A Family Child Care Home is not far from what I have always dreamed. I had high hopes of opening my own at one point. My focus is now on opening my own Child Care Center, out of home. While thinking back on my center and how I would change it, many ideas come to mind.
We live in a fairly rural area I would include many aspects of our overall culture. Agricultural is common among families, home gardens and farms are not unfamiliar. A large portion of our outdoor education would revolve around this aspect of people's lives and educating young children how to properly care for crops. In addition I would make sure there were books, music, dolls, dramatic play props, puzzles, drawing materials, blocks, and wall hangings that express different cultures.
Anti-Bias education would be a priority of mine, as this is a reflection of my teaching style and my home. Some of the strategies I would use would be:
Encouraging children to express their emotions and work out conflicts
Support discussion and activities about people's attributes
Help children try ALL activities
Incorporate children's family traditions
Partner with my families to ensure acceptance
These strategies and a loving environment would allow children to thrive and learn in a judgment free space.
