1 THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND EDUCATION SCHOOL OF EDUCATION ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT (ECCD) ACADEMIC YEAR: 2023/2024 SEMESTER: 1 Course Code & Title: ECCD0111 Growth & Development of Infants & Toddlers Assessment: #2 Topic: Daycare Parent Handbook SUBMITTED BY: 816042232 (STUDENT’S ID# ONLY) TUTOR: Ms. Tracy Little DATE DUE: 12th December 2023 This Paper is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Certificate in ECCD Programme, School of Education, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
2 BUS.P.14 2011/2012 THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES The Office of the Board for Undergraduate Studies INDIVIDUAL PLAGIARISM DECLARATION SAMPLE This declaration is being made in accordance with the University Regulations on Plagiarism (First Degrees, Diplomas and Certificate) and should be attached to all work submitted by a student to be assessed as part of or/the entire requirement of the course, other than work submitted in an invigilated examination. Statement 1. I have read the Plagiarism Regulations as set out in the Faculty Handbook and University websites related to the submission of coursework for assessment. 2. I declare that I understand that plagiarism is the use of another’s work pretending that it is one’s own and that it is a serious academic offence for which the University may impose severe penalties. 3. I declare that the submitted work indicated below is my own work, except where duly acknowledged and referenced. 4. I also declare that this paper has not been previously submitted for credit either in its entirety or in part within the UWI or elsewhere. 5. I understand that I may be required to submit the work in electronic form and accept that the University may check the originality of the work using a computer-based plagiarism detection service. TITLE OF ASSIGNMENT: Final Paper
3 COURSE CODE: ECCD0111 COURSE TITLE: Growth & Development of Infants & Toddlers STUDENT ID: 816042232 By signing this declaration, you are confirming that the work you are submitting is original and does not contain any plagiarized material. I confirm that this assignment is my own work, and that the work of other persons has been fully acknowledged. SIGNATURE: ___Anna-Lisa Roberts___________ DATE: ___12th December 2023_____
4 Parent Handbook
5 VISION At Building Block Daycare, we are inspired to provide a safe, happy, caring, quality, secure and stimulating environment for your child and to encourage the holistic development of each child using developmentally appropriate practices. We will actively support our children, their families, and the community and provide a safe environment for our young minds to build the foundation to become future productive leaders in society. MISSION Our mission is to provide quality care that feels like home in a safe, respectful environment that builds a foundation for life-long learning.
6 Table of Contents Welcome ……………………………………………………………………………… 7 Philosophy ……………………………………………………………………………. 8 Program Age ………………………………………………………………………….. 10 Hours of operation ……………………………………………………………………. 11 Holidays ………………………………………………………………………………. 12 Childcare Fee …………………………………………………………………………. 13 Late Policy …………………………………………………………………………….. 14 Entering the day care …………………………………………………………………... 15 Infant Program …………………………………………………………………………. 16 Infant Schedule …………………………………………………………………………. 18 Toddler Program ………………………………………………………………………... 19 Toddler Schedule ……………………………………………………………………….. 21 Information ……………………………………………………………………………... 22 Appendix ……………………………………………………………………………….. 23 Daycare 3D Layout ……………………………………………………………………... 27 References ………………………………………………………,,,,,,………………….. 28
7 Introduction/ Welcome Welcome to Building Blocks Daycare, where we build future generations. At Building Blocks, we are Christ centered, loving dedicated and qualified caregivers. We know that finding a daycare can be a bewildering experience for both parents and child, that’s why we create a trusting partnership between parent and caregivers. We provide a welcoming space where you and your child/ children can feel safe, loved, secure, happy, and cared for. Each child is special and unique in their own way, and we will take the time to learn each child individually. At Building Blocks Daycare, we encourage parents to be fully involved in their child’s life in which we can work together hand in hand to build future generations. Communication with your child’s care giver is highly encouraged as we focus on building home- school relationships.
