Journal 13

Flutterbyes CDC

1221 e. Main, Arcadia, Ok

Tree Planting Ceremony: We Remember-17 years

April 19, 2012

8:45 am

For those who would like to participate we will be having a tree planting ceremony on Thursday, April 19, 2012. This is our way of remembering those who were lost in the OKC Bombing April 19, 1995.

We ask if you would like to honor a loved one lost on that day to give us their name and you may plant a flower in our garden around the tree in their honor. We will provide a name card with their full name on it to place in front of the flower.

·        The Event is Free

·        There will be doughnuts, coffee, and juice available

·        The speaker will began at 8:45

·        We will start our moment of silence at 9:02

·        The tree will be put in the ground at this time as well.

·        After the moment of silence there will be a prayer

·        Our staff and guest will be allowed to plant their flowers after prayer

·        If anyone would like to say a few words during the flower planting they may do so, please be mindful of your time so that others may have the same opportunity.

I hope that you can join us in this event, and celebrate the lives of those we lost that day, and know that we welcome all to this event so tell a friend.

If you plan on honoring a loved one with a flower let us know by Wednesday April 18, 2012 so that we can have your name card ready for you. If you don’t this doesn’t mean you can’t honor a loved one, we will just simply get you a name card that day or the next day

For more info Call Ebonee at 396-KIDS or if I am unavailable feel free to ask another staff member about the event, they will be more than happy to assist you. Hope to see you there. Thank you in advance for your support and participation.

Journal 12

Family Teacher Conference K-3 Program

For Kamyia Allen 44 months

1.     Kamyia has made the most progress in the following areas: Social Skills, Kamyia is developing friendships, and starting to play with the same children. She is also using her words to express herself instead of hitting or yelling. Self Help, I am really proud of how Kamyia is doing as far as meeting her personal needs. She is able to go to the restroom completely unassisted,  she can also wipe her own nose and wash her hands without being asked to do so.

2.     Kamyia enjoys center time the most, she loves the pretend and learn area because she likes to play dress up. She has a great imagination and encourages others to imagine with her, which is really advanced for her age.

3.     Kamyia appears to be most excited and attentive when she is in the pretend and learn area. She is also excited about Art Time as well, she enjoys painting and gluing things.

4.     I believe the best form of redirection for Kamyia is manipulatives. I say this because when I need to redirect her I give her a puzzle or beads to string and it works for the both of us, she enjoys it and it redirects her attention. She is always up for a challenge, it keeps her mind busy and it is calming if I need to calm her for any reason.

5.     One objective the family could work on at home with Kamyia is cutting with scissors. I say this because we are starting to teach the children to use scissors correctly and this is a big challenge for some of them. We will start by cutting in any direction then we will focus on cutting along a straight dotted line. We will progress from there to cutting out shapes, it is a process but with your help we will be on the road to success in no time.

Assessment shows Development age to be 52 months

Thank You for your time and support, Ms. Downs

Journal 11

Visual? Auditory? Kinesthetic?

For my parents who are visual I would send them notes, reminders and memos when needed.

For my parents that are auditory, I would be sure to verbally remind them of things when possible, and make phone call reminders to them.

For my parents that are kinesthetic I would have a website for them, email alerts, and plenty opportunity for participation; such as volunteering, parent meetings, and being in charge of some activities.

I think I learn best doing all three at once, Visuals usually work best for me but sometimes I need the hands on or to have it explained so that I am comfortable with the information.

Journal 10

***Health Alert***

It has been reported that our center may have been exposed to Fifth Disease. This is under control but we want you to be aware of what is going on as a precaution.

What is it?

Fifth Disease is a common childhood disease, that is spread by coughing and sneezing. Adults can get it as well. It usually lasts a few weeks.

What Causes it?

A virus called human parvovirus B19.

Symptoms

Early symptoms are flu like, runny nose, sore throat, and headache. Later comes a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body. Usually fades in about 5 days. Some adults experience joint pains for weeks and sometimes even months. However some don’t get a rash or even feel sick.

Diagnoses and Treatment

It is diagnosed by your doctor through an exam and medical questions. Mostly treated at home with rest, plenty fluids and pain relievers. Rash may reappear when under stress or when you get too hot. Once rash appears the disease is no longer contagious and child may return to school.

What should you do?

Pay close attention to your child and call your doctor if you suspect any symptoms. Also contact us if your child is diagnosed with it.

Don’t share food and drinks

Wash hands often

What we are doing

Washing hands often, and teaching children about the spread of germs.

Spacing children further apart at nap time

Sanitizing room and toys more often, throughout the day

More outdoor play and letting more fresh air in the building, germs spread more inside so outdoor play and fresh air inside will help cut down on germs.

