How can I talk openly with my child about death? The first thing to remember is that death is a part of life, and that everyone will experience loss and grief at some time.  Generally, children who are of school age will have an understanding that death is permanent, however pre-schoolers and younger children may not quite get that their loved one will never come back. You must always be honest and open when discussing death, and more than anything else you need to make sure that your child understands that he or she should and can talk to you or another trusted adult about their feelings at any time. 

How do I tell my child that someone has died? The most important rule of thumb is to BE HONEST. Never tell your child that their loved one is sleeping – or they will expect him or her to wake up. And, never tell your child that their loved one is “taking a trip or journey” because they will await a return.  Unless you are honest and open, there is most likely going to be a delay between your child learning about the death and the onset of the grieving process. 

What can I do to help my young child face the fear of death? It’s not uncommon for young children to be frightened by death because they do not understand the process.  When you are open and honest, it should help to alleviate some of this fear.  When explaining death, tell your child that the deceased was so old that their body stopped working, or that they were sick or injured and their body stopped working. Spare them the details, because they won’t understand and the details can be frightening to them.  Once the reality sets in, it is very likely that your child will ask you if you are going to die too.  A good way to answer is to explain that everyone will die eventually, but that most of the time people do not die until they are very old.

How am I best to handle the death of my child’s pet? Chances are that if you have had your pet for some time, your child is very attached to the animal.  Remember that just because your pet is not a person, it is still very possible for your child to have developed a strong attachment. When the pet dies, your child is just as likely to suffer from grief as they would be if a loved one had died.  Be open and honest with your child – regardless of his or her age.

What should I do when another child bullies mine?  So many parents tell their children to ignore bullies, and to look the other way rather than react.  However, it is never advisable to let bullying go, because it will never just 'go away'.  In some cases, it may not even be apparent to you that your child is being bullied because bullied children are often afraid to tell an adult what is happening.  When you suspect that bullying is an issue, talk to your child and school officials.  Getting the teachers and school administratiors involved will make them aware of the probelm and you can work together to find a solution.  Remember, vigilance and communication can go a long way towards preventing a bullying situation.

Your mission statement should be printed out and posted somewhere everyone can see it.  Prominently displayed, it will be a constant reminder of the priniciples applicable to all.  It will act as a signpost for staff ensuring your purpose and goals are not forgotten.  Parents and visitors will be instantly informed of the principles and values of, and reason for, your service.

When formulating your day care mission statement, keep it simple and succinct.  This way it is easier for people to remember and understand it.  Start with the reason for your service.  Why does it exist?  What purpose will it serve?  What needs will you set yourself up to cater for?

Next identify what you will do in your service to address those needs.  Talk about the people whose needs you are addressing and how your service will be of benefit to them.  Finally, explain what values will be the bedrock of your service and what your beliefs are that will guide the service and people associated with it.

A safety statement is a risk assessment plus it follows through by detailing what you are going to do to minimize, nay eliminate those risks.  Let's break it down into easy, bite sized steps by taking one risk and putting it through the Safety Statement Boot Camp.

First off, you need to identify the hazard: Sand. 

Next up, what's the risk attached to sand: Injury due to slipping. 

How are you going to minimize this risk i.e. manner in which health, safety and welffare to be secured: Staff required to sweep up.

What are you going to do to ensure that it is possible for health, safety and welfare to be secured i.e. arrangements made and resourses provided for providing health, safety and welfare: Sweeping brush and dustpan provided in all rooms.

Finally, who is responsible for health and safety in your organisation: Names and job titles.

Now, all you need to do is go through your business and identify all potential hazards and put them through boot camp!  Here's a sample that may help you out:

