Little Hands Family Childcare

Child Care Philosophy
Family child care in a home like setting is the best alternative there is for working parents. It provides a small secure environment for children during the most important time of their development. Family child care offers a home away from home, providing children with siblings of all ages, to play, socialize, and learn from. My goal in providing quality child care for your child is to provide

A safe environment

A nurturing environment

A learning environment learning is not necessarily the ABC s and 123 s, but is also the learning of values. The learning of honesty, respect, self reliance, and potential, self-discipline, and moderation, the values of being; dependable, love, sensitivity to others, kindness, friendliness and fairness are the values of giving.

A proper approach to discipline Since children occasionally need discipline, it is important that you and I share a similar philosophy so that your child is not too confused as to where the boundaries are and what is expected of him/her. Children are taught which behaviors are inappropriate, and why, and given alternatives that are acceptable. In this way, the behavior is being changed, with out making the child feel bad or unloved. This helps develop their self-esteem, and teaches them how to handle difficult situations themselves in the future. I express my disapproval (without attaching character). I state my expectations and show your child how to make amends. I give choices, and in extreme situations a child may be given a time out ; because at times a child may be having trouble making choices of their own and they just may need a couple of minutes to calm down, and think about their choices.

And to foster unconditional love this kind of love is very important to me because children should not grow up feeling that in order to be loved and cared for they must meet numerous conditions.

Communication is key to a successful child care arrangement. The parent and provider need to have a good working relationship so they can communicate and work together. Parent and provider need to exchange pertinent information in the child s life such as changes in routine, special events, or activities, as well as changes such as death, divorce, separation, moving, visitors, etc. All this information can be important in understanding the child s feelings, behavior, and well being.

I invite you to share with me in writing, by telephone, or schedule an appointment to talk about your concerns on any area that you feel I am neglecting and I will do my best to improve in that area.

Typical Activities
Group Play: Singing, dancing, play acting, games, reading, listening to tapes (story and music), circle time

Free Play: Children have a choice of - blocks, dolls and accessories, science/ sensory, play sets, Household toys, pull/push toys, art materials, and may watch limited television or video tapes

Language: Nursery rhymes, finger plays, stimulus pictures or objects to encourage verbalization, reading to the children, flannel boards

Dramatic play: Dress up, role playing, puppetry, etc.

Outdoor play: (weather Permitting) Swinging, climbing, riding toys, running, ball playing, gardening toys, trucks, strolling dolls, (please remember to dress your child appropriately for the weather, if in doubt, dress in layers or bring extra clothes)
Special Days: Include Birthdays/holiday parties, getting ready for holidays, and holiday.