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	<title>Own A Day Care &#187; General</title>
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	<description>How To Start A Daycare, Start Your Own Childcare Business</description>
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		<title>New Years Resource List for Preschoolers plus Free Worksheets</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/new-years-resource-list-for-preschoolers-plus-free-worksheets</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/new-years-resource-list-for-preschoolers-plus-free-worksheets#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:23:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carla</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Tweet The New Year is a great time for daycare providers to enhance their lesson plans with story time books and fun New Year’s Day activities. It is also a good time to discuss how the New Year is celebrated in other cultures. Consider the following reading lists and resources for free New Year [...]

<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/new-year%e2%80%99s-preschool-resource-list-free-new-year%e2%80%99s-worksheets-and-coloring-pages' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: New Year’s Preschool Resource List Free New Year’s Worksheets and Coloring Pages'>New Year’s Preschool Resource List Free New Year’s Worksheets and Coloring Pages</a> <small>Tweet Tweet The New Year is a great time for...</small></b></li>
<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/earth-day-preschool-reading-and-resource-list-free-earth-day-worksheets' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Earth Day Preschool Reading and Resource List: Free Earth Day Worksheets'>Earth Day Preschool Reading and Resource List: Free Earth Day Worksheets</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, was created...</small></b></li>
<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/veterans-day-daycare-reading-and-resource-list-with-free-printables' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Veterans Day Daycare Reading and Resource List with Free Printables'>Veterans Day Daycare Reading and Resource List with Free Printables</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Veterans Day, observed on November 11, is an...</small></b></li>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ownadaycare.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-years-resource-list-for-preschoolers-plus-free-worksheets"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ownadaycare.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-years-resource-list-for-preschoolers-plus-free-worksheets&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900410717.jpg"><img class="alignleft" src="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900410717.jpg" alt="" width="325" height="325" /></a>The New Year is a great time for <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/providers/">daycare providers </a> to enhance their lesson plans with story time books and fun New Year’s Day activities. It is also a good time to discuss how the New Year is celebrated in other cultures. Consider the following reading lists and resources for free New Year worksheets, coloring pages, and handwriting practice sheets for your <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/providers/">child care center</a>:</p>
<p><strong>Reading List</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline">New Year’s Picture Books Age 4-8</span></p>
<p><em>The Night Before New Year&#8217;s</em> (Reading Railroad) by Natasha Wing and Amy Wummer (Nov 25, 2009)</p>
<p><em>Squirrel&#8217;s New Year&#8217;s Resolution</em> by Pat Miller and Kathi Ember (Sep 1, 2010)</p>
<p><em>Shanté Keys and the New Year&#8217;s Peas</em> by Gail Piernas-Davenport and Marion Eldridge (Jan 1, 2007)</p>
<p><em>P. Bear&#8217;s New Year&#8217;s Party: A Counting Book</em> by Owen Paul Lewis and Paul Owen Lewis (Jan 1, 1999)</p>
<p><em>Bringing in the New Year</em> (Read to a Child!: Level 2) by Grace Lin (Dec 14, 2010)</p>
<p><em>Lanterns and Firecrackers: A Chinese New Year Story</em> (Festival Time) by Jonny Zucker and Jan Barger Cohen (Dec 2, 2003)</p>
<p><em>Celebrating Chinese New Year</em> by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith and Lawrence Migdale (Aug 1999)</p>
<p><em>Chinese New Year</em> (Rookie Read-About Holidays) by David F. Marx (Mar 2002)</p>
<p><em>Happy, Happy Chinese New Year!</em> by Demi (Nov 11, 2003)</p>
<p><em>Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan&#8217;s Chinese New Year</em> (Reading Rainbow Books) by Kate Waters and Martha Cooper (Jan 1, 1991)</p>
<p><em>This Next New Year</em> by Janet S. Wong and Yangsook Choi (Sep 18, 2000)</p>
<p><em>New Year&#8217;s Day</em> (Celebrations in My World) by Lynn Peppas (Jan 15, 2010)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline">New Year’s Books for Children 9-12</span></p>
<p><em>New Year&#8217;s Day</em> (Rookie Read-About Holidays) by David F. Marx (Sep 2000)</p>
<p><em>A to Z Mysteries Super Edition #5: The New Year Dragon Dilemma</em> (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)) by Ron Roy and John Steven Gurney (Nov 22, 2011)</p>
<p><em>Happy New Year, Mallory!</em> (Mallory (Quality)) by Laurie Friedman and Jennifer Kalis (Sep 2010)</p>
<p><em>Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Chinese New Year: With Fireworks, Dragons, and Lanterns</em> by Carolyn Otto (Jan 13, 2009)</p>
<p><em>Happy New Year, Julie</em> (American Girl) by Megan Mcdonald and Robert Hunt (Sep 1, 2007)</p>
<p><em>Just In Time For New Year&#8217;s!: A Harry &amp; Emily Adventure</em> (Holiday House Reader) by Karen Gray Ruelle (Sep 30, 2004)</p>
<p><em>Sliding Into the New Year</em> (YaYa &amp; YoYo, Book 1) by Dori Weinstein (Mar 1, 2011)</p>
<p><em>New Years&#8217; Day</em> (True Books: Holidays) by Dana Meachen Rau (Sep 2000)</p>
<p><em>A Happy New Year&#8217;s Day</em> by Roch Carrier and Gilles Pelletier (Sep 1, 1991)</p>
<p><em>Happy New Year!</em> by Emery Bernhard (Sep 1, 1996)</p>
<p><em>Emily Arrow Promises to Do Better This Year</em> (The Kids of the Polk Street School) by Patricia Reilly Giff (Oct 1, 1990)<br />
<strong>Free New Year’s Worksheets and Coloring Pages</strong><br />
There are many worksheets pertaining to the New Year that you can print out and use for your lesson plans and activities. Worksheets should include coloring pages, handwriting worksheets, and printable craft patterns.<br />
The following websites provide free printables with New Year’s theme:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/new-years-day/">Apples4theteacher.com:</a> New Year’s coloring pages for preschoolers</p>
<p><a href="//www.abcteach.com/directory/seasonalholidays/new_years_day/" class="broken_link">ABCTeach</a>: New Year’s Day themed printables, coloring pages, and patterns</p>
<p><a href="http://216.151.162.84/crafts/newyear/index.html">DLTK’s Crafts for Kids</a>: Earth Day worksheets, coloring pages, crafts, games and puzzles</p>
<p><a href="http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/newyear/">Enchanted Learning</a>: New Year’s Day printable worksheets</p>


