Featured Recipient
Jeanne Masanz
My name is Jeanne Masanz. I grew up number 10 out of 11 children - I have one young sibling (a sister). I grew up in a hospital bed, until the age of 6 years. I had open heart surgery, something called Tetraogly of the flow - 2 holes in the two bottom atriums of my heart. I had this life saving surgery at the age of 5 years old. When I was a child no one could play with me on the short home visits. I only went to kindergarten for 3 weeks because I had a heart attack and the school would not allow me back. When I got out of the hospital I attended St. Andrew’s school and went right into second grade. This was very stressful and I attended second grade twice.
Why do I feel it is important to tell you this? I am very grateful to have had my surgery to save my life. However, because of it I was left disabled with a learning disability. I had a short time to learn to walk. Among other things I did not have any social skills and teachers back then did not understand. This is where I get my compassion to care for special education children. I do early education intervention. I often times get calls to care for children that have nowhere else to go and parents have no or little hope left. I also have regular clients as well.
It is because of my experiences with hardships in school that my compassion grew. I have been doing home child care for 21 years, in which 5 of those years I worked in a few very good centers. I wanted to get the experience.
My husband and I have 5 children, ages ranging from 21 through 5 years. I have been attending St. Paul College for 5 years, working towards my Associate in Child Development. T.E.A.C.H supplies a scholarship that pays for my total expenses. I currently hold a C-1 License. I have 9 children in my child care now. I would love to find an assistant so I could hold a group license.
In my child care a typical day is full. I follow a curriculum of creative play, group time everyday, songs with visuals that the child can hold and art work.
I have found being alone and working with mixed ages that sometimes I have to omit the art work. The group time is always done and even the babies like it. We do special things for holidays, birthdays and so on. Often times I will have a teacher from the St. Paul Public Schools come in to do some sort of therapy with some of the children I care for.
I believe in “Reggio”. TO PLAY! I never had a chance to play so I do now and I understand the importance of play and Montessori, of course, because children need a sense of direction. To feel at ease with getting materials out and know and have respect for the materials, as well. The idea of children having toys or real things, cups or trays, whatever their size, is something that I support fully.
Outside time is another part of our day that is very important to me. It’s hard sometimes with babies, but in 5 minutes or so the whole mood can change. Your day could be going a little hard, but then it could get better after some fresh air.
The first floor of our home is where the child care is. Often my husband is not happy about every room being used for child care or the kitchen table showing signs of markers or paint stains. But I explain that it would be him going to work and not having his computer or having half the space—like sharing half with some else. My dining room is transformed into a large muscle room with the toddler jungle gym in the middle, a music player, big blocks, little clocks, mirrors, standing toys and music toys. I also have a book resting stop. The dining room also makes a great space for doing group time. We push the climber over and make a nice circle. Group time is very important for my day. I have a baby bedroom that can look overwhelming. I have toys and supplies, such as puzzles or toys that have lots of pieces in this room, also the sensory things such as rice or beans. The baby bedroom also contains a changing table and two port-a-cribs. The children all have their own supply bin with extras, like change of clothes, whips, blankets and pillows.
My kitchen is not only for eating, but is an art room, sensory room, painting, coloring and gluing. Cooking class happens sometimes too. We eat in the family style and when I can I always practice eating with the children. Often time the toddlers find the pots and pans to play with.
I offer a play room with dramatic play and all different sources of toys. I have a shelf that is for the children to help themselves with play dough, paper and markers. The children must ask me if they want scissors because of the babies.
My outdoor area is big. I have two swing sets, two sand boxes, push toys, riding toys, 3 climbers, picnic table and much more. It is a fun place to play. If I could change something I would put a slab of cement for bouncing balls. If anyone has any ideas for my home, don’t be shy - let me know!!
The advice I would give is to play with your children/own/ and child care children. You have all day. Develop what works for you and go with it. For me it is group time. Share with your parents what you are doing. Let them know that Dora cannot teach the children everything. It is very important to use a changing table and keep it clean. Washing hands really helps stop infection, even with babies when it is done on a regular basis.
I have a contract which I plan on updating. It contains all the current information that is required. I have not taken field trip lately, but I am hoping to purchase a new vehicle and then I WILL GO!!
About my families: Some more advice would be to include your families in your child care. Have a wish list to bring special foods or a special ice cream Day. This seems to help with their guilty feeling of leaving their child. Remember child care providers are one of a kind people. When a parent stays home but you have their child, they could be doing their laundry or petting the dog - whatever it is, it is easier to just give it up—HARD—yes! I know you can do laundry with 9 children. It is endless—so—open you heart a little bit more and be happy just to see the child.
I do not hold conferences. I do hold parent/child group time, which the children love. Remember I promote “play”. My parents and I at first get to know each other and once the history is built then my parents and children become a part of our extended family.
The most important thing to remember is that the children are our tomorrow, and remember to give yourself a break because it can be very tiring.
The Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network is a member of the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and is funded in part by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. |
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