Journal 9

Parent Handbook Policy Addition

As of 3/1/12

If children are not picked up by closing there will be a late fee charged by the teacher that is on duty at the time of pick up. All late fees must be paid to that teacher within 5 business days. I apologize for any inconvenience but please understand our teachers have families as well. Thank You for your cooperation in this matter, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Journal 8

   April Newsletter 2012

Spring is The season for New Beginnings
Flutterbye's Child Dev. Center

Ms. Ebonee's Class

***Reminders***                                                                    ***Birthdays***

Continue to work on self help skills                                            Ashley  1st

Discuss the season Spring                                                        Ka'mea 25th

Practice cutting and writing names                                            Harriett 30th

Read to your child for 20 mins

Show and tell every Friday                                                    ***Congrats****

Thank you for your hard work and support            Payne family welcomes baby girl Kyndal

                                                                                               Last months winner at Parent Meeting
                                                                                Denise Cameron $25 Wal Mart Card
                                                                                                    

Upcoming Events                                                            ***Peek at our Month***

Spring Craft Night (Easter Baskets)  4/5/12                  Letters Dd, Jj, Vv, Gg, and Oo.

Happy Easter                                    4/8/12                         The color Purple

Parent Meeting 11am and 4pm        4/10/12                        The shape oval

 (Be the next Door Prize Winner)                                  Rhymes, Story recalls, Patterns

Tree planting ceremony 9:02 am      4/19/12                 Social skills - Working together

St. Jude's Trike A Thon 9-11am       4/25/12                 Self-Help - Tying our shoes              Zoo field trip                                      4/27/12                    Spring and Easter Crafts

Flutterbye's Corner
We Remember OKC Bombing 4/19/2012

Week of the Young Child 4/22-28/2012

Earth Day 4/22/2012

 To help celebrate we will be having a recycling competition
Starting 4/2-30/2012
Ask your child's teacher for more details
Winning class will win pizza party.

Journal 7

   On this episode they are trying to get a lady to dress her age, her name is Jodi and she is 51. She said she is desperate not to get old and thinks dressing like a teenager will stop her from aging. NOT!!! The stylist are trying to get her to understand that dressing her age doesn't mean she has to dress like an old lady.They are wanting her to stop shopping in the juniors department and learn to be sexy, modern, sheik, and age appropriate.The way you dress is a reflection of you and can be the first impression you make on people.
   Rule number one for Jodi was to stay out of the juniors department and shop in an age appropriate department store. Rule number two was to get some basics in her closet because everything she owned was very busy. I personally don't think they were much help to her but she did look a little better just because she had on age appropriate clothing. I think dressing for success looks conservative, soft, simple with a touch of sexy. Dressing for success is important to me because when you look good you feel good.

Journal 6

1. The mother’s confidentiality code was violated when the records were sent without her knowledge, and when they discussed her son’s behavior without her being present.

2. The child’s confidentiality code was violated when the teacher decided to tell the other parents that he was a bitter, plus it was he say she say, also when the teachers were discussing him being in an accident.

3. No, Eric's disability should not have been discussed, that is the mother’s job and hers only.

4. The meeting should have included the mother, the director, and the teacher.

5. Yes, with young children it is always helpful because most of the hurtful things they say are not meant to be hurtful but just out of curiosity. If you explain it all in advance there isn’t much left to talk about.

6. I personally would have talked with Eric more to find out how he was feeling because I’m sure he showed signs of being unhappy. A classroom introduction would have been nice to warm him up to the others. There also should have been some rules explained to mom about the p.b and j sandwich in advance to avoid upsetting Eric, and I would have never made a big deal about Elmo at nap if that’s what made him feel better. Eric’s teachers should have been way more compassionate with him.

7. I feel it was definitely inappropriate and way out of line. It was not her business and it was unprofessional. And even if the parent shared that info with her, which they didn’t, it’s not her place to put that families business out, it makes her look bad and it’s a very bad first impression.

8. Even if the conversation was at the center, it was not her place. If you wouldn’t say it in front of that family then you probably shouldn’t be saying it at all.

9. For starters I would not let anyone else’s experience form my opinion of another person or child, also her statement about him having ADHD should have never happened, if mom said that she wanted information on it then fine, but she isn’t a doctor just a director so she shouldn’t have said that. I would never use the word bad when describing a child in my care or compare him to others as she did, I feel like the director and teachers made the mom uncomfortable and that’s a big no no. And if I ever found out about what the teachers said about Eric and his parents, and the situations that took place at lunch and nap they would be in my office apologizing to Eric and his mother and explaining to me why they deserve a job in my facility! Not to mention all the gossip, this staff needs some serious guidance.

