Child Care 1
State Skills Test Study Guide
*Students will identify the types of childcare and applicable licensure standards and laws.
v Classify types of childcare programs for children.
Ø Define the following and list the pros, cons, and flexibility associated with the various types of child care:
· Custodial: Only a child’s basic needs of health and safety are met.
· Developmental: An educational program designed to enrich all of a
child’s developmental areas
· Comprehensive Child Care: Programs that provide a variety of
additional services; dental, medical, social services, etc.
· Hourly Child Care: ex. Montessori, Head start, preschool, homecare
Daycare, etc.
· Montessori: A private developmental program that requires at least
two years of training
· Head Start: Federally funded program for disadvantaged children that
helps strengthen academic, social and emotional developmental
· Preschool: Programs are half day or less, grouped by age, cost $$$,
small classes, does not have to be licensed
· Home Care: In-home setting, less kids, may not have all the supplies
or credentials
· Daycare Center: Private owned, for profit, parents select, equipment and
training of staff may be limited
v Identify current childcare licensing standards and laws.
Ø List the qualifications to be a director.
At least 21 yrs. old, knows laws & rules, high school diploma or GED, & one of the following: degree in early childhood or Child Dev., or a degree in a related field, passing four courses in Child Dev. or National or State certification or CDA
Ø List the qualifications to be a teacher.
Must be 18 or older or have a GED (at least 16 if working under a competent supervisor), and attend 20 hours of documented training annually
Ø Teacher-to-child ratios:
1 for every 4: Infants Group size up to 8
1 for every 7: 2-yr. olds Group size up to 14
1 for every 12: 3-yr. olds Group size up to 24
1 for every 15: 4-yr. olds Group size up to 30
1 for every 20: 5 yr. olds Group size up to 35
*No group shall be larger than 30.
Ø Licensing Laws relating to the Health/Safety of indoor and outdoor areas.
o Lesson plans should be POSTED for parent and caregiver review.
o The required minimum temperature shall be 72 DEGREES.
o Indoor play areas shall have at least 35 SQ. FEET per child.
o Outdoor play areas shall have at least 40 SQ FEET per child.
o Outdoor area needs to have a FENCE that is at least FIVE feet high.
o Outdoor play should be allowed DAILY if weather permits.
o All toys should be sanitized WEEKLY.
o Toys for infants should be sanitized DAILY.
o How many caregivers on duty need to have a current child and infant first aid and CPR certification? AT LEAST ONE
o One toilet needs to be provided for every 15 children.
o T or F Each center is to have a working telephone. TRUE
o How should children be checked in and out of a childcare center?
Sign child in and out, personal identifiers (signature, electronic picture), written consent for off-site visits
*Students will identify the employment skills needed to work with young children.
v List the personal qualities needed for employment in child care related occupations.
Ø List five characteristics of a quality child care worker.
1. Works cooperatively with children, fellow teachers and supervisors.
2. Responsible for assigned tasks and completes them.
3. Wears appropriate clothing and models positive behaviors.
4. Consistently demonstrates punctuality.
5. Uses time constructively.
Ø List five positive employment skills or characteristics for someone looking for a job.
1. Communicates well & can solve problems. 2. Is responsible & dependable.
2. Dresses appropriately & is a good example. 4. On time & fulfills assignments. 5. Stays on task.
v Identify effective employment communication skills.
Ø List three effective methods of working with adults and family members.
1. Good eye contact 2. Use “I” statements 3. State the positive before the negative 4. Be respectful
Ø List three effective methods for communicating with children.
1. Get on their eye level 2. Use expressive face and actions 3. Repeat back to them what they ask
Ø List two effective methods for communicating with staff members.
1. Be respectful 2. Use “I” statements
Ø List two effective methods for communicating with parents.
1. State the positive before the negative 2. Make good eye contact 3. Be respectful
Ø What is the purpose of confidentiality in working with children? (Explain in detail and give examples.