8 Philosophy At Building Blocks Daycare our aspiration is to provide a welcoming, homely, fun, and nurturing environment that supports each child’s natural curiosity and learning in ways that work best for them. I believe that infants and toddlers should be allowed to explore, discover, and learn through play and hands-on experiences. “Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul” (Froebel’s Play Theory, 2020). Every child is unique in their own way. At Building Block Day Care, primary caregiving is in place so that each child can form a secure attachment and trusting relationship with at least one staff member. We believe in Adhering to the Erik Erickson theory of trust vs mistrust "and if a caregiver is reliable, consistent, and nurturing, the child will develop a sense of trust, however, if the caregiver fails to provide consistent, adequate care and affection, the child may develop a sense of mistrust and insecurity'' (Mcleod,2022). We aim to provide an environment that invites play and curiosity for their sensory learning development. “The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see” (Alexandra K. Trenfor). We encourage children to learn through touching, moving, listening, and observing at their own pace. We believe that community support and parental involvement are vital to a child’s development. We believe in the Montessori method which emphasizes self-directed learning and independence. “Play is the work of the child” (Montessori, 2023). Her vision was to combine play with “learning and satisfy a child’s curiosity while still allowing them to have fun and that’s why play has been an integrated part of the curriculum” (Montessori,2023). I have been blessed with eyes to see, a heart to feel, lips to speak, ears to hear, a mind to think, and hands to reach out to my students and their families.
9 I stand strongly on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, which points out that “individuals possess various distinct types of intelligence, rather than a single general intelligence” (Marenus,2023). He explained that there are different types of learners visual-spatial, linguistic-verbal, interpersonal, intrapersonal, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, and naturalistic. As a caregiver, I will help set the foundation by identifying their own unique mix of intelligence from an early age. I believe in teaching “developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) which promote each child’s development and learning through strength-based, play-based joyful, and engaged learning” (NAEYC, 2022). Children learn best when they are actively engaged with hands-on learning experiences. They learn by exploring, experimenting, and acting out roles. I believe that children should be exposed to items that are beautiful, fun, and engaging for their young minds. As caregivers our interaction with our young minds will push them by explaining to them what they are doing and asking questions to help them build understanding. “Young children’s earliest years are the foundation for their physical and mental health, emotional security, cultural and personal identity, and developing competencies” (United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child). We believe that children will remember things better when it’s based on their interests, which gives them motivation to learn, which they will use for the rest of their lives. I strive to implement an engaging thematic curriculum unit for our toddlers and developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) in our daycare to ensure that every child develops at their own pace. “Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it alone is the free expression of what is in the child’s soul” (Froebel’s Play Theory, 2020).
10 Building Blocks Daycare Programs 1 month – 2 ½ years 1 month – 1 year – Caterpillars 1 year – 2 ½ years – Butterflies
11 Hours Of Operation We are open Monday to Friday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm. If parents/guardians must reach work for that time or finishes after said time, I offer early and late pick-up for a fee. The extended time will be from 6:30am-7:00am. The hours are only recommended for parents going to work early or working long hours. A 11-hour long day can be exhausting for children. It is important that children get to spend time with their families and be in the comfort of their home as often as possible. This option will not be available to everyone, and proper documents will be required for this option. Late pick-up policy- It is expected that parents arrive no later than 6:00pm as I have a personal schedule outside of Childcare. Parents will be charged $5 per half hour after the pick-up time. Lateness will be documented and not acceptable should it be on a regular basis. *This does not pertain to parents/guardians paying a fee for the extended hours.
12 Holidays The daycare will be closed on all holidays and if any other closures are expected, for instance on non-statutory holiday days, notice will go out to parents at least 2 weeks in advance. In case of an emergency all parents will be notified before opening hours. We will be closed on the following Holidays: New Years Day, Spiritual Baptist Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Eid al-Fitr, Indian Arrival Day, Corpus Christi, Labour Day, Emancipation Day, Independence Day, Republic Day, Diwali, Christman Day and Boxing Day. **Full fees are due regardless of statutory holidays
13 Childcare Fees Infants 1 month - 1 year $800 per month 1 year – 2 ½ years $1200 per month Payment Procedures: All fees must be paid by the last week of the month. If payment is not received by the said time a late payment fee will be applied to your account at the rate of $50. Fees need to be on time. After 1 week of late fees added to your account your contract will be suspended until fees are paid. Full fees are due regardless of a child’s illness or statutory holidays. A receipt for fees paid throughout the year will be provided at the end of each year and monthly receipts are available upon request. I do offer a family discount of 5% off your bill (excluding infant care) for families with multiple children.