10. If I was the director I would do my best to ensure her that the problem had been resolved, but honestly if I was the mom I would not bring my child back, I would be highly upset at how my child was treated.

11. I didn’t say I wouldn’t move him; however that can be hard on a child moving from place to place.

Journal 5

Staff Meeting Agenda

v  Attendance

Ø  Remember to sign in and out correctly daily.

Ø  If tardy please remember to call in and if absent please remember to speak to the person in charge 1 hour before your shift, No voice mails. No habits please.

v  In the Classrooms

Ø  Remember to greet each child and parent with a smile.

Ø  Television is an educational tool not a babysitter. If it is on it must be part of your lesson and on your lesson plan.

Ø  All rooms free of clutter and kept clean and neat.

Ø  Please make sure bleach water is made daily and clearly marked.

Ø  NO CELL PHONES in the classrooms.

v  Infant and Toddler Rooms

Ø  Make sure we are doing daily sheets hourly and properly filling them out.

Ø  Make sure each child’s items are marked with their name, bottles, formula, food, and etc., this is very important.

Ø  Make sure you check diapers before departure, even if you just checked it 5 minutes before.

v  Reminders

Ø  Make sure we are washing our hands, and the children’s. Keep those germs away!

Ø  Daily health and safety checks for classroom and playground.

Ø  Please do health checks on children upon arrival, I know it gets busy at times but do your best as soon as possible.

Ø  Let’s make sure our lessons plans are kept up to date and posted, and remember they are to be approved by the previous Wednesday.

Ø  Make sure we are reading, and the art center is open EVERY DAY!

v  Upcoming Events

Ø Our parent meeting is next week; we need to increase parent involvement! Any ideas?

Ø  We will be starting our fundraiser next month. Final decision will be made in parent meeting.

Ø Deadlines for Mini Prom and Graduation themes are approaching. Ideas will be presented in parent meeting next week.

Ø  Sign-up sheet for CPR and First Aid will be up front for those who need it.

Ø  No Staff Birthday Party this month, because there are no birthdays, sorry guys.

v  Open Topic

Ø  Any questions or suggestions?

Ø  I will continue to do monthly observations and weekly room checks.

Ø  Welcome our new staff member!

v  Thank You

Ø  I want to thank you all for all your hard work, dedication, and for working as a team. We are doing a great job, but we need to remember what we discussed today and the importance of it, we had a great month now let’s have another one!

I think it is important to have monthly staff meetings because it cuts down on confusion, helps everyone get on the same page, and gives the staff an opportunity to give their feedback. It is a great form of communication that is beneficial to both staff and management, your main focus can be on the children if you are all on the same page.  Staff meetings are also a great time to inform staff of new rules and remind them of old ones.  In a good staff meeting everyone should leave knowing what is expected of them and why it is expected.

Journal 4

When someone does not use my name, gives me the cold shoulder, or does not make eye contact with me, and they greet me with only complaints, it totally depends on my relationship with that person. If it is someone that I normally have a close relationship with, like a family member, or a friend, it would bother me and make me feel like what I had to say wasn’t worthy of their time. I would also think they didn’t respect me or our relationship as friends. If it was a stranger treating me in this manner I would be offended. It would also make me mad because I feel like I am giving you respect and I expect the same in return. And chances are unless I received an apology, that would be the way I viewed you from then on and I wouldn’t have very much to say to that person from that point on.

I have been in a situation where I received that type of treatment at work, and it was my supervisor, I didn’t like it at all. The staff worked there before she was transferred to our center and she had a lack of respect for all of us, and complained about everything. It made the work environment very stressful and nobody wanted to be bothered with her. I respected her as my supervisor and my elder but I didn’t allow her to be disrespectful to me. I also asked her could she try and find at least one positive thing to say with the negative, it makes a difference to people when they know they have done at least one thing right. Nobody deserves to be ignored or disrespected and if I feel that I am being treated that way I will ask you not to say anything else to me until you can respect me as I respect you.

Journal 3

Journal Entry 3

2.1a        If a parent wanted me to bend a rule of having nut products in the center I would simple explain to them why the rule has no exceptions in this manner. I apologize that you feel indifferent about this situation but we can’t have any nut products in any of the classrooms. This is because some children have a severe allergy to peanut products and cannot come in contact with them at all. We never know if a child could carry it out the room or simply have something on their hands, so in this case we would rather be safe than sorry. I hope that you understand and stand by me in this promise I have made to these children and their families in order to maintain a safe environment for all. I truly hope this doesn’t change your mind on celebrating Mea’s birthday with her class because you are more than welcome to bring your other snacks. And I do thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

2.1b       I feel like this situation can be handled in more than one way, depending on your staff. If I had a staff member wanting me to change the schedule for them due to the circumstances, I would meet with my staff individually and ask them if they were OK with giving that day up during his/her time of need. If so then that would be the days she work those hours. If the time wasn’t available I would explain that I am sorry you’re in this position but unfortunately we will have to stick to the original schedule because I have to be fair to all staff members, however I am mindful of the situation and we may be able to work together on the time you need off. I feel like we all have to understand that things happen that are totally out of our control, and if you want your staff to be there for you, you have to do your best to be there for them.

