I love caring for children. Small children are full of life, boundless in their energy, in their desire to learn, endearing in their innocence. They challenge me, they make me think, and most of all, they make me laugh. I take great satisfaction in being part of the village that raises a child. I am an unapologetic optimist. I believe that: Each interaction with a child is an opportunity. A conflict is an opportunity to teach negotiation and listening. An injury to another child is an opportunity to practice empathy. Mealtimes are an opportunity for conversation and manners. Strengths are to be built upon; weaknesses are to be learned from, and grown beyond. Children live up - or down - to our expectations of them Therefore I keep my expectations high. Not so high that child is frustrated and retreats into sullenness or despair; but just high enough that the child can take genuine pleasure in his/her achievements. Every person, regardless of age, deserves to be treated with respect. As I treat the children respectfully, I also expect respect from them. Each of us has unique strength and particular needs. Each child will have something to offer the group in my home. Each of us has something to gain from the company of others. Young children thrive in a stable, predictable environment. So, while I strive to remain flexible to each one's varying needs each day, our days will follow a consistent pattern. The particulars may change, but the pattern remains reliable. I am part of the team that works to see this child develop happily and fully. I view myself as an experienced,expert resource to the parents, however, I am not the child's primary caregiver. Whenever possible, parent and child need time together to be building that relationship. The parents are their child's most important relationship. Raising a child is probably the single most challenging enterprise most adults ever take on. At times it can be joyful and exhilarating; at times it can be positively unnerving! At all times it is incredibly significant, valuable, and worth while.
Example of a typical day at Tina’s Playhouse is:
6:30 – 8:00Children start arriving, take off shoes, put belongings in cubbies, free play 8:00 – 8:30 Breakfast, I usually serve a grain with a fruit, such as corflakes with strawberries or waffles with fruit preserves and a cup of milk 8:30 – 9:00 Clean up from breakfast to promote independence I have the children put their bowl or plate and cup on the counter, Diaper changes and Bathroom for the potty trainers. 9:00 – 10:00 Circle time & Curriculum, we discuss the calendar sings songs about the days of the week and the months of the year & play games related the to letter , number color of the week, Art pertaining to the letter of the week 10:00 – 10:30 Snack Time, which usually consisted of a fruit or vegetable, protein and grain for example peanut butter on gram cracker and wedges of mandarin oranges with water in their cup 10:30 – 11:00 Clean up after snack wash hands, Diaper changes and Bathroom for the Potty trainers. 11:00 – 12noon Outside time, the children love this time to explore run around and fun in the sun 12 noon – 12:30 lunch time, Which usually consists of a protein a starch, fruit vegetable and a cu of milk