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A Survival Guide for Child Care Providers

by Sarah Lipoff

Overview

Child-care providers encounter many challenges while working with children. Many child-care professionals can become overwhelmed and exhausted, causing them to leave the child-care profession. However, staying strong and consistent can create a positive, creative and enjoyable environment for both children and child-care providers alike.
Get Organized

Spend time each day before working with children organizing the work and play area. Having too many toys and materials available for children to play and interact with during the day can be overwhelming and create a big mess to deal with at clean-up time. Rotate toys that are available for children to play with monthly, which makes toys seem fresh and new. Store toys that aren't being played with in labeled, clear plastic containers so they can be easily accessed later. Organize teaching materials so art items, special manipulatives to use with children and lesson plans are kept in a safe and child-free location. Take time each day before working with students to determine a plan for the day; write it out on a whiteboard or piece of paper to share with parents and to help structure the day.

Stay Positive

Stay positive throughout the day with interactions with children, parents and other child-care providers. Instead of saying no to children when they behave in a negative way, divert their attention and engage them in a new activity. Allow children to lead their own activities and observe children's interactions. This encourages children to make their own decisions and work through frustrations themselves positively. Model positive behaviors for children to emulate. Help create a comfortable environment by encouraging children to talk through their problems and communicate to others how they feel instead of acting out negatively. Explain your concerns to children without talking down to them. Share your desired outcome to a situation with children instead of telling them what to do in a challenging situation.
Take a Time-Out

Never raise your voice at children when you become frustrated in a situation. If you start to feel overwhelmed as a child-care provider, take a time-out by finding a book and moving to a quiet corner of the room, making sure you still are able to observe all children safely. Read the book out loud, which slows your breathing and allows the body to calm itself. Children love to listen to stories, and this encourages children to sit quietly and listen to you as you read to them. If another child-care provider is available, leave the room altogether and take a couple deep breaths. When you feel calm, return to the children with a smile on your face.