 SAFETY STATEMENT

1                  HAZARD

A                 SAND

B                 WATER

C                 TOYS LEFT ON FLOOR

D                 FIRE

E                 CHILDREN ACCESSING KITCHEN EN ROUTE TO PLAYGROUND

F                  ELECTRICITY

G                 HOT WATER TAPS

H                 HOT RADIATORS

I                  HOT LIQUID AROUND CHILDREN

J                  CIGARETTES

K                 FAULTY EQUIPMENT

L                 LIFTING AND SWINGING OF CHILDREN FOR FUN

M                CHILDREN STANDING ON CHANGING MAT

N                 SITTING ON WINDOW LEDGES

O                 INADEQUATE CLASSROOM SUPERVISION

P                  PLASTIC BAGS

Q                 KNIVES IN DRAWER

R                 LACK OF ACCIDENT/INJURY/EMERGENCY SITUATION PROCEDURE

S                  CROSS CONTAMINATION

T                 INCORRECT LIFTING AND HANDLING

U                 BROKEN GLASS

V                 SHARP OBJECTS

W                CHILDREN HIT BY DOOR OPENING INTO ROOM

X                 DOORS OR PLAYGROUND GATE NOT CLOSED

Y                 STRANGERS ALLOWED ACCESS TO CHILDREN

Z                 PLAYAREA

AA              BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS

AB              FLIP FLOPS

AC              LIFTING CHILDREN WHILST PREGNANT

2                  RISK

A                 INJURY DUE TO SLIPPING

B                 INJURY DUE TO SLIPPING

C                 INJURY DUE TO TRIPPING

D                 BURNING AND SMOKE INHALATION

E                 CHILDREN CAN ENTER HAZARDOUS AREA OF KITCHEN

F                  ELECTRIC SHOCK AND FIRE RISK

G                 BURNING

H                 BURNING

I                  CUTS, BANGS, GENERAL INJURY

J                  BURNING

K                 CUTS, BANGS, GENERAL INJURY

L                 INJURY

M                FALL OFF

N                 FALLING THROUGH GLASS OR OFF ONTO FLOOR

O                 INJURY TO CHILDREN

P                  DANGER OF SUFFOCATION

Q                 CUTS

R                 SITUATION COULD BE MORE SERIOUS IF NEGLECTED

S                  FOOD POISONING

T                 BACK INJURY          

U                 CUTS

V                 CUTS AND STABBINGS

W                INJURY TO CHILD

X                 CHILD GETS OUT

Y                 CHILD ABDUCTION

Z                 ACCIDENTS AND SUNBURN

AA              INJURY TO OTHER CHILDREN, POSSIBLE CHILD ABUSE

AB              TRIPPING

AC              INJURY TO MOTHER AND/OR BABY

3                  MANNER IN WHICH HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE TO BE SECURED

A                 STAFF REQUIRED TO SWEEP UP

B                 STAFF REQUIRED TO CLEAN UP AND PLACE WARNING SIGN ‘WET FLOOR’

C                 STAFF REQUIRED TO PICK UP

D                 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIRE BLANKETS AVAILABLE AND CHECKED REGULARLY

E                 BARRIER TO PREVENT ACCESS.  STAFF REQUIRED TO KEEP BARRIER CLOSED

F                  STAFF REQUIRED TO MAKE SURE ALL SOCKETS HAVE SAFETY COVERS.  EQUIPMENT CHECKED REGULARLY

G                 THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED TAPS AND CHECKED WEEKLY ON CHECK LIST

H                 THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED RADIATORS

I                  NO TEA/COFFEE PREPARED OR CONSUMED AROUND CHILDREN

J                  NO SMOKING ON PREMISES

K                 ALL EQUIPMENT CHECKED REGULARLY

L                 NO LIFTING AND SWINGING.  STAFF REQUIRED TO REFRAIN FROM SAME

M                STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO STAND CHILDREN ON THE CHANGING MAT

N                 STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO SIT ON WINDOW LEDGES AND TO PREVENT CHILDREN FROM DOING SAME

O                 STAFF REQUIRED TO ALWAYS HAVE EYES ON CLASSROOM AND TO ENSURE ADEQUATE COVER BEFORE LEAVING ROOM

P                  STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO LEAVE PLASTIC BAGS WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN

Q                 NO SHARP KNIVES TO BE PLACED IN DRAWER.  STAFF REQUIRED TO REFRAIN FROM SAME

R                 PROCEDURES IN PLACE FOR ACCIDENT/INJURY/EMERGENCY SITUATION.  STAFF INFORMED OF SAME

S                  DESIGNATED STAFF MEMBERS RESPONSIBLE FOR COOKING AND TRAINED IN BASICS OF HEALTH AND HYGIENE

T                 STAFF INSTRUCTED IN CORRECT LIFTING AND WHEN TO AVOID UNNECCESSARY LIFTING

U                 STAFF INSTRUCTED IN CORRECT METHOD OF DEALING WITH BROKEN GLASS.  STAFF REQUIRED TO CLEAR UP BREAKAGES IMMEDIATELY AND REMOVE CHIDREN FROM ROOM

