Sitter in Carrollton, Texas

CHILD-CENTERED PROGRAM With over 25 years’ experience in family child care, I offer a program tailored to the individual needs of children ages 1-4 years old. As part of your child's daytime family, I strive to offer the same kind of program I provided for my own children. Together, we explore, learn, play and grow! I offer the children hands-on experience with science, math, technology, engineering and art (S.T.E.A.M. or sometimes referred to as S.T.E.M. without a focus on the arts). My home features a playroom for the children with a family living center, dramatic play area, block center and science/discovery center. Arts and crafts and fine motor activities are done at the kids' table in my large kitchen.The science/math center and art/writing center are accessible to all of the children and used daily. Natural materials are available to the children for open-ended play and exploration. We read, dance, sing, and have circle time in my comfortable family room. I have a huge outdoor play area with sand/water tables, picnic tables for snack and activities and lots of fun equipment for the kids. I welcome the children with love and nurturing, providing peace of mind for the parents who place their children in my care. I've been registered with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) since 1997 and received my Child Development Associate Credential in October 2011 through the Early Childhood Department at Brookhaven Community College. I participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program through ChildCareGroup Food and Nutrition Program. Excellent references provided. CURRICULUM The curriculum is S.T.E.A.M.-based using a variety of materials and learning experiences which accompany our study of the numbers, colors, shapes, seasons, holidays and culture. I introduce and expand the childrens' phonemic awareness and language skills by building story time, songs and nursery rhymes into our daily routine. A color of the month is included in art and play; a featured shape is incorporated into activities; number knowledge is reinforced through counting practice throughout the day- and we still manage to have fun and play! I teach the children simple signs and basic Spanish to enhance their language and communication skills. I have a large library of children's literature available to them at all times- they love to read with me and on their own. I integrate science and math into all areas of the curriculum (the science materials are some of the favorite choices during free play). Introducing children to science, math, art, music and literacy with fun hands-on activities sets the stage for a lifetime of learning. PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY I believe the work of children is discovery and exploration and they learn best in an active play environment where concepts can be introduced as they relate naturally to what is going on around them. Children need to be surrounded by opportunities for learning- they also need the love and consistency of a secure attachment to their caregiver to thrive. When a child is welcomed into our child care group, he/she becomes a valued member of our daytime family and is nurtured as such. By providing the materials and opportunities to them on a daily basis, I strive to instill a love of learning and a joy in the world around them. I do provide teacher-directed activities and group time, but I also give them plenty of time to create and explore individually and as a group. Child care should be a partnership between parent and provider working together to promote the development of the whole child. A mutual respect and good communication are vital to this relationship.