14 Late Policy Late pick-up policy- It is expected that parents arrive no later than 6:00pm as I have a personal schedule outside of Childcare. Parents will be charged $5 per half hour after the pick-up time. Lateness will be documented and not acceptable should it be on a regular basis. *This does not pertain to parents/guardians paying a fee for the extended hours. Vacation: After 6 months of full-time, continuous care, I offer 2 weeks of vacation time per year for all my employees simultaneously. As the head of Building Blocks Daycare, I will be taking 3 weeks’ vacation time each year, however I will be routinely checking into the daycare every day, rest assured that we have trustworthy caregivers that are trained and certified to make sure that your child is in proper care. I will give a minimum of 1 month notice is given before vacation dates.
15 Entering the Daycare Upon arriving at Building blocks daycare, you MUST wait in the waiting area where you will be greeted by one of our friendly caregivers with a warm welcome. You will be required to take off your shoes or use the blue shoe covering provided before crossing the red tape. Babies are on the floor all the time and they put things in their mouths. You will then be guided to the waiting hall where the caregiver will take your child/ children inside. ALL parents must place their child’s bag/s on the bag table provided which will be sanitized before being placed inside. Any parent entering the daycare for a few minutes to play with their child MUST wash their hands before entering. This is to prevent the outdoor germs from coming inside the daycare. ALL parents MUST sign their name and the child’s name before leaving.
16 What we do at our Center for Infants? Adhering to the child adult ratio 1:3, at Building Blocks, we will be doing a variety of activities that will stimulate both infants and toddlers. For our infants, we will be focusing on tummy time which helps develop muscles they will need to sit up, roll over, crawl, and walk. Fine motor activities such as using objects of different sizes (age appropriate), picking them up, setting them back down and reaching for objects. This will require a lot of eyes- hand coordination which encourages cognitive development. Gross motor activities which include crawling, rolling, sitting, lifting, standing, and eventually walking. We will be introducing a variety of textured objects such as silky, fluffy, prickly and many others in our textures and tactile sensation station. Interacting with different textures helps children further develop their fine motor skills. Other activities include mirror activities, making music, real aloud time, tissue box, active singing, and obstacle course. These will help with their sensorimotor stage 0-2 according to Piaget’s Theory. “The abilities that an infant is born with sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, combined with physical capabilities that continue to develop including touching, grasping, and tasting allow infants to interact and build awareness of themselves and what is around them” (Cherry, 2023). By doing these activities with infants it will help aid in cause and effect which would help them to understand if they shake a rattle toy it will make noise, the start of pretend play which will matriculate in their toddler stage with imaginative play and many more. These activities will stimulate their senses, promote fine and gross motor skills, and encourage social interactions. We take our time to form meaningful relationships with each infant which develops trust which is the foundation for future relationships. “During this stage, the infant is uncertain about the world around them and looks towards their primary caregiver for stability and consistency of care” (Mcleod, 2023).
17 Besides our activities there would be nap times, diaper changes and feeding. At Building blocks, we create a routine that ensures each infants get sufficient rest which is essential for their development. Diaper changes are frequent to maintain hygiene and prevent rashes. Our caregivers also create a feeding schedule that ensures that each child is nourished and receives the appropriate amount. Each infant is introduced to solids at the appropriate age at 6 months with the signed approval from each parent. These routines are important for maintaining the health and comfort for each infant because it contributes to their overall growth and development.