V                 STAFF INSTRUCTED NEVER TO LEAVE SHARP OBJECTS IN REACH OF CHIDREN

W                STAFF INSTRUCTED TO BE AWARE WHEN ENTERING A ROOM THAT CHILDREN MAY BE BEHIND DOOR AND INSTRUCTED TO LOOK THROUGH GLASS PANELS PROVIDED FIRST

X                 STAFF INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS CLOSE DOORS SECURELY BEHIND THEM AND ENSURE FRONT DOOR AND PLAYAREA GATES ARE LOCKED

Y                 STAFF INSTRUCTED TO ENQUIRE AS TO IDENTITY OF CALLER AND NEVER TO LEAVE CALLER UNATTENDED.  DESIGNATED PERSONS ONLY MAY COLLECT CHILDREN

Z                 STAFF INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPERVISION IN PLAYAREA AND TO REPORT ANY POTENTIAL HAZARDS.  MANAGEMENT TO PERFORM REGULAR CHECKS ON PLAYARE FACILITES

AA              STAFF INSTRUCTED TO NOTE ABOVE AND FOLLOW PROCEDURE

AB              NO FLIP FLOPS ONLY SECURELY FASTENED SANDALS

AC              PREGNANT WOMEN MAY NOT WORK IN BABY ROOM, MAY NOT LIFT CHILDREN AND MAY NOT CHANGE NAPPIES IF IT INVOLVES BENDING

4                  ARRANGEMENTS MADE AND RESOURCES PROVIDED FOR PROVIDING HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE

NOTE: APPLICABLE TO ALL BELOW IS THE FACT THAT THE SAFETY STATEMENT AND THE STAFF HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE INDUCTION INFORMS STAFF OF ALL HAZARDS AND ACTIONS NECESSARY TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS

A                 SWEEPING BRUSH AND DUSTPAN PROVIDED IN EACH ROOM

B                 MOPS AND CLOTHS PROVIDED IN EACH ROOM PLUS WARNING SIGN ‘WET FLOOR’

C                 STAFF REQUIRED TO MONITOR AMOUNT AND TYPE OF TOYS.  MUST BE APPROPRIATE TO CHILD AGE GROUP

D                 REGULAR FIRE DRILLS PRACTISED.  FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEM IN PLACE.  FIRE EXITS CLEARLY SIGNED.  DEMONSTRATIONS IN USE OF FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT PROVIDED.  FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM PRESENTED TO NEW STAFF DURING INDUCTION.

E                 BARRIER ERECTED TO PREVENT CHILDREN ENTERING KITCHEN.  ADEQUATE SUPERVISION PROVIDED WHEN CHILDREN GO THROUGH WALKWAY

F                  NO OVERLOADING SOCKETS.  USE SUITABLE FUSES.  FAULTY EQUIPMENT AND DEFECTS IN SYSTEM ISOLATED AND REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY.  ELECTRICIAN ON CALL.  STAFF INFORMED OF HIS NUMBER.  STAFF MUST REPORT DANGERS AND DEFECTS.  MANAGEMENT REGULARLY CHECKS ALL ITEMS ON CHECKLIST

G                 TAPS CHECKED REGULARLY TO ENSURE THEY ARE OPERATING EFFECTIVELY.  CHECKED ON CHECKLIST

H                 RADIATORS CHECKED REGULARLY.  THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED CHECKED ON CHECKLIST

I                  NO STAFF BEVERAGES IN CRECHE AREA.  FACILITIES PROVIDED FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES I.E. STAFF ROOM FOR CONSUMING SAME.  STAFF REQUIRED TO MAKE AND CONSUME BEVERAGES IN STAFF AREA ONLY

J                  NO SMOKING ON PREMISES.  STAFF REQUIRED TO REFRAIN FROM SMOKING ON PREMISES

K                 MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST AVAILABLE IN EACH ROOM.  STAFF REQUIRED TO CHECK EQUIPMENT AND REPORT AND ISOLATE/REMOVE ANY DEFECTIVE ITEMS

L                 MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  NO SWINGING OF CHILDREN REGULATION IN PLACE.  REGULAR MONITORING BY MANAGEMENT

M                MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  REGULAR MONITORING OF NAPPY CHANGE AREA BY MANAGEMENT TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION.  STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO STAND CHILDREN ON MAT

