Journal twelve

Journal 12

The child has made the most progress in the following areas:  Fine motor skills

(I would show examples of the child’s art work from several months back and current art work. Then I would explain the difference in the art work and how it proves that the child’s fine motor development in and has improved.)

The activity the child enjoys the most is: Outdoor play

(I would start out by acknowledging the fact that the child has a lot of energy and enjoys the outdoors. I can prove this interest by providing any of the child’s work that includes the outdoors, like science and art. Also, I can explain that the child has very little behavioral problems when outdoors.)

The child is most excited and attentive when: He is outside

(The child’s interest mentioned before will help clarify this question as well. I can invite the parent to shadow their child since outdoor play isn’t exactly a “structured” activity that provides physical evidence.)

The best form of redirection for this child is: Walks

(As mentioned before, this child has a lot of energy. Sometimes this can get him into trouble in the classroom. He just needs a little break and “listening” or “talking” walks outside usually help.

One objective the family could work on more at home with this child would be: More active play; healthy diet and exercise.

(This child’s family lives in an apartment. The child does not have many opportunities to play in a safe, outdoor environment. I would encourage the family to visit the park or other places more often. Also, I would suggest resources like physical activities on DVD for the home. The kids might enjoy this.) 

Journal eleven

Journal 11

I am informed everyday by various styles of communication. I have learned to adjust to the variety because I cannot always change the way others communicate. Therefore I consider myself to be a combination of kinesthetic, visual and auditory. For the most part, I am kinesthetic. When I write a grocery list, I don’t need to take it with me to the store. This seems weird, but because I actually, physically used my hands to write the list on paper, I am able to remember. I would not remember what I need if I did not write it down. I know. Weird.

For an auditory parent, I would make a phone call and perhaps, leave a message.

For a visual parent, I would post signs and hand out flyers.

For a kinesthetic parent, I would send home a flyer and possibly require a returned signature.

Personally, I would use all methods in order to satisfy everyone’s personal preference.

Journal ten

Journal 10

Hand-washing:

Hand-washing is an easy way to prevent infection. Understand when to wash your hands, how to properly use hand sanitizer and how to get your children into the habit.

How to wash your hands

It's generally best to wash your hands with soap and water. Follow these simple steps:

·         Wet your hands with running water.

·         Apply liquid, bar or powder soap.

·         Lather well.

·         Rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Remember to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.

·         Rinse well.

·         Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel or air dryer.

·         If possible, use your towel to turn off the faucet.

Keep in mind that antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. Using antibacterial soap may even lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the product's antimicrobial agents — making it harder to kill these germs in the future.

How to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which don't require water, are an acceptable alternative when soap and water aren't available. If you choose to use a hand sanitizer, make sure the product contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Then follow these simple steps:

·         Apply enough of the product to the palm of your hand to wet your hands completely.

·         Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces, until your hands are dry.

Antimicrobial wipes or towelettes are another effective option. Again, look for a product that contains a high percentage of alcohol. If your hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water. 

Journal nine

Journal 9

Child Abuse
       The Center is required by law to report any apparent incidence of child abuse or neglect defined as "non-accidental infliction or threat of infliction of physical, emotional, or mental harm to a child."
      All such reports must contain the name and address of the child, the name and address of the person responsible for the care of the child, and any other pertinent information.

Journal

What Not to Wear

After watching several episodes of What Not to Wear, I decided to read some of the comments on the show’s website. With this class in mind, two comments stood out to me; “I think there should be a "what not to wear" segment at DHS. People look like they dressed in the dark”.  Also, “My professor needs to go on that show "what not to wear". Maybe they will help her out with her wardrobe.” This is proof that appearance does matter to people, especially when dealing with professionals. On one particular episode, the girl receiving the makeover worked for a non-profit organization, helping people find jobs and seek better lives. One part of her job was “teaching” people how to dress for job interviews. The host of the show stated, “Why would I take advice from someone like you, dressed like this?” I agree. A professional, especially one working with people, should be conscious about their appearance. There is no excuse to dress like a slob. Tasteful and affordable clothes aren’t hard to find these days. I work in a school and I think it is important that I set an example for the children, especially the young girls. Some may not have parents that teach them how to dress properly. I believe that people treat you more respectably when you are tastefully dressed.  A girl on the show revealed too much cleavage. The show host made a valid point stating, “People need to look at you as a person, not your body.” It is not only classless, but it is also disrespectful to the parents in a school setting, to show too much. In my opinion, one can determine if a person is approachable and trustworthy, simply by their appearance.

Journal five

Agenda:

1. Blood borne pathogens training

2. First aid/CPR training sign up

3.  Lesson plans and monthly theme ideas

4. Open House night

5. Observations

6. Workshops available to staff members

Closing: Questions, Comments or concerns....

Staff meetings should be mandatory. This is an opportunity for all staff members to discuss current events, problems, ideas, concerns etc. together so that everyone is on the same page. No one is left out. A staff should work together as a team to ensure that the school, parents and children are all safe and happy. After a meeting, there should be a clean slate to work from. The staff meeting is a stopping point where the "team" fixes what is broken and works proactively to prevent futuristic problems. 

