Daycare questions?

Question

Ok Im going to scream Im on my break and I work at a daycare. My problem is that I have 4 kids that are just not listening the ratio in the classroom is 1 teacher to 11 students they are all 2yrs old today is the first day I have completely worked with out a 2nd teacher there is usually 18 students. Any help from parents,daycare teachers , teachers anybody. I ask alot of questions about daycare.

any advice that is about daycares I would love to know what your advice is because I love kids but they are being extra bad today.

Answer 1

Is that ratio even legal in your state? Read the regs. If it is not, get out! If a child is injured you could be held responsible if anything goes wrong while you are out of compliance. In any case, that's far too many 2's for anyone to be watching. They are active, curious and easily excited and overstimulated. Try not to set too many rules . Redirect them if they do something dangerous. Keep activities interesting but not too exciting. If you can keep them happy and not hurting themselves or others you are doing a really good job with that many kids.

Answer 2

Seems like too many children with just one adult.  I'd look up the regulations first and find out if that's legal.  Then I would suggest that you do some musical play.  Maybe play follow the leader and make up a silly song while you do it.  anything to get their attention and get them moving.  (that way they take a good nap!)

Answer 3

Give them an initiative for being good and a punishment for being bad. Put them in the bad corner if they're bad and give them stickers or something for being good.

Answer 4

SEPRATE the 4 Don`t let them near one another! Act like you`re in control.SIng, Dance,find someway to get rid of that energy let em jump up & down.Create different centers to play.Put the fab 4 in charge of a group 1 per group. They might be natural leaders -experiment don`t forget to let the others have a turn.

Answer 5

I wouldn't say they are being bad, they are just being 2. Since they aren't listening, I would join in and act like them. Act silly, jump up and down, crawl on the floor, sing a song really loud or silly, dress up in their hats, etc.   they will soon tire and sit down then you can sit and give them a cool drink of water.

Answer 6

First, REFUSE to be in a room that is out of regulations.

If a child gets hurt, a parent could probably not only sue he school, but you personally.

That being said, when you DO have a 2nd teacher, 2 year olds is a very very difficult age.  They are a bit too young for real dicipline.  

The best thing is to be very organized with you day, but keep the structure to a minium.

Keep the kids from getting bored, hungry, or tired - that's when they will act out the most.  Organize your day around when they are likley to be those things.  (Let them go outside to play right before lunch, when the are the most hungry.  Have a story time or art/craft activity right after rest time when they aren't tired).  8 - 10, Free Play.  10 - 10:30 lead the group in an activity, creative movement, music, etc.  10:30 - 11:30 free play  11:30 -12:00 outside time  12:00 lunch 12:30 circle time 1:00 - 2:30 rest time 2:30 - 3:00 craft/coloring/table games  3:00 - pick up free play.

And don't EXPECT kids to participate.  Have circle, craft, etc time, but don't punish kids that aren't interested as long as they aren't being disruptive.

AND

Only have a few toys out and hide the rest.  Then bring them out at strategic times throughout the day/week - they will feel "new" to the kids and hold their interest better.  This includes "art" activities.  Many will begin to enjoy coloring, stickers, etc.

Good Luck

Answer 7

I also have done just what you are doing, and I applaud you.  It's a rough job.  I now do it in my own home, with all different ages.  You have to get those two year olds to respect you before they will listen.  Make sure they know that in your room, your rules apply.  The ratio seems a little high, so I'm sure it's a struggle, but be creative!!  Play Simon says, of course a simpler version, and then switch Simon to your name--see if any of the children notice and if they still do what you are telling them to do.  As for those 4 who are being really bad today, take charge, ask their parents to talk to them--telling them that in your room--your rules, and that they must obey, if kids know that the parents respect and trust the teacher, the kids usually follow!!  Good luck...