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Child Care
Administration
Philosophy of
Program Management
I believe the primary purpose of quality early
childhood management is to create a supportive and loving environment
where children can thrive and reach their fullest potential. The teachers
will feel supported, appreciated and be given motivation to succeed as
individuals. Families will be involved in every aspect of their child’s
care and they are welcome at any time. There will be constant growth and
learning for the staff, administration and parents that will be provided
through frequent in services, seminars, meetings, and guest speakers. It is
the teachers who are directly influencing the children each day and they
will be hired under close focus of the program’s philosophy. The program
will work as a team to create and support an amazing learning environment
for families and young children.
I believe that staff are at their best when they are
working under certain conditions and in certain ways. Some of these are
working in an environment that promotes the positives and strengths of the
group and rejects negativity and gossip. Staff works best when they know
where to turn for help and support. They need to feel welcomed and free
from judgment. They also need to trust management to keep important, and
personal information confidential and to share with them information that is
valuable to bettering their job performance.
The Administrative Program of any early childhood
setting should include certain basics” that contribute to efficient
functioning of a center. These basics are
Staffing, Health and
Safety, Family Involvement, Learning Environment, and Community Outreach.
Staffing includes
the hiring process. The hiring process will involve finding a match.
Someone who fits in your program philosophy, Someone who can do the job
better than you, Someone that will be a role model to the children and other
employees. The staff will be qualified to work with children through
experiences, references, and education. They will not be put into a
classroom until they have gone through orientation, shadowing and feel
absolutely comfortable to take on the role. They will be given evaluations
and raises when deserving. They will attend provided workshops,
conferences, and meetings to better themselves and the program in early
childcare.
Health and Safety
will be a number one priority. The program will strictly follow guidelines
set forth by the Department of Health and Human Services and OSHA.
There will be at
least one certified CPR and First Aid employee in every classroom. Areas of
health and safety concern will be brought to attention and handled
immediately.
Family Involvement
includes open houses, parent/teacher conferences, parent/administration
meetings, open door policy, fun classroom events where families are invited
to join, parent education classes, parent resources available for check out,
advisory boards that welcome and utilize the concerns and ideas from the
parents, daily parent/teacher communication through phone calls, verbal, and
written communication.
Learning
Environments are set up for discovery and exploration. Each room contains
the primary learning areas that are updated or added to weekly to set an
inviting tone in the classrooms. Outdoor areas will be present with enough
space to run and play and also space to be alone. These spaces also include
learning areas so that children may experience art and sensory play in the
relaxing breeze. These environments will be set up according to the
children’s interests and needs both individually and as a group.
Community Outreach
will be a part of the program to allow for learning, growing, and support.
Parents will know where they can find help for difficult situations in their
lives. The program can turn to the community for the support and
celebration of young children and their families. Professionals in
different areas will be available to assist the program and the families
with questions, and concerns about their children and other aspects of their
lives.
Families are most comfortable in an environment that
promotes family involvement and good communication. Some features of this
type of environment are teachers having a
great relationship with the families of young children. Portfolios and
conferences will show the children’s areas of growth and areas needing
support. Daily messages will be sent back and forth between the teachers,
parents, and administration. Phone calls and daily information sheets along
with conversations will all be ways of communication. There will be many
family involvement events to attend and participate in along with an open
door policy that entitles parents to stop by and visit or observe their
child whenever they wish.
A director of an early childhood program should have
qualities and conduct themselves in certain ways. Qualities I think
important for a director to possess are the
loving and caring of the children and families that walk through the door.
Respect for every person and child. A strong passion for early childhood
and the continuing research and education associated with young children.
Assertiveness when it is needed and a kind and open heart. To keep a
peaceful and non-threatening environment the director needs to portray a
positive attitude and a soft calming voice during busy times. If there is
passion all else will follow. Treat others, as you would wish to be treated
and be able to practice patience, support, and silence at times.
Final
Conclusion
To provide the best
possible care for families and their children. To be a family based
business with a loving and nurturing atmosphere where children can learn
grow and experience all of the wonders of our world. To use community
outreach as a resource and provide a respectful and appreciative work
environment that attracts and keeps the best early childcare providers. To
maintain a level of excellence in childcare so that each staff member, child
and family member can reach their highest potential.
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