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<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/earth-day-preschool-reading-and-resource-list-free-earth-day-worksheets' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Earth Day Preschool Reading and Resource List: Free Earth Day Worksheets'>Earth Day Preschool Reading and Resource List: Free Earth Day Worksheets</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, was created...</small></b></li>
<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/veterans-day-daycare-reading-and-resource-list-with-free-printables' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Veterans Day Daycare Reading and Resource List with Free Printables'>Veterans Day Daycare Reading and Resource List with Free Printables</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Veterans Day, observed on November 11, is an...</small></b></li>
</ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The Importance of a Philosophy for Your Daycare Center Part 2</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/the-importance-of-a-philosophy-for-your-daycare-center-part-2</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/the-importance-of-a-philosophy-for-your-daycare-center-part-2#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:00:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carla</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Starting a Day Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare philosophy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mission statement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nanci Canine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[start a daycare]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=3325</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Tweet If you’re writing a handbook for your daycare center or preschool, part of the content should include an early childhood education philosophy. This includes an intentional approach which serves as a guide in decision-making, and goal-setting at the center. A philosophy also helps parents decide if the goals of your daycare center match [...]

<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/the-importance-of-a-philosophy-for-your-daycare-center' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Importance of a Philosophy for your Daycare Center'>The Importance of a Philosophy for your Daycare Center</a> <small>Tweet Tweet If you’re writing a handbook for your daycare...</small></b></li>
</ul>]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ownadaycare.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-importance-of-a-philosophy-for-your-daycare-center-part-2"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ownadaycare.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-importance-of-a-philosophy-for-your-daycare-center-part-2&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900439441.jpg"><img class="alignleft" src="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900439441.jpg" alt="" width="325" height="325" /></a>If you’re writing a handbook for your daycare center or preschool, part of the content should include an early childhood education philosophy. This includes an intentional approach which serves as a guide in decision-making, and goal-setting at the center. A philosophy also helps parents decide if the goals of your <a href="http://ownadaycare.com/providers/">daycare center</a> match how they have chosen to raise and educate their child. We interviewed Nanci Canine, founder and director of <a href="http://www.schoolforthemindandbody.com/">A School for the Mind and Body</a> in Clarkston, Michigan. Here is part 2 of the interview.</p>
<p><strong>OwnADaycare: What is your preschool’s/daycare center’s philosophy? Please explain why you have chosen this philosophy.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Nanci Canine</strong>: A School for the Mind and Body recognizes that children are the future of the world.  Therefore, it has become our goal to provide the highest quality <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/the-importance-of-daycare-lesson-plans-and-literacy-activities">preschool education</a>.  With the combination of our character education concepts integrated in our teaching units of thinking, learning, nutrition and exercise, SFMB facilitates personal growth for the total child.  At SFMB, we do not say “come and attend” &#8211; - but rather “come, experience, and learn”.</p>
<p>SFMB believe parents everywhere are looking for an educational environment that will encourage the same life skills and values that are taught in the home. That is the primary purpose of SFMB &#8211; to make the educational experience an extension of a quality home.</p>
<p>Philosophy of A School for the Mind &amp; Body Preschool Program:</p>
<p>The SFMB Preschool Program is based on a foundation of academics, character development, and personal health and wellness. It is our philosophy that character education, nutrition and exercise are equally as important as reading, writing and arithmetic. Children attending SFMB will grow, mature and develop to their fullest capacity if given the opportunity to explore, create and problem solve with materials which are appropriate to their developmental age.  They will also develop emotionally and socially through adult and child interaction in both individual and group settings.</p>
<p>Children learn a great deal when they are in our program.  They are not “taught” in a traditional fashion but rather each child is allowed to experience.  Our educated staff takes great pride in being <span style="text-decoration: underline">facilitators</span> of learning.  Does this mean we do not implement a strong curriculum?  On the contrary, hours and hours have been dedicated to the preparation and the instruction of daily lesson plans which meet the needs of all children; nuts to weigh, cornmeal to pour and measure, nature walks and pressed leaves and box architecture to create.  Each week brings a new concept based on our strong character education curriculum.  All of these are explored through age appropriate literature, projects, songs, nutrition, exercise, and incorporating our five senses through feeling, tasting, smelling, listening and seeing.</p>
<p>Your children will grow and develop skills you never thought possible.  They will develop their own “system” of thinking and learning that combines traditional life skills and moral values with new ideas on exercise and nutrition.  Most of all, they will feel self-worth and accomplishment, which comes from developing skills through personal experiences.</p>
<p>With the growing rate of Childhood Obesity and the horrific days we have experienced like Columbine, it was important to me to create a learning environment that started with our young children.  If a child is capable of learning ABC’s and 123 – why would we not also include the important aspects of their health and wellness?  I incorporated physical, nutrition and moral values to a curriculum that is implemented and provides truly a “total child” learning experience and environment.</p>
<p><strong>OwnADaycare: What is your preschool’s typical daily schedule?<br />
Nanci Canine:</strong> Here is a Morning session sample:<strong></strong></p>
<p>8:45 – 8:55                  Arrival / Sign-in / Table Tops</p>
<p>8:55 – 9:00                  Clean up / Hand washing / Potty / Drinks</p>
<p>9:00 – 9:20                  Thinking Unit – Life Skills &amp; Concept Instruction</p>
<p>9:20 – 9:50                  Learning Unit – Calendar, Weather, Alphabet, Writing, Math</p>
<p>9:50 – 9:55                  Wash Hands / Potty</p>
<p>9:55 – 10:10                Snack / Nutrition Unit – Nutritional instruction / food pyramid, meal planning</p>
<p>10:10 – 10:35              Art / Small Group</p>
<p>10:35 – 10:55              Outside Play / Inside Free Choice (if inclement weather)</p>
<p>10:55 &#8211; 11:20               Exercise Unit- SFMB Fit Families – exercise log, physical instruction</p>
<p>11:20 – 11:35              Specials / Story Time / Star of the Week</p>
<p>11:35 – 11:45              Farewell / Stickers</p>


