Learning Plan 1 Quality Child Care

Learning Plan 1 – Quality Child Care

Assignment List:

1. Skills or Characteristics for a successful child care provider
2. Wisconsin Administrative Rules and Regulation Scavenger Hunt – Differences and Similarities
3. Create a list of 10 things every child needs
4. Physical Space and Equipment True and False
5. Record you staff-to-child ratio observations noting similarities and differences
6. Review the job descriptions and write an introductory paragraph for a cover letter
7. Interview an experienced child care provider

Learning Plan 1

Assignment 1: Review the above list of characteristics successful child care providers have and think of any additional skills or characteristics you feel are important. Make a list of 7 other skills not previously listed that you think are most important and describe why each is necessary.

Learning Plan 1

Assignment 2:

Wisconsin Administrative Rules and Regulations Scavenger Hunt

Wisconsin Administrative Licensing Rules and Regulations for Family Child Care- https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/4069.pdf

Wisconsin Administrative Licensing Rules and Regulations for Group Child Care- https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/4024.pdf

Using the both the DCF 250 Licensing Rules for Family Child Care Centers and DCF 251 Licensing Rules for Group Child Care Centers, compare the similarities and differences in the following rules.

Consider the reasons for any differences.

Search for rules related to:

1. Provider Education (family child care/teacher/assistant).

Similarities:

Differences:

Why might there be differences?

2. Staff-to-Child Ratio

Similarities:

Differences:

Why might there be differences?

3. Handwashing

Similarities:

Differences:

Why might there be differences?

4. Program Planning

Similarities:

Differences:

Why might there be differences?

5. Kitchens and Food Handling

Similarities:

Differences:

Why might there be differences?

6. Outdoor Play Space

Similarities:

Differences:

Why might there be differences?

7. Diapering and Toileting of Children under 2

Similarities:

Differences:

Why might there be differences?

8. Care for a Mildly Ill Child

Similarities:

Differences:

Why might there be differences?

9. Responsibilities of Staff

Similarities:

Differences:

Why might there be differences?

Learning Plan 1

Assignment 3:

Create a list of 10 things every child needs (Consider what you have just learned about DAP)

Learning Plan 1

Assignment 4:

In this next section we will take a closer look at the physical space and equipment requirements. Using the Wisconsin Rules and Regulations books or links, https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/4069.pdf or https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/4024.pdf

review the rules governing equipment for child care settings, including the indoor and outdoor space needs for both family and group child care.

After reviewing these, answer the following True or False questions:

1) 35 square feet is required for each child indoors at a child care setting? ______

2) There must 35 square feet of space for each child using the outdoor play space at any given time. ______

3) The storage for cots, bedding and other equipment can be counted in the square footage available for children. ______

4) The boundaries of the outdoor play space must be defined with a permanent enclosure not less than 3 feet high to protect children. ______

5) If a program is going to make changes to their plan for the outdoor play space, the plans must be approved by the licenser. ______

6) Children under one must have a cot, bed or 2 inch thick mat or sleeping bag. ______

7) A program open for 3 hours or more must have an outdoor play space. ______

8) Trampolines are okay to have on the play space children have access to. ______

9) Enough indoor play equipment needs to be provided so children have at least 3 activities to choose from when all children are using equipment. ______

10) Outdoors, all children must have at least one activity provided when all children are using equipment at the same time. ______

Learning Plan 1

Assignment 5:

After reviewing the staff-to-child ratio tables, record your observations regarding the similarities and differences in how children are grouped in family and group child care settings.

______

Learning Plan 1

Assignment 6:

Using the information gathered during the review and other resources available, write an introductory paragraph that could be used in a cover letter that identifies the position you wish to hold in a child care setting. Include the education and experience necessary for that position and describe your personal attributes that will contribute to a successful work experience.

Learning Plan 1

Assignment 7:

To learn more about the work of a child care provider find a provider who is currently working in the field and interview him/her, asking the following questions and any others you might be wondering about:

1. What do you like best about working in child care?

2. What challenges do you face working in child care?

3. Why did you choose to go into child care?

4. What do you do to keep up with new things in child care?

Summarize your interview experience including where the provider works, the type of program it is, his/her responses and any thoughts you might have.