new MEDIA Limits

ITERS states NO media time for under 24 months. For 2+years and ECERS, time is limited to 30 minutes TOTAL once a week. This includes 15 minutes per day max. for computer use. And NONE during meals.

ITERS Art should NOT smell like FOOD

Materials that emit food related odors are not given credit (CERTAIN BRANDS of markers, playdough, crayons, etc.).

ITERS #16 Active Physical Play

3.1 = NO if a child is restrained in a seat or restrictive device for more than 15 minutes (except WHILE eating).

Crib Spacing

From Updated Notes for Clarification July 2011: To recieve full credit, cribs/cots must be 36" apart even if both have solid ends facing each other. 1.1=YES if more than 50% are less than 36" apart, or ANY are less than 18" apart; 3.2=NO if two are less than 36" apart even with solid ends.

Use of Sanitizers (Hand and Surface)

Updated ERS Notes from July 2011: Handsanitizers are accpetable for use only when there is NO VISIBLE DIRT on hands; It must be used EXACTLY as described on the manufacturer's label; NEVER used on children UNDER 24 months; Do not use Antibacterial soap. Handwashing means 20 seconds of rubbing before rinsing off.

EPA approved sanitizers may be used on eating surfaces EXACTLY as described on the manufacturer's label; EPA approved disinfectant instead of bleach-water may be used on diapering surfaces EXACTLY as described on the manufacturer's label.

Please keep in mind that each of these newly approved items are a lot more expensive than a daily solution of bleach-water and regular liquid soap. And the assessors will have to see the original bottles with labels.

BAEYC Meeting August 11

I know that many Family Central staff are BAEYC members. We would love to get your input during our meetings. We will also have openings on the new Board, with elections this November: Vice President, Secretary, President Elect, and 3 Members At Large. And our committees are always eager for volunteers!

Parent Surveys

From Exchange Everyday

Parent Surveys

Some people come into our lives and quickly leave. Others come into our lives and leave such an impression that they stay with us for all time.Docia Zavitkovsky

The popular Exchange book, Staying on Course: The Early Childhood Board's Guide to Success, notes that parent input is an integral part of a valid internal program assessment and offers a variety of ways to solicit such input...
Online surveys. Many web-based survey tools, such as Survey Monkey, can be used to create user-friendly surveys that include reports on results.

Telephone surveys. It might be beneficial to randomly select parents and interview them around specific events, such as upon initial enrollment.

Climate surveys. At any given time, ask parents to identify an incident that happened in the past six months that made them very happy and an incident that made them unhappy.

Written surveys. A well-written survey can focus on specific areas or provide feedback across a broad range of areas.