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		<title>Creative Arts Lesson Plan -Thanksgiving Vegetable Cornucopia Prints</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/creative-arts-lesson-plan-thanksgiving-vegetable-cornucopia-prints</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/creative-arts-lesson-plan-thanksgiving-vegetable-cornucopia-prints#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:00:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carla</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creative arts activity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool lesson plan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thanksgiving craft]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Tweet Children’s creativity blossoms through rich experience in the arts. According to Play Projects and preschool Standards by Gera Jacobs and Kathy Krowley, “Through the arts, children learn to express themselves and discover that they can represent their thoughts and ideas through many different media. The arts help children develop the concept that one [...]

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<p><a href="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900436335.jpg"><img class="alignleft" src="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900436335.jpg" alt="" width="325" height="325" /></a>Children’s creativity blossoms through rich experience in the arts. According to Play Projects and preschool Standards by Gera Jacobs and Kathy Krowley, “Through the arts, children learn to express themselves and discover that they can represent their thoughts and ideas through many different media. The arts help children develop the concept that one thing can represent an idea…Art assists children in making meaning of their world”. Art nurtures creativity.</p>
<p>Preschool teachers and <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/providers/"><strong>daycare</strong> <strong>providers</strong></a> have the opportunity to promote creative development by providing art activities that explore media and materials and encourage imagination.</p>
<p>This Thanksgiving Vegetable Cornucopia craft is an excellent example of an activity that provides the opportunity to for expression, to encourage spontaneity in material usage, and to introduce children to textured materials.</p>
<p>This Thanksgiving creative arts lesson plan includes a materials list, preparation instructions and procedures for this activity to make <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/jobs/"><strong>childcare jobs</strong></a> easier, but also the age appropriate learning objectives and a sample of the simple supporting verbal cues necessary to encourage participation and support learning.</p>
<p><strong>Vegetable Cornucopia Materials</strong>:</p>
<p>Potatoes, corn on the cob, apples and squash<br />
Paint in a variety of colors<br />
Brown construction paper<br />
Shallow paint dishes<br />
Art paper<br />
Scissors</p>
<p><strong>Cornucopia Print Activity Preparation:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Cut cornucopia shapes out of brown construction paper</li>
<li>Set out tempura paints in shallow trays</li>
<li>Cut vegetables in half to create stamps</li>
<li>Cover the activity table with butcher paper and set out paint and art paper</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Procedures for Cornucopia Prints Activity</strong><strong></strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Invite the children over and tell that you are going to make vegetable prints to decorate a cornucopia.</li>
<li>Help children glue their cornucopia onto art paper</li>
<li>Show children how to press the stamps into the glue and then press the stamps onto the cornucopia.</li>
<li>Children can make as many prints as they like. Allow to dry completely.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Cornucopia Print Craft Objectives</strong><br />
<em>Objective 1<br />
</em>To provide the opportunity for expressive activities by encouraging the children to create prints using vegetable stamps.</p>
<p>Verbal Cue A: Today we are going to make designs with vegetable stamps!<br />
Verbal Cue B: Would you like to press the stamp onto the paper?</p>
<p><em>Objective 2<br />
</em>To encourage spontaneity in material usage by allowing the children to choose paint colors and to use with the veggie stamps.</p>
<p>Verbal Cue A: Which color of paint would you like to use first?<br />
Verbal Cue B: I like the designs you have made!</p>
<p><em>Objective 3<br />
</em>To promote the sharing of art materials to foster social interaction and cooperation</p>
<p>Verbal Cue A: Let’s take turns using the paints.<br />
Verbal Cue B: Can you let Melissa use the orange paint?</p>
<p>Kids will have great fun in your <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/providers/"><strong>childcare center</strong></a> while learning important creative arts skills.</p>


