Building  QUALITY  

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MINNESOTA
Graduates Speak

How has your definition of quality changed now that you have completed your degree?

My definition of quality has not so much changed, but broadened to include factors such as ongoing child assessments, which are imperative to offering children age-appropriate learning experiences.

Now that you have graduated, what will you do to ensure that your program continues to be a high quality program?

Since graduation I have registered for the next Parent Aware Program cohort.  I have started the process for my national accreditation credential (NAFCC). I have also completed courses to keep my CDA active.

Carolyn Collins
Family Child Care Provider
Bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University

What are some characteristics that a quality child care provider possesses?

Love. Love for others-concern for others-interest in others.
Joy. Joy for what we do. Peace. Ability to spread peace to children, parents, co-workers.
Mildness. Mild temper and slow to anger
Kindness. Kind to others.
Goodness. Good to all. Faith. Faith that what we are doing really does matter.
Self-control. Control of our emotions during difficult times.

Heather Davis
Program Teacher
Associate Degree- Rasmussen-St. Cloud

How has your definition of quality changed now that you have completed your degree?

Since completing my degree I have realized that child care is much more than teaching colors, letters, numbers, etcetera. Quality child care, not only encompasses the entire child—emotionally, socially, cognitively and physically—but the child's family as well. It is just as important to maintain good relationships with the parents and siblings, as it is with the children we care for.

What does quality child care look like?

Quality child care is a place where children are allowed to change, grow and develop into well-rounded, well-educated,
confident individuals.

Jayme Macchitelli
Program Director
Bachelor degree- College of Saint Catherine

How has your definition of quality changed now that you have completed your degree?

My definition of quality is now much more complex than it was before I returned to college to complete my B.A. in Child Development. I now understand that quality not only entails a safe and healthy environment, but it also must be responsive to the individual needs of each child and their family.

What does quality child care look like?

Quality child care is a setting in which every child and every family feels welcome. The provider fully understands each child's development, communicates this with the family, and works with the family to plan for the next steps the child will take developmentally. Child care providers are facilitators, rather than just fact dispensers. In a quality child care environment, the provider is actively engaged and learning alongside the children. Quality child care providers are constantly upgrading their skills and can take pride in the programs they offer to families. Providers can, and should be, a tremendous resource for families.

Tammy Oveson
Family Child Care Provider
Bachelor Degree-Concordia University

How has your definition of quality changed now that you have completed your degree?

Since earning my A.S., the quality of my program has improved through the use of intentional lesson planning. The daily learning and playing experiences are based upon the ECIPs (Early Childhood Indicators of Progress).

What does quality child care look like?

The Country Care Daycare and Preschool is a theme-based program. The Minnesota Department of Education, Early Childhood Indicators of Progress is our guide. The Mailbox ideas for teachers publication and weekly Scholastic Readers provide the core of the intentional lesson plans and core learning program.

We use a phonemic approach to learning letters to give children the opportunity for repetition through our theme immersion environment, discovery learning centers (stations) and activities. The themes are based on knowledge and skills the children already have and build and expand upon through the intentional learning plans and play. The variety of enriching materials such as daily book reading, pictures, tools, props, discussion and discovery learning centers (stations) address all the children’s varied learning styles.

The daily program is designed for the children to learn through teacher- and child-guided activities and exploration. As part of the teacher-guided learning, open ended questions are used to expand the learning experiences.

The lesson plans and activities are summarized and evaluated for level of engagement, knowledge value, appropriateness, whether objectives were met, organization, and needed revision. As part of the evaluation process, the children’s skill levels are recorded using the appropriate checklist from Measuring Performance: Early Childhood Educator in Practice by Barbara Elliot. This information is then used to customize lesson plans and activities to fit the needs of each child.   
           
Family involvement and communication are key to the success of the children’s learning experience as well as the entire program. Methods such as monthly news and parent education letters, sharing of the child portfolio with parents, weekly updates, child certificates, donation of materials, mystery box prep, show and tell prep, weekly take home book bag, and special events such as family events, harvest stew, friendship salad and parent volunteering create a partnership with the parents in the education and positive development of the child.

Learning needs to be fun, imaginative, engaging yet intentional
and purposeful.

Katherine Stevens
Family Child Care Provider
Associate Degree- Central Lakes College

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