What do you think is the best foundation to a preschool? I know that for my preschool, we are still trying to figure things out. Each week, we come up with new ideas and its hard to just focus on one thing because we are trying so many different things and have so many different ideas. With every preschool, there are gonna be things that need to be worked on. There is no perfect preschool, but there must be specific rules that keep children safe. I think that one of the most important things is to have a staff that is there for the children, and are there to build an environment that cater to the children's interest in learning and their safety. It is important that the teachers and the director work together as a team, and making sure that even though the director is their boss, they feel equal and help each other out.
Hi Monica, I agree that it can be difficult to create a solid foundation for the preschool. I agree that one important thing is a staff that supports the children and their learning and development. In the preschool that I am working at, I see that the children come from a variety of family background and circumstances. Some of the children come into the classroom after having a heated discussion with their parents in the parking lot or they encountered a rough and difficult morning with their family. Children have emotional stress and needs that staff can help with. I try to observe a child’s body language when they enter the classroom and their relationship with their parents in the morning at drop off. I find that the children really need the staff support mentally and emotionally.
ReplyDeleteHi Monica,
ReplyDeleteDo you ever feel like there are too many things you are working on all at once? I realize that it's important to consider all ideas that are addressed, but working on so many different things may be overwhelming. How can you manage the ideas that are presented to you as a director?
Thank you for sharing,
Kaliko
Hi Monica,
ReplyDeleteIt what ways do you connect ideas of the "best approach" to the readings for the past two week? Is there a way a specific foundation can help a director determine a mission and the actions to implement the mission? And how might this align with how teachers are hired and supported in a program? What role might intention -- intention of director, teachers, and children -- contribute to how a program evolves? Would the foundation of a program continue to evolve through this process?
Cheers,
Jeanne
Hi Monica,
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think is important in laying down a solid foundation for a school? Who should be involved in that process? Do you think that teachers should be involved in that process? It's awesome that your team has so many ideas for the classroom. What process do you guys use to share your ideas and to plan for the week? Does you director have any part in that? I agree when you say that it is important to have a staff that is there for the children. But how do you find that quality in a person when you are hiring for a position? It seems like there are a few people who do this type of work just for the money. They come to work each day and just go through the motions not really putting any thought or intention into what they are doing. Is there a way to weed these people out? Do you have any experience working with these people?
Mahalo
Marisa
I couldn't agree more when you said there is no perfect preschool, but what makes a "good, highly qualified preschool" is one who's focus is on the children - creating that foundation, their safety, learning experiences, etc. As we all know, each child is different and unique in their own special way. Knowing that, and knowing it is during these early preschool years where the child's learning foundation is created, how do you determine what to set your focuses on in order to meet every child's needs? to become that "perfect preschool"..
ReplyDeleteAloha Monica,
ReplyDeleteI also agree that there is no perfect preschool. Do you think that there is a perfect preschool for you? A perfect preschool for each child? Each family? I believe there are perfect times and places for each of us in our lives.
With so many influences from each individual, each idea, each situation, how do you balance everything? As a director they have to juggle all of these aspects. You highlighted two important aspects and I agree they are essential to the overall orchestration.
In each ECE setting a hierarchy can develop. How do you take the lead and mentor without making others feel bellow you? How do you keep that equal and safe environment as a director?
Thanks
Chloe