<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/creative-arts-activity-for-preschoolers-relief-prints' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Creative Arts Activity for Preschoolers: Relief Prints'>Creative Arts Activity for Preschoolers: Relief Prints</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Children’s creativity blossoms through rich experience in the...</small></b></li>
<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/father%e2%80%99s-day-creative-arts-activity-barbeque-apron' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Father’s Day Creative Arts Activity: Barbeque Apron'>Father’s Day Creative Arts Activity: Barbeque Apron</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Children’s creativity blossoms through rich experience in the...</small></b></li>
<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fathers-day-stepping-stone-craft-preschool-lesson-plan' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Father&#8217;s Day Stepping Stone Craft Preschool Lesson Plan'>Father&#8217;s Day Stepping Stone Craft Preschool Lesson Plan</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Early learning goals for toddlers include creative development....</small></b></li>
</ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How to Make a Hand Print Mug Daycare Activity</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/how-to-make-a-hand-print-mug-daycare-activity</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/how-to-make-a-hand-print-mug-daycare-activity#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:00:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carla</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creative arts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare activity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handprint mug]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=3173</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Tweet A handprint mug makes a special gift for a variety of holidays and occasions such as birthdays, mother’s day, Father’s Day, or Christmas. A handprint mug is the perfect keepsake and can be made by children of all ages from infants to children in elementary school. Children in your family daycare will have [...]

<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/creative-arts-activity-for-preschoolers-relief-prints' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Creative Arts Activity for Preschoolers: Relief Prints'>Creative Arts Activity for Preschoolers: Relief Prints</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Children’s creativity blossoms through rich experience in the...</small></b></li>
<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/st-patricks-day-pasta-magnet-craft-for-preschoolers' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: St. Patrick&#8217;s Day Pasta Magnet Craft for Preschoolers'>St. Patrick&#8217;s Day Pasta Magnet Craft for Preschoolers</a> <small>Tweet Tweet When developing curriculum, daycare providers must include age-appropriate...</small></b></li>
<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fine-motor-preschool-activity-paint-with-a-cotton-swab' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Fine Motor Preschool Activity: Paint with a Cotton Swab'>Fine Motor Preschool Activity: Paint with a Cotton Swab</a> <small>Tweet Tweet When developing curriculum, daycare providers must include age-appropriate...</small></b></li>
</ul>]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ownadaycare.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-make-a-hand-print-mug-daycare-activity"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ownadaycare.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-make-a-hand-print-mug-daycare-activity&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900448712.jpg"><img class="alignleft" src="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900448712.jpg" alt="" width="325" height="325" /></a>A handprint mug makes a special gift for a variety of holidays and occasions such as birthdays, mother’s day, Father’s Day, or Christmas. A handprint mug is the perfect keepsake and can be made by children of all ages from infants to children in elementary school. Children in your <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/providers/">family daycare</a> will have a blast making handprints on a mug. The handprint does not need to be perfect. It is the imperfections that make the gift truly unique. This daycare <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/tag/creative-arts">creative arts activity</a> includes materials, instructions and verbal cues for daycare providers.</p>
<p><strong>Materials:</strong><br />
Newspaper or Butcher Paper</p>
<p>Paint Brush</p>
<p>Surface cleaner</p>
<p>Acrylic Paint</p>
<p>Ceramic Mug</p>
<p>Paper</p>
<p>Acrylic Varnish</p>
<p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p>
<p>Step 1</p>
<p>Begin with a clean activity surface.  Cover the activity surface with newspaper or butcher paper to protect the surface.  Apply surface cleaner on cup with a brush to clean the surface and create a bond for the paint.</p>
<p>Step 2</p>
<p>Apply acrylic paint using a paint brush to the child’s hand. For very young children, first practice by putting acrylic paint on the child’s hand and then pressing it onto a paper towel or other type of scratch paper. Practice this several times. For older children, add paint to a shallow dish and then show them how to press their entire palm in the paint to coat the entire palm.</p>
<p>Step 3</p>
<p>Help the child press his hand that is coated in paint onto the surface of the mug. Make sure the child’s hand is completely flat against the mug. If you are dealing with a  particularly. Alternatively, trace the outline of child’s hand onto the mug hand and then encourage the child use a paint brush to color in the handprint.</p>
<p>Step 4</p>
<p>Let the mug dry completely. Alternatively, put the mug in an oven and bake at low for  bake it at a very low temperature 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.</p>
<p>Step 5</p>
<p>Spray the surface of the mug with acrylic varnish to create shine.</p>
<p>Warnings</p>
<p>Do not put the finished product in the dishwasher. Wash by hand with water and dish soap.</p>
<p>Make sure that the children are covered with smocks to protect their clothing.</p>
<p><strong>Verbal Cues for the Creative Art Activity</strong></p>
<p>Verbal Cue A: Today we are going to make a mug with a handprint on it.<br />
Verbal Cue B: Would you like to press your hand onto the paper?<br />
Verbal Cue A: Which color paints would you like to use first?<br />
Verbal Cue B: I like the design you have made!<br />
Verbal Cue A: Let’s take turns using the paints.<br />
Verbal Cue B: Can you let Jane use the paint brush?</p>
<p>References and Resources<br />
Handprint and Footprint Art: <a href="http://funhandprintart.blogspot.com/2009/07/fish-mug-1.html">Cute Handprint Fish Mug- Great Father&#8217;s Day Gift</a>!</p>


