A New Model for Child Care

While driving in my car recently (that’s were all the best thinking happens), I was visualizing what kind of child care program I would create if I had unlimited resources.

As I imagined it, I realized that it more closely resembled a hands on children’s museum than a traditional child care program.

For a while now, I have been trying to help providers wrap their heads around a “new” way of looking at child care vs. the model we have been using for the last 50 years.  The model of a children’s museum can be a great way to look at what a “new” type of child care program could be.

At our Reflective Practice group last month, we imagined a super tricked out hand’s on children’s museum.  The sky was the limit!

Then we thought about what elements of that children’s museum we could take into our own child care programs.

 We also brainstormed what a child’s experience is at a children’s museum:

·         Free to explore everything – all hands on

·         Interesting materials to manipulate

·         Supporting materials – pictures, displays, etc.

·         Self-directed learning

Lots of what we are looking for in Early Achievers.

 

And what do they not have/do at a children’s museum?

·         Group times, calendar, etc.

·         Group art projects

·         Restrictions

·         Teacher led learning

 

Things we hope to see less of with Early Achievers.

 

Here are the “Exhibits” we included in our amazing children’s museum.  What would you include if your resources were unlimited?  Get creative!  (Note – these exhibits match the activity items in the ERS)

Consider:

·         Toddler and Preschool aged children

·         A variety of cultures

·         Experience that will engage all senses

·         Both hands-on materials to manipulate and things to display in the space to support the experience

 

Take A Break Exhibit (Provision for Relaxation and Comfort)

 

 

 

Tinkering Factory Exhibit (Fine Motor)

 

 

 

Art Workshop and Gallery Exhibit (Art)

 

 

Music and Dance Studio Exhibit (Music and Movement)

 

 

Construction Zone Exhibit (Blocks)

 

 

           Home Living Exploration Exhibit (Dramatic Play)

 

 

Calculation Station Exhibit (Math and Number)

 

 

Science Laboratory Exhibit (Nature and Science)

 

 

Dig and Pour Depot Exhibit (Sand and Water)

 

 

High Tech Hub Exhibit (Use of TV, Video and Computers)

 

 

Book Nook Exhibit (Using Books)

 

 

Also

 

Additional Dramatic Play Themes

 

 

Lights, Camera, Action Exhibit (Additional Dramatic Play Theme - stage and puppets)

Places Around Town Exhibit (Additional Dramatic Play themes - lots of options)