What are some expectation in a child care center?

Question

what can you expect to see in a child care center as an observer to a child on the age of 3-4?

Answer 1

in addition to the previous statements with all of the "good and fun" things, be prepared to see seperation anxiety (from both parents and children), complaining from both parties, fights and disagreements between the children(usually not so bad). You may also experience snack or meal times so there may be instances of some children cannot eat the same items as others (due to allergies mostly) and other who will say they cannot eat certain items, or cannot feed themselves or handle the food (using knives for example). Just watch and learn from the teachers and aides in the classroom. there may be other things both good and bad, but for the most part it will be a great experience for you, and dont be afraid to answer questions or even enjoy a playtime with some "new" friends.

Answer 2

Children playing, circle time, various centers such as dramatic play, art and blocks, lots of pictures on the walls, colourful atmosphere, hopefully happy playing children!

Answer 3

Structure, classes within the child to teacher ratios, labeled centers (ex. blocks, dramatic play, art, books,puzzles and table activities no name a few), open ended art activities, circle time which includes telling the weather, date, songs and maybe a story, fine and gross motor activities and best of all a rest time!!!

Answer 4

I am a pre-school teacher and I used to be director of a child care center.  It is very important to make sure a center is state licensed, showing it is up to standards in staff training, safety and health issues. A 3-4 year old program should also include educational activities to prepare the children for kindergarten, learning letters, shapes, colors as well as social skills.  Another VERY important thing for me would be that the center has an "open door" policy, that parents may stop by ANY time to pick up the children or visit with out prior notice.  Any center that requires parents to notify them ahead of time when they are coming early would be a big red flag, Why is it so important that they know when you are coming? Staffing is another aspect to look at. Is there a huge turn over?  Children need consistency, and large turn over may be a sign of something wrong.  There is always some turn over, these jobs tend to be on the low side of the pay scale, but if there are constantly new people the children won't have anyone they know they can depend on.  Also having staff experienced working with the age children they have is important, not everyone really understands where 3-4 year olds are developmentally and what behaviors to expect from them, for example some people may expect too much sitting still and others not enough.  I hope this information is helpful.