<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/creative-arts-activity-for-preschoolers-relief-prints' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Creative Arts Activity for Preschoolers: Relief Prints'>Creative Arts Activity for Preschoolers: Relief Prints</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Children’s creativity blossoms through rich experience in the...</small></b></li>
<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/st-patricks-day-pasta-magnet-craft-for-preschoolers' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: St. Patrick&#8217;s Day Pasta Magnet Craft for Preschoolers'>St. Patrick&#8217;s Day Pasta Magnet Craft for Preschoolers</a> <small>Tweet Tweet When developing curriculum, daycare providers must include age-appropriate...</small></b></li>
<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fine-motor-preschool-activity-paint-with-a-cotton-swab' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Fine Motor Preschool Activity: Paint with a Cotton Swab'>Fine Motor Preschool Activity: Paint with a Cotton Swab</a> <small>Tweet Tweet When developing curriculum, daycare providers must include age-appropriate...</small></b></li>
</ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Creative Arts Activity for Preschoolers: Relief Prints</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/creative-arts-activity-for-preschoolers-relief-prints</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/creative-arts-activity-for-preschoolers-relief-prints#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:00:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carla</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reading]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creative arts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lesson plan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relief prints]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=3065</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Tweet Children’s creativity blossoms through rich experience in the arts. According to Play Projects and preschool Standards by Gera Jacobs and Kathy Krowley, “Through the arts, children learn to express themselves and discover that they can represent their thoughts and ideas through many different media. The arts help children develop the concept that one [...]

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<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/spring-creative-arts-activity-eggshell-tulip-craft' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Spring Creative Arts Activity: Eggshell Tulip Craft'>Spring Creative Arts Activity: Eggshell Tulip Craft</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Children’s creativity blossoms through rich experience in the...</small></b></li>
</ul>]]></description>
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				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ownadaycare.com%2Fblog%2Fcreative-arts-activity-for-preschoolers-relief-prints&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900439320.jpg"><img class="alignleft" src="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900439320.jpg" alt="" width="227" height="227" /></a>Children’s creativity blossoms through rich experience in the arts. According to Play Projects and preschool Standards by Gera Jacobs and Kathy Krowley, “Through the arts, children learn to express themselves and discover that they can represent their thoughts and ideas through many different media. The arts help children develop the concept that one thing can represent an idea…Art assists children in making meaning of their world”. Art nurtures creativity.</p>
<p>Preschool teachers and <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/providers/"><strong>daycare</strong> <strong>providers</strong></a> have the opportunity to promote creative development by providing art activities that explore media and materials and encourage imagination.</p>
<p>This relief print craft is an excellent example of an activity that provides the opportunity to for expression, to encourage spontaneity in material usage, and to introduce children to textured materials.</p>
<p>This relief print lesson plan includes a materials list, preparation instructions and procedures for this activity to make <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/jobs/"><strong>childcare jobs</strong></a> easier, but also the age appropriate learning objectives and a sample of the simple supporting verbal cues necessary to encourage participation and support learning.</p>
<p><strong>Relief Print Materials</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Cardboard</li>
<li>Glue</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Tempura Paints in a variety of color</li>
<li>Paint Brush</li>
<li>Rolling pin</li>
<li>Art Paper</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Relief Print Activity Preparation:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Cut      cardboard into the shape of your choice and glue it onto another cardboard      square. Allow to dry completely.</li>
<li>Set out      tempura paints in a shallow tray</li>
<li>Cover the      activity table with butcher paper and set out paint, paint brushes, art      paper, and rolling pin.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Procedures for Relief Print Activity</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Invite the      children over and tell that you are going to make prints on paper.</li>
<li>Show children      how to press the stamp into the paint or brush paint on the stamp  and then press the stamp on the art paper.</li>
<li>Alternatively      children can roll a rolling pin over the back of the stamp to be sure that      the stamp is completely pressed down.</li>
<li>Children      can make as many prints as they like. Allow to dry completely.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Relief Print Craft Objectives</strong></p>
<p><em>Objective 1</em></p>
<p>To provide the opportunity for expressive activities by encouraging the children to create prints using relief stamps.</p>
<p>Verbal Cue A: Today we are going to make designs with stamps!<br />
Verbal Cue B: Would you like to press the stamp onto the paper?</p>
<p><em>Objective 2</em></p>
<p>To encourage spontaneity in material usage by allowing the children to choose paint colors and for the relief stamps.</p>
<p>Verbal Cue A: Which color paints would you like to use first?<br />
Verbal Cue B: I like the designs you have made!</p>
<p><em>Objective 3</em></p>
<p>To promote the sharing of art materials to foster social interaction and cooperation</p>
<p>Verbal Cue A: Let’s take turns using the paints.<br />
Verbal Cue B: Can you let Tracy use the green paint?</p>
<p>Kids will have great fun in your <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/providers/"><strong>childcare center</strong></a> while learning important creative arts skills.</p>
<p>*Relief Print activity adapted from Scribble Art by MaryAnn F. Kohl.</p>