2.2a        Honestly I never share my exact bulletin board ideas for this very reason, however my lesson plan is a different story. If a teacher borrows my lesson plan ideas I don’t mind, now if a teacher asked me for bulletin board ideas I don’t mind helping them come up with some great ideas. No if my ideas are stolen from me I’m not going to be confrontational about it, it’s not that serious but I will make sure that particular person is not around when I’m planning in the future.

2.2b       I would first apologize to the father that the incident happened and that I was unaware of it. And ask if he would like to speak with me about it to see if we can reach a resolution. If not I would schedule a meeting for him to meet with the director and myself and his convenience. If he calms down and wants to talk with me I would explain to him that I understand why he is upset, and that it is not uncommon for these types of things to occur among young children from time to time. I do however apologize that I was unable to inform you of the incident, if I had known I would have immediately made documentation of it and notified you if necessary. In this situation your daughter didn’t inform me of the problem nor did she cry. In the future I will let her know the importance of telling me if she has a problem. I do however pay close attention to all my children in my care at all times but that doesn’t mean I see everything, sometimes are busier than others and things do get by me sometimes but I do take full responsibility and if you would like to meet with my director that can be arranged for you sir.

Journal Entry 2

  1.1 The people I frequently interact with would include, my students, my parents, my co-workers, my director, and other peers such as my professors, classmates, friends, and family. I also interact with different employees of different agencies such as doctors, dentist, speech therapist, councilors, DHS, and several vendors. Communication is an important key in order to make all these different branches come together to better serve our children and their families.
   1.2 I feel that the information provided in the conversation covered everything in the communication plan. The issue was addressed, a solution was provided, and acceptance was requested. I think that this is a great plan, it shows your concern for the problem as well as the need to correct it . Also if it is followed through, it builds respect and trust.
   1.3a I visualize the business I work for as a great program to the communities in which they are located in. I work for Head Start, in which many of them offer daycare services as well. I think its great for the community because it offers many advantages for the children and their families that the parents may not be able to provide at all times.
   1.3b Head Start is a free service offered to the children who's families meet the income guidelines, however those centers that offer childcare the rates are very low. The whole purpose is to be beneficial to the low income families, so are rates are normally close to half of what you would pay any where else. Although Head Start is free it still offers advantages to the families. Head Start students receive free dental, vision, and hearing screenings, speech therapy when needed, and all school supplies and field trip fees are provided by the center. The children and families also receive food donations when needed and at holidays.
   1.3c Yes, the center is academically oriented. For Head Start there are folders kept on each child, this folder is started at the beginning of the year or the day the child enrolled. To start the folder the child is given a LAP-D assessment to determine where the child is developmentally, then the test is repeated every 3 months and recorded and compared to show progress or areas where help is needed. There is also a weekly lesson plan and some things are pulled from the LAP-D test and put on the lesson plan to help children improve in areas.
   1.3d At my center we follow the policies and procedures that are set for the entire Community Action Agency, there is one for teachers and there is also a different one for are parents. And of course we follow the DHS regulations as well. There are also a few rules that are set in place by each director so some centers may have rules that others don't.
   There are many programs that we use throughout are agency. We are currently on the Food program, OKC Lending Library program, Foster/Grandparent program and the AARP program. We are also in conjunction with the Oklahoma Housing Authority, Oklahoma City and Edmond Public Schools because some of are centers are in there buildings.
   The equipment used at our centers would be the kits that are to implement our curriculum. We are currently using Saxton Math and LAP-D, and for our younger children in the childcare rooms they use The Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers. These curriculums have been in use for a long time there and they seem to be a good fit.
   1.3e I would say the strengths of are center would all have to do with what we offer to the low income families of the community. We offer many resources to our families as well as services. I also feel that each center is based upon the needs of the community, like the locations and the hours.
   1.3f There are a number of things my center could improve on, one being smaller class sizes  and less clutter because are classrooms are so small its not enough space. I think the agency as a whole could improve on making longevity of staff a priority. I say this because they transfer you around from center to center, but its not the people that are working directly with the families that make these senseless decisions. I wish they would put more thought into the importance of stability with children. I also feel that being such a large agency at some point the feelings of your workers should be considered, like doing a survey maybe. And last but not least, there is a serious lack of professionalism in upper management, some training wouldn't be a bad idea.

My Family