Sheehan’s Little Bears Family Child Care Philosophy
Family childcare in a “home like” setting is the best alternative there is for working parents. Family childcare offers a home away from home, providing children with “siblings” of all ages, to play, learn how to socialize, and learn from each other how to share. My goal in providing families and children a healthy, safe, quality, and secure chi
ldcare environment.
☺ A safe environment
☺ A nurturing environment
☺ 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, socializing and moderation, the values of being; dependable, love, sensitivity to others, kindness, friendliness and fairness are the values of giving. Children learn best by playing not always by doing.
☺ 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 will be redirect to a different area or give a quiet time to be by itself. 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 childcare 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 you concerns on any area that you feel I am neglecting and I will do my best to improve in that area.