<h2>Related posts:</h2><ul><li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/father%e2%80%99s-day-creative-arts-activity-barbeque-apron' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Father’s Day Creative Arts Activity: Barbeque Apron'>Father’s Day Creative Arts Activity: Barbeque Apron</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Children’s creativity blossoms through rich experience in the...</small></b></li>
<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/fourth-of-july-lesson-plan-patriotic-windsock' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Fourth of July Lesson Plan Patriotic Windsock Craft'>Fourth of July Lesson Plan Patriotic Windsock Craft</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Children’s creativity blossoms through rich experience in the...</small></b></li>
<li><b><a href='http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/spring-creative-arts-activity-eggshell-tulip-craft' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Spring Creative Arts Activity: Eggshell Tulip Craft'>Spring Creative Arts Activity: Eggshell Tulip Craft</a> <small>Tweet Tweet Children’s creativity blossoms through rich experience in the...</small></b></li>
</ul></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Guest Blogger Louise Roberts on A Good Provider: We are a Funky Breed</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/guest-blogger-louise-roberts-on-a-good-provider-we-are-a-funky-breed</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/guest-blogger-louise-roberts-on-a-good-provider-we-are-a-funky-breed#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 14:00:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carla</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare providers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[guest blogger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Louise Roberts]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Tweet Over the years I have been a Day Home Provider I have met and are currently friends with many other providers. Of course the good ones, the ones who are genuine, loving and really care about the health, well-being and development of each individual child are the ones I associate with. We are [...]


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<p><a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/louiseroberts.bmp"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2641" src="http://www.ownadaycare.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/louiseroberts.bmp" alt="" width="155" height="302" /></a>Over the years I have been a <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/start-a-daycare">Day Home Provider</a> I have met and are currently friends with many other providers. Of course the good ones, the ones who are genuine, loving and really care about the health, well-being and development of each individual child are the ones I associate with. We are like minded. It is funny we complain about the EXACT same things we get excited about the EXACT same things so it is neat to have friends like this to talk to and meet for play dates.</p>
<p>It may seem that when a provider who you may try to make friendly at the park is rude and distant. You may find that if you do get her attention and find her to be friendly and a person you can be friends with then she again seems to be rude, perhaps she can&#8217;t make contact or seems distracted. This is true, but not for the reasons you may think. When providers get together they are aware of this and in fact they are all like this.</p>
<p>I am constantly aware. I almost consider it spider senses when it comes to children. I hear everything and I see everything and that includes a conversation that I may be having with someone else but I am focused on the kids. I may have to say excuse me but just understand that right now the most important thing is the safety and health of the child I care for. I am distracted for a good reason.</p>
<p>I do this even bringing my own children to the park or if we are meeting a friend at the park. The other evening I was at the park with a friend and sitting down at the park is a rare occasion but I only had two of my own children and they are 5yrs and 10yrs. Regardless I am aware and listening. Some older kids came to the park and I realized they were tormenting my friend’s son on the tire swing (it was quite far from us). Mom not seeming concerned and thought it was cool that her son was playing with some big kids and getting along nicely. I then just said, be aware that’s all I am saying. She asked why you can&#8217;t hear what they are saying. I told her that I am reading the body language of her son (10yrs) and he isn&#8217;t comfortable and perhaps isn&#8217;t comfortable to let you know since we are quite a distance from him.</p>
<p>We often are loud. We are very expressive and perhaps even pretty talkative but that is probably for two reasons. Who do we talk to all day long? You may go to work and talk with co-workers, meet a friend for lunch or make conference calls. I talk to kids under 5 yrs. old all day long. Heaven help you if you are the first to pick-up I definitely don&#8217;t do it on purpose I just get overwhelmed by excitement that an adult arrived. Just be assuring that the children here developed LOADS of language.</p>
<p><em>My name is Louise Roberts, owner of Louise’s Day Home. I have been happily married to my high school sweetheart for almost 14 years.  I have 5 amazing kids. My mother has run a daycare for over 25 years.  So my passion for childcare has come quite honestly. In high school I did my work experience in a Daycare Centre achieving top scores and Honor’s while doing so. I did marry and have my first child young and started my Day home ASAP. I have been doing this ever since. Meanwhile, I ran and facilitated an early literacy preschool program in my community called the Magic Carpet Ride for 5 years. Through this opportunity I was able take and participate in variety workshops, courses and programs all preschool relevant.</em></p>