N                 MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO SIT ON WINDOWS AND NOT TO ALLOW CHILDREN TO DO SO.  REGULATION IN PLACE

O                 MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  STAFF TRAINED TO ALWAYS KEEP EYES ON CHILDREN.  STAFF NEVER TO LEAVE ROOM WITHOUT INFORMING ANOTHER MEMBER OF STAFF AND ENSURING ADEQUATE COVERAGE EXISTS IN ROOM.  FLOATER AVAILABLE.  STAFF NEVER TO LEAVE A ROOM UNSUPERVISED.  MANAGEMENT TO ENSURE ADEQUATE STAFFING NUMBERS AT ALL TIMES

P                  MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  STAFF REQUIRED NEVER TO LEAVE PLASTIC BAGS WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN.  STAFF MUST ALWAYS PICK UP PLASTIC BAGS AND STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA AWAY FROM CHILDREN

Q                 MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  STAFF REQUIRED TO PLACE SHARP KNIVES IN KNIFE BLOCK PROVIDED AND NOT IN DRAWER

R                 STAFF REQUIRED TO PRACTICE EMERGENCY/ACCIDENT PROCEDURES.  FIRST AIDER ALWAYS ON PREMISES.  STAFF TRAINING IN FIRST AID.  ALL STAFF WILL COMPLETE INCIDENT BOOK ENTRY.  STAFF REQUIRED TO INFORM MANAGEMENT OF INCIDENT.  MANAGEMENT WILL ESTABLISH THE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT.  MANAGEMENT WILL CALL 999 IF APPROPRIATE AND WILL GET ALL NECESSARY ASSISTANCE.  STAFF WILL KNOW LOCATION OF EMERGENCY NUMBERS

S                  DESIGNATED STAFF MEMBERS FOR COOKING MEALS AND FOOD PREPARATION.  THEY WILL BE TRAINED IN BASIC HEALTH AND HYGIENE.  STAFF REQUIRED TO WASH HANDS AFTER TOILETING AND BEFORE PREPARING FOOD AND AFTER HANDLING RAW MEAT.  SIGNS, SINKS AND ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS AND PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED.  SEPARATE CHOPPING BOARDS PROVIDED FOR RAW MEAT.  STAFF REQUIRED TO USE THEM.  STAFF REQUIRED TO HAVE RAW MEAT ALWAYS STORED AT BOTTOM OF FRIDGE.  STAFF REQUIRED TO CLEAN AND STERILISE ALL WORK SURFACES AFTER FOOD PREPATATION.  ANTIBACTERIAL SPRAYS PROVIDED.  DISHWASHER PROVIDED.

T                 STAFF INSTRUCTED IN PRINCIPLES OF SAFE LIFTING DURING INDUCTION.  STAFF REQUIRED TO ABIDE BY SAME.  STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO LIFT EXCESSIVE LOADS THAT WILL CAUSE INJURY BUT TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE.  STAFF REQUIRED NOT TO LIFT LARGER TODDLERS ONTO NAPPY CHANGE BUT TO PLACE NAPPY CHANGE MAT ON THE FLOOR INSTEAD AND CHANGE THE CHILD THERE

U                 STAFF INSTRUCTED ON CORRECT METHOD OF CLEANING UP BROKEN GLASS I.E. NEVER TO HANDLE BROKEN GLASS, TO SWEEP GLASS WITH DUSTPAN AND BRUSH (PROVIDED), TO WRAP GLASS IN NEWSPAPER TO PREVENT FURTHER INJURY.  STAFF REQUIRED TO KEEP CHILDREN CLEAR OF BROKEN GLASS AND CLEAR UP IMMEDIATELY. REMOVE CHILDREN FROM THE ROOM.

V                 STAFF REQUIRED TO NEVER LEAVE SHARP OBJECTS IN REACH OF CHILDREN.  SUITABLE STORAGE AREAS I.E. SHELVES AND CUPBOARDS OUT OF CHILDREN’S REACH PROVIDED FOR SUCH ITEMS

W                STAFF REQUIRED TO EXERCIZE CAUTION ENTERING A ROOM.  GLASS PANELS INSTALLED IN DOORS FOR VISUAL ACCESS TO ROOM

