More Photos of our Traffic Signs Activity

Learning about Traffic Signs

To finish up our Month theme of "Transportation" the kids had an opportunity to create a fun roadway project! They used sand, scissors, glue, construction paper, street signs, etc... It was a lot of fun!

Outside Playtime

We have so much fun allowing the kids to explore, explore, and socialize through play outside!! We adore all the kids at Rachael's Daycare! They are so precious!!

Welcome Ms.Emily!!!

Emily is joining our team! She is excited to get to know the kids! She has her bachelors degree in Psychology! Please join me in Welcoming Ms.Emily to our team!!

Ticket Station!!

Our TRANSPORTATION THEME this month has been a lot of fun! I will be uploading some photos from today. The kids put together a State Fair Train Ticket Booth in the backyard and sold tickets to each other! It was a great activity to encourage them to count! Then they made a State Fair Fun Zone! The kids were so creative! It was fun taking photos of them while they were having so much fun!!

Today was "Wear your favorite color day!!". We had Blue, Camouflage, Yellow, Pink... lots of favorite colors!!

Knowing what to look for....

It is important that childcare providers know what to look for when they see a child playing with a toy. It usually isn't JUST playing. Children learn through simple play. In the photos below, you will see that Emma was having fun playing with the stackers. She was not directed to play with them she initiated it on her own. She tried many configurations with the stackers. When she had difficulty getting them in the right order she took them apart and would re-stack them. After several minutes she was able to correctly stack the toys in order! She was really proud of herself for accomplishing it! ************** Math Foundations were met during this child-initiated activity: Mathematics - Problem Solving (F.6.15): Use trial and error to solve problems. (Age 3-5) Mathematics - Problem Solving (F.6.19): See a simple task through to completion (Age 3-5) You can view the "FOUNDATIONS to the Indiana Academic Standards for Young Children from Birth to Age 5" by going to the Indiana.gov website: http://www.doe.in.gov/primetime/foundations.html

Painting FUN!!!

Our Art Activity today was painting with colors and stencils! This activity reinforces our Colors & Shapes Theme! The kids really love to get their hands dirty and it IS IMPORTANT that they experience the freedom to be CREATIVE!! We love letting the kids paint and we never force them to make anything specific. We encourage them to embrace their creativity and just enjoy painting what they want to paint! This particular activity also encouraged teamwork. We had the children work in groups to create a beautiful painting.

Playing with our new Prop Box... "I'm a Science Teacher"

What is a Prop Box?

Rachael's Daycare VIDEO

PATHS TO QUALITY LEVEL 3 ACHIEVED!!!

I am so excited to announce that Rachael's Daycare had achieved a LEVEL 3 status in the Paths to Quality Program! The PTQ program is a voluntary rating system for Daycare Centers, Daycare Ministries, & Daycare Homes. Your PTQ level is achieved by maintaining a certain level of quality in your childcare program. With help from my PTQ mentor, Tikela Welch, I have completed all of the requirements needed to obtain my Level 3 status. Thanks Tikela for all your help!

To watch a VIDEO about PTQ click HERE

The PTQ program defines the 4 Levels as:

All participants have demonstrated a commitment to the highest level of

professionalism in child care, achievement of a nationally recognized

accreditation. Level 4 providers are managed by a provider or director who

has volunteered to provide mentoring to others in the field.

All participants have demonstrated knowledge and skill to plan appropriate activities and opportunities for children that lead to school readiness. Level 3 providers have made a significant investment in the professional development of the staff, and incorporate family and staff input into the program. All participants have demonstrated a commitment to improve program quality and offer opportunities for children to advance their growth and development. Level 2 providers will have evidence of consistent daily schedules, planned activities for children, and will provide relevant information to families. All participants have demonstrated that they are operating in good standing and have been recognized by the state of Indiana to meet all required health and safety standards.

Our new daycare set up!

Our new professional changing table allows for plenty of room to store each child's diapers seperately. We use a paper roll to drape sanitary paper over the changing table as an extra precaution against the spread of germs.

Each child is given a special place in a locker just for them! They are able to display family photos on the front of the locker!

The view of the playroom above shows how open the playroom is! It is a bright and sunny room!

These are our lunch tables and learning tables! The kids really enjoy having their own seat to sit in! The babies have really nice Graco wood highchairs to sit in during meal time!

Celebrating Easter!!