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		<title>Guest Blogger Jessica Eginoire on Fostering Exceptional Relationships in Daycare</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/guest-blogger-jessica-eginoire-on-fostering-exceptional-relationships-in-daycare</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/guest-blogger-jessica-eginoire-on-fostering-exceptional-relationships-in-daycare#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:00:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carla</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[guest blogger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jessica Eginoire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parent teacher communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Tweet As a child care provider, our first job is to keep the children we care for safe, loved and provided for in our care, I also believe our second job is to keep their parents comfortable, informed and involved. In order to do our first job well, we must be able to do [...]


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				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ownadaycare.com%2Fblog%2Fguest-blogger-jessica-eginoire-on-fostering-exceptional-relationships-in-daycare&amp;style=normal&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/jessicaeginoire.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2629" src="http://www.ownadaycare.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/jessicaeginoire.jpg" alt="" width="104" height="104" /></a>As a child care provider, our first job is to keep the children we care for safe, loved and provided for in our care, I also believe our second job is to keep their parents comfortable, informed and involved. In order to do our first job well, we must be able to do our second job with just as much enthusiasm. Does the end result of child care change if the parent feels guilt or relief at leaving them at daycare? Our second job makes those emotions feel second to the love they have for their kids. They chose you to take care of the most precious gift they were ever given, their child.</p>
<p>In order to fulfill our second job to the best of our ability we must be able to communicate, be flexible and patient. We all need to ensure we are honest with each other about what we expect to be the end result of our contract. Are they expecting a certain number of crafts every week to feel their child is learning new things? Are you expecting them to participate in activities occasionally? When an expectation is placed on anyone, the parent, the child or the provider, those expectations have to be communicated. Make sure you talk to the parents monthly to see if their expectations are being met you could discuss any expectation modifications you all have as the child is growing and changing. As a provider, we learn to be flexible and patient with the children, and we need to be able to extend those attributes to the parents as well. There can be emergencies or changes in schedule, how are we going to work with them? If those changes affect the job you have, how will you help that family and yourself with the changes? Are you going to get mad at the parents for not taking your situation into their decisions or circumstances or would it be better to use our flexibility and patience that we use with their children to help offer solutions?</p>
<p>Are there things you could change about your communication skills with your parents to help foster an exceptional relationship with them and in turn their child? Instead of just handing them a sheet at the end of the day with their child’s stats for the last ten hours, can you spend five minutes talking to them about their child’s day? Open up to them about the joys and concerns you have shared with their little one. Make them feel involved in their child’s day by including their child in the conversation.</p>
<p>We can get so busy doing our first job that we can forget about our second job. As a care provider you have been offered an everlasting gift, the love of children; by fostering exceptional relationships with their parents you will always be able to share in that love, because even if the ‘contract’ ends, your relationship doesn’t need to.</p>
<p><em>Jessica Eginoire is a Professional Child Care Provider in Iowa, she has two children of her own, a son and a daughter and has been married for almost ten years. She has worked in the corporate world, banks, restaurants and dance studios, but has found her most rewarding career has been to follow her heart and start an In-Home Child Care. She has touched the lives of many little children, but they love they have shared with her is unexplainable.</em></p>


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		<title>Daycare Grants: Starting a Home Daycare &amp; How to Start a Home Daycare Center</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/start-a-daycare</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/start-a-daycare#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:21:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=2215</guid>
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		<title>What Daycare Providers Want Parents to Know Part 2</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/what-daycare-providers-want-parents-to-know-part-2</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/what-daycare-providers-want-parents-to-know-part-2#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:00:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carla</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[behavioral issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[starting a daycare]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=2047</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Tweet We asked our OwnADaycare Facebook fans who are daycare owners, to reveal information they would love to anonymously convey to parents. This information is helpful not only for parents who send their child to daycare, but also will help new daycare owners create and enforce policies for their daycare business. Advice fell into [...]