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19 Toddlers Adhering to the teacher student ratio 1:4, at Building Blocks, for our toddlers we will be focusing on fun developmentally appropriate activities. “Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul” (The Power of Play, n.d.). Our toddlers will continue their sensory activities as they continue to build their motor skills. According to Jean Piaget, “Enhancing their sensorimotor stage where in early age a child learns about the world around them through their sensory perception and motor interaction” (Cherry,2018). We also build on their academic foundation by teaching them problem solving, social skills and more. We teach them to interact with other children, build relationships and learn about themselves in our circle time session. Our staff encourages them to be independent, build their language skills, experiment with cause and effect, investigate the outdoors and self-help skills. According to Erik Erickson “By allowing kids to make choices and gain control, parents and caregivers can help children develop a sense of autonomy” (Cherry, 2022). Other activities include music activities like singing and dancing, reading time, and object solving. “They will be able to interpret and engage with objects and learn how to communicate and share their experience of them in time to come” (Jones, 2022). They will learn basic life skills that will prepare them for preschool and the future like listening and following directions, sitting still for a period, potty training and much more. This stage potty training is important for toddlers, and they will need it for preschool, and it is important that we take our time with them and not make them feel pressured or ashamed when they make a mess. According to Erik Erikson, Conversely, “if the process is rushed, if there’s too much pressure, or if parents respond with anger or disappointment to accidents, the child may feel shame and start doubting their abilities” (Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, 2022). One of our
20 focuses will be teaching them about their feelings and how to express them, because at this age they tend to get big emotions that may lead to throwing tantrums and by expressing themselves through movements and art will help them. Besides our activities there would be nap time in between. Our meal and snack times are opportunities for toddlers to practice self-feeding and develop independence. At Building Blocks, we create a routine balance of play and learning for toddlers development.
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22 Information Registration Form ……………………………………………. Appendix 1 Persons authorized to pick- up infant/ toddler form…………. Appendix 2 Medical Form ………………………………………………..Appendix 3 Daily reporting form ………………………………………….Appendix 4
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27 Building Blocks 3D A – Entrance (Parents will do drop-offs while doing the hopscotch to put them in a good mood) B – Toddler free play area (Building blocks, age-appropriate toys and very spacy) C – Infant play area (Tummy time mat, feeding chair, baby gym, age-appropriate toys) D – Art center (Sensory boxes, hand painting, water trey, table and chairs) E – Toilets F – Bedroom G – Quiet area/Reading center H – Infants outdoor play area I – Toddler outdoor play area
28 References Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. (2022, November 3). https://www.simplypsychology.org/erik-erikson.html#Stage-2-Autonomy-vsShame-and-Doubt Froebel’s Play Theory. (2020). Twinkl.com. https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/froebels-playtheory Jiang, F. (2019). Sleep and Early Brain Development. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 75(1), 44–54. https://doi.org/10.1159/000508055 Cherry, K. (2018, May 15). 5 Important Child Development Theories - Explore Psychology. Explore Psychology. https://www.explorepsychology.com/child-development-theories/ Cherry, K. (2022, August 3). Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/erik-eriksons-stages-of-psychosocial-development-2795740 Cherry, K. (2023, February 28). The Sensorimotor Stage of Cognitive Development. Verywell Mind; Verywellmind. https://www.verywellmind.com/sensorimotorstage-of-cognitive-development-2795462 Froebel’s Play Theory. (2020). Twinkl.com. https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/froebels-playtheory
29 Marenus, M. (2023, September 7). Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/multiple-intelligences.html Mcleod, S. (2023, October 16). Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. Simply Psychology; Simply Scholar. https://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.html Montessori, M. (2023, January 4). What is the Montessori Approach to Play? Mansio Montessori. https://genevamontessori.org/what-is-the-montessori-approach-toplay/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20movement NAEYC. (2022). DAP: Defining Developmentally Appropriate Practice | NAEYC. Www.naeyc.org. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/position-statements/dap/definition NAEYC. (2022). DAP: Defining Developmentally Appropriate Practice | NAEYC. Www.naeyc.org. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/position-statements/dap/definition The power of play. (n.d.). Froebel Trust. https://www.froebel.org.uk/about-us/the-power-ofplay#:~:text=Pioneering%20educator%2C%20Friedrich%20Froebel%20(1782
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