| Tip of the Week | |
Time for You!
Here are some suggestions for managing stress:
Date nights: One provider plans monthly date nights with her husband as a way to stay connected.
August 3rd is National Night Out. Take advantage of many local and community activities.
Smile more: Make a goal to smile and laugh as much as possible each day.
Dance away: Take your mind off your job by dancing alone or with others.
To read more go to: Finding Your Smile Again
by Jeff A. Johnson |
| Upcoming Events |
9th Annual Early Childhood Professional Day
A Day in
Mr. Roger's Neighborhood
Saturday, September 25th
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hagerstown
$50.00 includes lunch
Register with a credit card by calling 301-733-0000 or 800-924-9188
Register with a check by mailing to: 6 W. Washington Street Suite 210 Hagerstown, MD 21740
Resource Library Open House
Saturday, August 21st
9:00 a.m. - 12 noon
6 W. Washington Street
Suite 210
Hagerstown
See coupon below
Coming this Fall!
Infant and Toddler Caregivers Learning Together
A new series beginning the first Tuesday in September
Contact Amy Weaver for details:
aweaver@applesforchildren
org |
| Contact Us |
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6 West Washington Street, Suite 210
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
301-733-0000 or 800-924-9188
FAX: 301-733-0886
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Greetings!
Happy Wednesday.
This past month we asked for real stories from providers like you about dealing with children's challenging behaviors. Here is a story from Ms. Mason, toddler teacher at Allegany County's Humpty Dumpty Early Learning Center.
A child in my classroom has difficulty with impulsivity. He touches and hits other children often for no reason. I instituted a "personal bubble" concept to teach the entire class about personal space and respect for one another. APPLES staff has assisted our Center and my class by providing a puppet "Tucker the Turtle" to encourage the children to STOP and THINK things through. APPLES staff also provided a "roli poli" seat and suggested we develop a "comfort center." We also read books on taking turns, nice touches, and "our own personal space and bodies," etc.
Thank you, Ms. Mason and all of the staff at Humpty Dumpty. We thank you for sending in your story and describing to other providers the strategies that have helped you in stressful times with children's behaviors.
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You do not like them.
So you say.
Try them! Try them!
And you may.
Try them and you may, I say.
-Sam-I-Am, in Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham
"So many children have been experiencing challenging behaviors for weeks. There hasn't been much time for planning or available substitutes for days off. The other day, I spotted one of my teachers from across the room who appeared really burned out -- in the way she carried herself and the ways she interacted with the children. I could look into her eyes and see that she was stressed, run down, and empty. I don't know what to do!"
-Director of a child care program
Here are some questions to ask yourself when you feel this way:
- What do you enjoy most about being a provider?
- What do you think children need most?
- What four words would you use to describe the relationships with the children in your care?
- What are the most challenging parts of caring for the children in your care?
- What kind of support do you need most?
Adapted from Johnston, K. and Brinamen, C. (2006). Mental Health Consultation in Child Care: Transforming Relationships Among Directors, Staff, and Families.
In the previous weeks, you read success stories from providers about children's challenging behaviors. Just like you, there were many barriers and obstacles to overcome. That's why providers ask APPLES for help.
As child care programs and APPLES staff continue to work together, children develop the essential social and emotional skills they need to be successful in school and in life. Staff work together to find solutions to children's challenging behaviors and in the process, staff are happier at work, more productive, and find ways to be less stressed. If you have a child who has difficulty interacting with other children and/or adults, or developmental and/or behavioral challenges email our helpline at help@applesforchildren.org or call 301-733-0000 or 800-924-9186 and press 2.
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