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<p><img class="alignleft" src="http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MH900202037.jpg" alt="" width="195" height="195" />We asked our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/daycares?v=wall">OwnADaycare Facebook fans</a> who are daycare owners, to reveal information they would love to anonymously convey to parents. This information is helpful not only for parents who send their child to daycare, but also will help new daycare owners create and enforce policies for their daycare business.</p>
<p>Advice fell into two categories: Daycare owners have issues with respect for policies and with behavioral issues. In part 2 of this article, we list behavioral advice.</p>
<p><strong>Parent’s Please Take Note of Behavioral Issues<br />
</strong>Daycare providers are not doctors, psychiatrists, or anything other than daycare providers. However, when they ask a parent to look into some issue or ask about a specific behavior their child is exhibiting with their family doctor, please don’t blow them off or tell them that it is another kid that is the problem. It takes a lot of personal courage and mental prep for a child care provider to ask something like that of a family and it hurts when the family is unkind or gets upset for even suggesting there could be a problem.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Please don&#8217;t always think that your child learned an unpleasant behavior from another child. Your child may have thought it up on his/her own! Overall most parents are very reasonable but once in awhile child care providers get parents who believe they produced nothing but an angel!</p>
<p>Please don&#8217;t tell your day care provider to not give your child a nap! They spend more time with the child care provider than you do, so they put up with the tantrums and crying because the child is tired.<span id="more-2047"></span></p>
<p>Believe the <a href="http://www.ownadaycare.com/jobs/">child care provider </a>when they say that your child is not behaving appropriately. They cannot give all the children the care they deserve for behaving well when the child care provider has to spend the entire day reminding your child to behave.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Please follow up with some discipline at home. The child care provider cannot be the only one setting boundaries and following up.</p>
<p>Please don&#8217;t tell the child care provider that you work too hard and never take any time for yourself, so you are taking a “me” day and they can reach you at home, or the salon, or the spa, or the gym,  or the mall or  the beach &#8212; anywhere but work! Also do not tell the provider you have no sick days left for your sick child and then turn around the next week and take a vacation day for your “me “day!!</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Please let the provider know if you are not at work for the day while your child is at daycare. The provider will feel foolish calling your job and being told that you have the day off.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Please let us know that you appreciate us and what we do. Just a simple thank you will do. It doesn’t need to be a material gift, just appreciate and understand how important their job is and realize that they need days and paid time off just like you.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>


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		<title>Environmentally Friendly Daycare Playground Environments: Interview with Matt Haugh Part 1</title>
		<link>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/environmentally-friendly-daycare-playground-environments-interview-with-matt-haugh-part-1</link>
		<comments>http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/environmentally-friendly-daycare-playground-environments-interview-with-matt-haugh-part-1#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:00:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carla</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green Daycare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How to start a daycare]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ownadaycare.com/blog/?p=1972</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Tweet Increasingly, more family daycare businesses are becoming environmentally safe and responsible.  Child care providers are special taking measures (as an important component of their daycare jobs) to ensure that the environment provides the best in health for children, offer locally-grown or organic food, and celebrate multiculturalism. Matt Haugh directs sales and marketing for [...]


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	<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jekert/3762045977/"><img class=" " src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/3762045977_34676ae900.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="234" /></a>
	<p class="wp-caption-text">Green Daycare Environments photo by jekert gwapo</p>
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<p>Increasingly, more family daycare businesses are becoming environmentally safe and responsible.  Child care providers are special taking measures (as an important component of their <a href="../jobs/">daycare jobs</a>) to ensure that the environment provides the best in health for children, offer locally-grown or organic food, and celebrate multiculturalism. Matt Haugh directs sales and marketing for <a href="http://www.bigtoys.com/">BigToys, Inc.,</a> a commercial playground equipment manufacturer based in Olympia, Washington. Haugh describes green environments for <a href="../providers/">daycare centers</a> in this interview with OwnADaycare.</p>
<p><strong>OwnADaycare:</strong> What exactly is a green/environmentally friendly playground/play environment?</p>
<p><strong>Matt Haugh:</strong> The essence of a natural playground is one where natural behaviors are promoted and supported, so, [in addition to the technical dimensions mentioned in my <a href="http://www.parktrades.com/articles_detail.php?recordID=18">article in Park &amp; Rec Trades</a>], we believe that green playgrounds should have at least two crucial properties: They should be made from the most environmentally friendly materials available, and they should promote not just physical activity, but also creative and collaborative social play. Ideally, commercial equipment should offer play activities that merge the physical with the social, as happen with several BigToys patented marquee events.</p>
<p><strong>OwnADaycar</strong>e: Is building a green playground economical and realistic? Is any playground completely environmentally friendly?</p>
<p><strong>Matt Haugh: </strong>There&#8217;s never been a better time to build an environmentally friendly playground as our environment has never been more threatened, nor have there ever been more excellent options from which to build the optimal playscape. Increasingly, minimizing environmental footprint is becoming non-optional, even in tough budget times. BigToys has spent the past 40 years making tough, often expensive choices, because we believe you can&#8217;t truly care for children without doing everything possible to protect the planet they&#8217;ll one day inherit.</p>
<p><strong>OwnADaycare:</strong> Please give me more background about your company, BigToys, Inc.<span id="more-1972"></span></p>
<p><strong>Matt Haugh:</strong> For the past 40 years, BigToys Inc. has been building commercial playground equipment that provides a safe, fun, <a href="http://bigtoys.com/balanced_play_concepts.php" target="_blank">developmentally appropriate</a> play experience for kids around the world. Our structures can be found in school playgrounds, parks, childcare centers, and private communities and developments. We offer products for children from 6 months to 12 years old.</p>
<p>We build structures from recycled steel and 100% recycled plastic, or Forest Stewardship Council certified wood, making them the most environmentally friendly playgrounds available anywhere today. Our kid friendly wood treatment is EPA approved and BigToys&#8217; school and commercial playground equipment contains NO PVC.</p>
<p>We put safety first. We are a founding member of the International Playground Equipment Manufacturer&#8217;s Association (IPEMA). Our equipment is IPEMA certified and complies with ASTM, CPSC, ADA, CSA, EN, and AU playground safety standards.</p>


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