X                 STAFF REQUIRED TO ALWAYS CLOSE DOORS SECURELY BEHIND THEM WHEN ENTERING AND LEAVING A ROOM PLUS PLAY AREA GET.  HIGH HANDLES OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN HAVE BEEN PROVIDED ON MOST DOORS.  STAFF REQUIRED TO ENSURE FRONT DOOR IS ALWAYS LOCKED – INTERCOME SYSTEM INSTALLED FOR THIS PURPOSE AND SECURITY.   SIGNS ON PLAYAREA GATES WARNING STAFF AND PARENTS TO CLOSE GATES AT ALL TIMES

Y                 MEMOS ISSUED TO STAFF.  STAFF REQUIRED TO ALWAYS ASK FOR ID OF CALLER BEFORE ALLOWING THEM ONTO PREMISES OR MANAGEMENT MEETS THEM ON DOORSTEP.  MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE CALLED FOR.  STAFF REQUIRED TO NEVER LEAVE CALLER UNATTENDED IN BUILDING.  ONLY DESIGNATED PERSONS MAY COLLECT CHILDREN.  THESE PERSONS ARE NAMED ON REGISTRATION FORM.  STAFF REQUIRED TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THESE DESIGNATED PERSONS.  IF IN DOUBT, STAFF REQUIRED TO ASK FOR ID AND/OR INFORM MANAGEMENT.  STAFF REQUIRED TO NEVER RELEASE A CHILD IF ANY DOUBT EXISTS

Z                 STAFF REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPERVISION IN PLAYGROUND AT ALL TIMES, TO LIMIT RUNNING DOWN THE HILL, WHEELED TOYS ALLOWED ONLY ON CEMENT.  STAFF REQUIRED TO REPORT ANY POTENTIAL HAZARDS TO MANAGEMENT.  MANAGEMENT REQUIRED TO DO REGULAR CHECKS WITH CHECK LIST ON PLAY AREA NOTICING ANY SHARP PROTRUSIONS ON FENCE OR SHARP STICKS FROM TREE OR ANIMAL FFAECES.  ENTIRE PLAYAREA COMPLETELY ENCLOSED, FENCED IN AND GATED FOR SAFETY.  STAFF REQUIRED TO APPLY SUNSCREEN AND HATS TO ALL CHILDREN BEFORE GOING OUT IN HOT SUN

AA              STAFF REQUIRED TO REPORT ANY ODD BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS AND/OR MARKINGS ON CHILD’S BODY TO MANAGEMENT.  MANAGEMENT TO THEN INVESTIGATE FULLY FOLLOSING HAVING HAD THE CHILD MONITORED AND DOCUMENTED CLOSELY.  DISCUSSION OF IMMEDIATE CONCERNS WITH PARENTS WILL FOLLOW.  SHOULD THERE BE ANY SUSPICION OF CHILD ABUSE MANAGEMENT WILL CONTACT THE SWAHB.  ALL ACTIVITIES WILL BE DOCUMENTED.  FOR FULL DETAILS SEE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

AB              MEMO SENT OUT TO STAFF STATING THAT THEY ARE NOT TO WEAR FLIP FLOPS

AC              STAFF WILL WORK IN AREAS WHERE THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LIFT CHILDREN

5                  NAMES AND JOB TITLES OF PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE ORGANISATION:

NAME:     

JOB TITLE:                 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONSULTATION WITH EMPLOYEES ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MATTERS:

         1                  MEMOS

2                  STAFF HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE INDUCTION

3                  SAFETY STATEMENT

4                  MEETINGS

5                  TRAINING

6                  REGULAR MONITORING ON JOB

7                  CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

8                  DETAILS OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYEES ON SAFETY AND HEALTH:

1                  MEMOS

2                  STAFF HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE INDUCTION

3                  SAFETY STATEMENT

4                  MEETINGS

5                  TRAINING

6                  HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE LEGISLATION AND PUBLICATIONS

7                  CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

These leakages occur for a variety of reasons including untrained bladders/bowels not sending the message to the brain fast enough, kids being just too busy playing and learning to want to go to the pesky bathroom and simply because a child is having a bad day (happens to us all).  Either way, we day care owners must be on hand to clean up both child and bathroom, comfort with encouraging words and get smiles back on faces as confidence rebuilding occurs. 