1. Records are filed and stored safely 2. Protected from unauthorized individuals 3. The custodial parent or legal guardian has access to records
*Students will identify and explain how to maintain a healthy environment for young children.
v List guidelines for maintaining a secure and healthy environment for young children.
Ø How do you make a safe and healthy environment for children?
1. Room set-up is safe for play and exploring 2. Contact parents if someone else comes to pick up the child. 3. Have and follow safety rules.
Ø What are the proper hand washing procedures?
1. Most important hygiene practice to prevent spread of disease; scrub 20 seconds with soap and warm running water. 3. Teach children and oversee them: toilet before and after eating, before and after food prep, before and after using sensory activities
Ø Explain what you should do if a child seems ill while in a childcare situation?
1. Remove child from group; fever, flushed, moody, cranky, etc. 2. Giving meds must be authorized by parents
Ø What are immunizations and what do you need to know about them in order to work in childcare?
1. Proof of immunizations is mandatory for enrollment. 2. They prevent communicable diseases. 3. MMR, DTP, Hib, hepatitis, chicken pox, polio; they may cause low grade fevers.
Ø List basic sanitation and food safety guidelines.
Wash hands frequently and follow sanitation practices.
v Identify common childhood emergencies.
Ø Identify common childhood emergencies and apply first-aid techniques. Discuss information on various immunizations. (Answer questions on worksheet “Handling Childhood Emergencies with Confidence”).
v Describe the factors to consider win meeting the nutritional needs of children.
Ø List the Food Guide Pyramid recommendations.
Children 2-6yrs. old need: 2 milk, 3 veggies, 6 grains, 2 meat, 2 fruit, Serving sizes are smaller than adults. If the child is under the age of 4, serving sizes should be around 2/3 of normal size. Over the age of 4=normal size servings.
Ø How do you plan quality snacks and meals for children?
Select from my plate. Snacks are a part of their nutritional needs. Model appropriate manners, serve small servings, separate their foods, children have sensitive taste buds.
v Describe the procedures for identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.
Ø List the types of abuse and give examples.
Physical, emotional, neglect, sexual
Ø What is the responsibility of a childcare worker when it comes to child abuse?
You have to document and report it.
Ø What is the procedure for reporting child abuse?
If you are over the age of 18, you have to document and report it to protective services or the police.
*Students will identify and explain Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP).
v Identify the role of the teacher in planning and presenting developmentally appropriate activities for young children.
Ø What is the role of the teacher in planning and presenting DAP activities for young children?
Know the ages and areas of development (physical, social, emotional, cognitive and moral), know where each child is and what they are doing
Ø Describe how children learn best.
By doing! Relevant experiences, at different rates, ask “how” and “why” questions, play is their work, share and discuss, learn best by using five senses
Ø What is a transition? Give two examples of effective transitions.
Natural flow between activities, reduces confusion and disruptive behaviors between activities
Ø List the main roles of the lead and support teachers.
Know ages and areas of development for each child. Know where each child is and what they are doing. Speak clearly and listen. Let them explore and discover, allow for self-directed interactions with materials and focus on the positive things they do.
Ø How do you use DAP in selecting materials and activities for children?
Cover all areas of development for each age. Avoid having too many toys out at once, less is more valuable. Let the children tell you about their “work”.
Ø List four problem solving techniques that can be used effectively when working with children and DAP.
***Find out what is causing the problem before you can fix it.
1. Shows fear—talk it through with the child. 2. Becomes distracted—pick easier and shorter activities. 3. Model problem solving and help the child solve their own problems. 4. Remove a child when they throw temper tantrums to get attention.
Ø How can you plan creative activities for children?
Use DAP activities; look through resource books, look on-line, ask others, Google the age of the child and topic/theme
Ø What is positive questioning? List four examples of positive questioning techniques.
Get on the child’s eye level, listen with your face, voice and body, ask, “tell me about…, what do you think, how and why questions”
v Identify positive guidance techniques for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Ø List common reasons for misbehavior in children.
