide in there or something to catch up.

Can i share my secret tip for observations? I tell my kids that I am going to sit and do a puzzle. I put a paper in my puzzle book and have at observations. It works, and if they wander over I show them the puzzle Im "working" on. I usally keep one half complete.

[Cat Herder]

Originally Posted by flying_babyb

Can i share my secret tip for observations? I tell my kids that I am going to sit and do a puzzle. I put a paper in my puzzle book and have at observations. It works, and if they wander over I show them the puzzle Im "working" on. I usally keep one half complete.

I tell them I am working on bills, on my computer. Worked for many years.

Not with this group. These are screen and stroller babies.

These are also the kids who have not been out unrestrained in public in a year or so.

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

I tell them I am working on bills, on my computer. Worked for many years.

Not with this group. These are screen and stroller babies.

These are also the kids who have not been out unrestrained in public in a year or so.

The last dcb2 I took....dcm said he had been in high chair or playpen the last year so she could work from home He is a wobbly walker but getting better.....sad!!!

[Cat Herder]

Originally Posted by Annalee

The last dcb2 I took....dcm said he had been in high chair or playpen the last year so she could work from home He is a wobbly walker but getting better.....sad!!!

I think that has become the norm out of sheer desperation to keep food on the table for many.

We are seeing several cases where kids are locked in sheds, barns and basements so they can be left unsupervised while parents work.

[Annalee]

Originally Posted by Cat Herder

I think that has become the norm out of sheer desperation to keep food on the table for many.

We are seeing several cases where kids are locked in sheds, barns and basements so they can be left unsupervised while parents work.

Oh my goodness!

I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard over the past year "when a democrat wins and the election is over, all will go back to normal". Just ain't gonna happen!

[Cat Herder]

Originally Posted by Annalee

Oh my goodness!

I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard over the past year "when a democrat wins and the election is over, all will go back to normal". Just ain't gonna happen!

No. It's not. The damage is real and this anger will be a part of this new generation.

[flying_babyb]

I had a parent tell me that since we closed for covid she was planning on locking her kid in the extra room (its empty) with some safe toys.

[AmyKidsCo]

Curriculum books. I never use them but whenever I see a new one I can't help wondering if I need it. I still have 15+ years of Mailbox magazines I can't part with, even though I only pull out one or two a year.

The really ironic part is that I only plan 1 activity/experience per day and we often don't do them because the children are too busy playing.