Learning

During the early years, children form an understanding of their world through concrete, hands-on experiences and imaginative play. Current research shows that in order for children to derive the optimum benefit from formal learning later on, they need many opportunities to experience the following types of interaction and activities:

	Caring, loving adult interaction
	Access to other children for social interaction and play
	Plenty of conversation throughout the day
	Exposure to a diverse range of literature
	A variety of materials available for experimentation (i.e. sand, water, paint, play dough, toys, boxes, dress-ups, natural materials, etc.)
	Exposure to a varied selection of music and space to dance and move
	Opportunities to exercise both large and fine motor skills
	Large blocks of uninterrupted time for play

It is important to note that early childhood experts recommend that young children have plenty of time to "play" and that they should never be pressured to acquire skills beyond their abilities. These early experiences are the foundation for later learning and they should be both enjoyable and beneficial, allowing children to gain confidence as they experience success by trying out their own ideas and learn problem-solving skills through trial-and-error.

Rather than use a pre-packaged or purchased curriculum with "cookie-cutter" art projects and worksheets, I will plan activities that reflect and support the children’s current interests, using the "Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care" as my guide.

Since play is one of the most important ways that children learn, play experiences will be an essential part of your child's day. Your children will be offered real life adventures and opportunities for creative expression. I do not follow a strictly scheduled "class" time, but whenever the opportunity presents itself, I will turn playtime into a learning experience.

Discipline

I believe that discipline is an opportunity to help children learn self-control and to identify and channel their feelings constructively. I will support and encourage children’s efforts as they learn respect for themselves and others while using clear and consistent guidelines to help them understand expectations and to contribute to feelings of security and trust. To this end, I prefer to use specific wording rather than vague directives such as “Be nice.” Whenever possible, a child will be given the opportunity to correct a behavior on his/her own before I will step in. Some of the techniques I use are:

	Redirection
	Encouraging children to solve problems themselves
	Intervention and discussion
	Separation from the group (always as a last resort and only for brief periods)

The rules in my home can be summed up as follows:

	Respect yourself
	Respect others
	Respect property

Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will spanking, name-calling or any other punitive form of punishment be used.

As a home care provider, I am required by law to recognize and report any evidence of child abuse or neglect - physical or emotional.

Cheryl Birthrong
770.279.1077
Killian Hill & Five Forks Trickum Road
Lilburn, Georgia
cheryl1077@comcast.net

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