1. Needs are not met 2. For power, 3. For attention 4. For revenge 5. It’s normal for their age 6. They feel inadequate 7. Because of their environment 8. They don’t know better
Ø Discuss each of the following in positive guidance techniques.
· Natural Consequences Occurs as a result of behavior
· Logical Consequences Should relate to misbehavior, children learn from this
· Positive Statements Can’t say don’t or can’t, instead say what you want the child to do.
· Redirection Get the child’s attention on something else (“Go jump on the trampoline instead of the furniture”.) Ages two and under; DISTRACT
· Reverse Attention Ignore the negative and focus on the positive (reinforce the positive)
· Limited Choices Give two choices (WHY?) Practice making decisions
· Time Out Find a place without distractions or positive rein-forcers
· Guidance Helps the child learn to guide self
· Discipline This is good, punishment is bad, discipline helps the child learn to guide themselves.
· Consistency Routine=teaches trust, is first rules, helps child feel loved and secure
Handout on management…..
v Incorporate observation techniques and guidelines while studying children and developing strategies to meet those needs.
Ø What is the purpose and function of doing observations while working with
children?
1. Observe and study behaviors and abilities
Ø List guidelines for doing an observation.
1. Child shouldn’t know they are being observed 2. File records 3. Report concerns to director 4. Information may be used to assess a child with disabilities.
Ø Explain the difference between Objective and Subjective observations.
Objective: Record exactly what is seen and heard; who, what, where, when
Subjective: Is an interpretation of what was observed (not as good because it is an opinion)
Ø List appropriate changes that could come from doing observations while working with children.
1. Make adjustments to environment, lesson plans, activities, etc.
2. Make changes to challenge and/or support the child
*Students will discuss and develop age appropriate curriculum for young children.
v Identify components of curriculum planning.
Ø What are program goals and what is their purpose?
**establish a curriculum and objectives **individualizing learning **multicultural focus **DAP **diversity in all learning **routines and consistency
Ø Define themes and describe their purpose in writing effective lesson plans.
DAP, use teaching files…Why do we write lesson plans? 1. Organization 2. Guide
3. Communicate with parents 4. Assess planned activities with goals
Objectives=goals, Concepts=statements, Large and small group activities, Quiet and active and passive activities, Transitions
Ø What types of topics are the most effective to use with children?
DAP: stories, topics , activities from a variety of cultures, nonsexist, non-stereotyping
Ø What is the purpose of calendaring in planning appropriate curriculum?
1. Routines, consistency and time schedules=security. 2. Helps children know what to expect. 3. Teaches number concepts
Ø Explain the following components of a lesson plan:
· Goals
Your guide, helps with organization, communicates with parents, helps assess how things went that day
· Objectives/purpose
Overall goals: Large and small group activities, active and passive activities, transitions
· Procedures
How things will be done, routines, time schedule, structure
· Concepts
Statement or ideas about the theme
· Transitions
Time spent moving from one activity to another
v Develop developmentally appropriate practice activities for learning experiences/activities/center.
Ø List suggestions for each of the following learning experiences:
*******DAP learning centers should meet specific goals
· Language activities (finger-plays, stories, etc.)
*DAP books, *Flannel board stories *Finger plays *Show and tell *Model good language *Finger plays=memory development *Verbal communication
· Pre-math activities (sequencing, sorting, etc.)
*Calendar time=number concepts *Blocks=shapes and math concepts *Under the age of two, focus on sensory experiences and exploring materials
· Creative arts activities
*Encourage self-expression *Display art work *Encourage and praise=self esteem
· Wet and dry art activities
*Play dough *Painting * Gluing * Coloring, etc.
· Art Examples: (Fine motor and manipulative)
§ Scribbling
Child scribbles a picture, unrecognizable
§ Pre-schematic
Child draws a picture with a theme; house and yard, horse and barn, etc.
§ Schematic
Child draws a picture with a theme; house and yard, horse and barn, etc.
§ Realism
Child draws a picture that looks like the real thing
· Science activities