Journal Three

PAGE 18

I would address to the parent that it is the school policy that certain foods are not allowed in the school  because some children, in or outside their child's room, are allergic and could have a reaction. I am full of ideas, so I would gladly suggest other options such as cupcakes or sugar cookies. A handbook would be readily available.

PAGE 19

Being the kind person that I am, I would be quick to let the person have the desired day off. However, it would not be fair to everyone else, so I would set up a meeting and let everyone decide if it would be okay with them. After all, they would want the same respect if it were their situation.

PAGE 22

I would approach this person when no children are around. I would suggest working together as a "team" next time and tell her/him that i'm glad they liked my ideas.

PAGE 23

The father has every right to be upset. I would let him know that I am sorry this incident occurred and I would like to schedule a meeting with the family to discuss what happened. I would also explain to the little girl that anytime something like this happens, she must always tell an adult. If I had known about this incident, I would have handled the situation much better.

Joournal 6

Page 66

1. The director from the new shool had a "lengthly" onvesation with the teacher from the old school. Personal information was exchanged and therefore, the mother's confidentiality was violated.

2. The new teacher had the intention of sharing with other parents that the new child is a biter. She also discussed the child's situation with other teachers in the break room. The child's confidentiality was then violated.

3. I have never hear of schools sharing any "personal" information of a student other than their academic records. I think the parent has sole responsibility for sharing any necessary information.

4. The mother, the director andd the teacher should have set up a meeting in regards to the child.

5. Absolutely not!

6. A tour of the facility could have been a warm start for inviting the mother and child to the new school. Also, a meeting with the parent and teacher would have been necessary, especially if the child has behavioral issues.

7. It is a bad enough decision to discuss children's personal matterrs in the facility, let alone a public establishment.

8. The conversation would have been so much more decent in the school building, however, it would still be violating the child's confidentiality.

9. After all has been said and done, I would imagine this mother has lost all trust with the new school's teachers and director. The only remedy for this situation would start with a simple apology, then MAYBE the mother would be understanding. If I were the director, I would be vey embarrassed and ashamed. This would definately be a lesson learned.

10. The mother should look for another school.

11. Personally, I think the mother should find another school. However, if the child is moved from school to school, he may feel as if he doesn't have a place of belonging.

Journal 4

Journal 4

I feel belittled when someone does not call me by my name. Of course, I am not bothered if they do not know my name. This is what name tags are for, right? Every professional who works with people should wear a name badge. It is a formal, clean cut way of telling others who you are. When someone says “hey” or “library lady”, I don’t let it bother me but I would never do that to someone I don’t know. I wasn’t taught that way. I would say, “Excuse me” or “miss/sir”. I can’t say that I am bothered by lacking eye contact because I am one who fails to make eye contact, not because I am shy but I am just not good at it.

I do, however, get very irritated by people that always complain, especially parents. Complaining is very common in my work place. Luckily, most of the complaining comes from the “needy” parents and not the staff that I work with. I think we are pretty much conditioned to all the griping and complaining. Some people are never satisfied. We just have to work around these people

Journal One

Good afternoon!
My name is Natalia. I work in the media center at Cleveland Elementary School. I love my job. It enables me to attend school with no interruptions. I enjoy working with children, especially the younger, school-aged children. I like making a difference and feeling accomplished at the end of each day. To make a child happy, makes me happy. This is why I work with children. My education is my number one priority. Stability is very important to me. Having a job, especially one that I enjoy, gives me a sense of stability. In order to have such a job, I feel that a higher education is necessary. Not only is a higher education necessary, it is also a personal goal for me. This is a reachable goal because it is lead by smaller, reachable goals. An education leads to a more promising future. My husband is a graduate from OU so before we have a child, I want to have a diploma hanging next to his for our child to see. This is what an education means to me.

Journal Two

Chapter 1

Page2. Identifying your audiences:

In a public school setting, my/our audience consists of the following:

1.      The students

2.      Younger siblings of current students

3.      Parents

4.      Surrounding neighbors including businesses

5.      Any visitors, especially from the board of education

Page4. Additional Conversation:

The conversation is appropriate; however, I would have spoken to the mother of the child doing the biting. Yes, the receiving end of this incident needs to be assured that it will not happen again, but the other parent needs some advice so that the behavior can be tackled promptly.

Page9. Define who you are:

If I owned my own business, I would focus on the quality rather than quantity. For example, the classrooms would be focused on the quality of education and care by having fewer children taught by educated adults. I would not be concerned with having more clientele but rather giving the clients that I do have quality care in a stimulating, clean environment.

You get what you pay for. I wouldn’t necessarily be “cheap”, but rather, use the finances wisely to pay teachers fair pay and be able to provide the children the materials needed to have an excellent learning experience. Having an educated staff would be a must. If I were a parent, I would be more willing to leave my child with educated people than a staff of high school girls being paid minimum wage. Also, regular training would be provided to my staff.

Yes, my establishment would be academically oriented. The children need the constant stimulation and guidance and deserve all those learning opportunities. They may not have these luxuries at home.

I would imagine that my curriculum would be purchased. Upon enrollment, parents can take a tour and sample our curriculum. All the information will be provided in their own folder.

Strengths:

1.      Educated staff

2.      Clean, organized environment

3.      Age appropriate curriculum

Improvement:

Because my center is “make believe”, there is no need for improvement. I suppose I would have a suggestion box and conduct regular meetings.