So, what simple steps can we take to minimize toileting accidents and ease the clean up process.  Key here is to be up to speed on each child's level of development, aware of their routines and prepared to offer frequent reminders to go to the potty.  Even if they child doesn't actually 'go' you are getting them into the habit of regular toilet visits.  And every attempt should be gently congratulated.  Be aware of the 'busy bees' who are so excited about their activities in the class room that they hold it, and hold it until…………

Have a toileting emergency pack to hand near each potty area including disposable shoe covers, gloves, sanitizer, cloths and large absorbent tissues …for a quick clean up.  Have plastic bags in this pack for the soiled clothing and have easy access to the child's spare clothes bag (a toilet training child should have at least 3 sets of clothes). Don't forget to sanitize the bottom of little shoes that may have walked in the offending substances!!

All the above can help to ease everyone through these little dramas.  Now, have a pottytastic day!!

Create a treasure map (a la Dora and Diego) for the kids to use on their hunt.  Incorporate various learning activiities into your cartography attempts and have the kids look for various flora and fauna, other animals and anything that increases their awareness of their surroundings.  Kids love this adventurer/explorer, map following style foray and will be engrossed, enthused, excited and learning.

And when all the outdoor fun is over ye olde treasure map can be colored in (yeah, make sure you do it in black and white to start with).  Crafts, creativity, reasoning skills, exercise, fresh air, team work, learning and art (to name but a few) - now that sounds like a fun day at day care to me.

Make sure the stories are not too long as children tend to have a short attention span and try to really engage them by bringing the story to life with your voice and actions.  Don't be afraid to use different accents and pitches of voice for various characters (the children won't know you can't do a southern accent to save your life!!) The kids must be able to see the book so the bigger the pictures the better and I often use my computer to do a kind of power point presentation.  Try to have the children sit in a semi circle so everyone can see and make sure they are all warm and comfortable (perhaps sitting on soft vinyl furniture). 

Try to tie the stories in with a weekly theme e.g. letter for the week is 'H', animal of the week is hippo and hare so your stories could be centred around those animals or other subjects beginning with 'H'.  Keep it fun and relaxed and encourage the kids to choose a story sometimes - it's important they don't feel that storytime is a lesson or chore.  Get them to participate, keep them engaged and have fun.

One of the most daunting tasks facing any new (or seasoned) day care provider is that of providing new, fresh, educational yet fun activities for the kids.  How can we provide stimulating, new and safe opportunities for exploratory, educational play?  Amazingly, providing said activities need'nt cost the earth and utilising simple, everyday household items mixed in with a large portion of imagination will suffice. 

Younger children will have hours of fun with a mirror, making faces and watching you do likewise.  Familiar songs and nursery rhymes coupled with hand clapping, swaying, jumping and dancing will provoke a wonderful response in all children whilst also encouraging movement and coordination. Throw in some wooden spoons, pots, lids and rice filled containers and you will have a veritable orchestra.

Toddlers love messy play…the messier the better so provide lots of aprons and newspaper to cover surfaces.  Play dough is a firm favourite and easily made with flour, water, vegetable oil, salt and  food colouring.  Gloop (cornflower and water) is another great way for kids to experiment with texture (which can be varied by adding more flour).  Sand and water are natural materials essential to any preschool allowing children to learn texture, touch and the changing states of the materials as they heap, empty, pour, fill, patt, sieve and create. 

Preschoolers are little fountains of imagination and love nothing more than to act out everyday events using make believe and a few props.  Enter - dress up and role play!  Provide a dress up corner (simply, an old box) filled with clothes, hats, shoes, gloves, aprons, scarves, feather boas….. Ask parents for donations, rummage in the local thrift store….use your imagination!!  Create activity areas where the kids can play our their fantasies i.e. have a home corner complete with kitchen and utensils, create a little office space with phone and computer. 

Storytime is an integral part of the day care experience and should be fun, interactive and varied.  Use props to bring the stories to life, a simple tape recorder can add sound effects, introduce a turn taking system so the kids have a chance to tell a story and encourage make up stories focusing on topics of interest i.e. where the child is the super hero!  Develop your story times so that they gradually seque into a mini dramatics session.  Even the shiest child will become so involved in the vibrant characters being created that they will almost unconciously act out their role too.

Art  is a wonderful and enjoyable play experience.  Painting activities need not be confined to an easel with a paint brush.  Finger painting, foot painting, blowing paint throw straws, old tooth brushes, old paint rollers, a multitude of household items dipped in paint to make a stamp - all angles on the painting experience.  Go through your recycling bin and introduce pots, boxes, egg shells, bottles and anything else that could be decorated. 

Remember, children are naturally curious and are always seeking new experiences….simply open your mind and imagintation and follow their lead!