My philosophy for the children is to have open ended style of teaching that is developmentally appropriate, that allows each child an opportunity to experience different ways of learning. Planning the program for a family child care requires a lot of skill on the part of the staff. The program must be carefully planned to allow flexibility for the children. A well-planned environment is an essential element of a good program. It should be structured to meet the child's growth needs. Therefore the equipment placed within it must challenge the development of physical, social, language, and cognitive skills. Equipment should be placed where children can easily obtain it. This allows the children to be self-initiating. They can decide what to do and when with a maximum of teacher assistance. This fosters the growth of independence. Young children learn primarily through direct experience with the people and things in their environment. They do not have the cognitive abilities to understand abstract concepts. They are in the process of constructing their own view of the world and profit little from direct instruction. The program must accommodate appropriate materials.
We as teachers must also recognize that children grow and learn at different rates. We must therefore provide materials and experiences that challenge the development of a wide range of skills. Materials of varying complexity should be available to the children and they should be allowed to use them, as they feel comfortable. Children must be given permission to develop at their own rate without pushing them into experiences in which they have little chance of coping or succeeding. It is also apparent that children have different learning styles. Some children learn best exploring by themselves. Others may learn best with a teacher or another child. Still others learn most effectively in a small group situation. Thus, the program must accommodate all of these learning styles. The children can then define what's most effective for them.
Our Inclusion program means, that our doors are open to all children regardless of race, religion, gender or those with special needs or special rights. We feel that all children should be given the opportunity to be in a safe, loving, secure

environment where their self-esteem is lifted-up, and they are treated with the utmost respect and are seen as a child first and their special right or special need last. Inclusion is a sense of belonging and being a part of the class instead of being separated students and left alone.
Structure is also an important part of the program. We provide structure by preparing a stable environment. We provide structure by ordering the events of the day within a predictable sequence. We provide structure by consistently interacting with children in prescribed ways. This predictability gives the children freedom to explore and experiment.
The role of a teacher in this kind of program is a complex one. The teacher must have the ability to assess and respond to the children's needs. The role will vary depending on the skills and development of the individual child. It is important for the teacher to be objective and not set unrealistic expectations. It is also important that the teacher view the child in the light of his/her own accomplishments rather than comparing that child's skills to another. Teachers must be able to show the children who they are as people. They must be honest in expressing their feelings. Such openness facilitates the development of trust between teacher and child.
I provide a variety of spontaneous activities inside and outside to create a stimulating environment. Children learn through personal experiences, therefore; our home allows them time to chose for themselves what they want to do. A safe environment with careful supervision is a must. We allow children to try and solve their own problems, with guidance and assistance. Eating is on a schedule for our preschoolers (3 to 5 yrs old). However, flexibility like an additional snack may need to be given when necessary.
I have meetings with the families to go over the progress of their children.
Our children develop and learn best in a supportive environment in which parents are included as much as possible. We are sensitive to the cultural differences and needs of all children and their families. Respecting individually is important. I welcome any insight from the families to better serve them and their children.