Indirect Guidance Chapter 5

Indirect GuidanceBehind the scenes work and planning that influences the behavior of a child.Requires the management of the environment The spaceThe equipmentMaterials Human energy

Components of Indirect GuidanceForming appropriate expectation based on an understanding of child developmentManaging space, time, and energy to create an environment that supports positive behavior.Planning a curriculum that engages the whole child.

Indirect Guidance influencesItems that teachers have control over:Their own expectationsThe environments that they createMuch of what happens in the environment for the children.

Organizing SpaceEnvironment needs to be the extra teacher in the classroom

SAFETYFirst consideration in a Childrens CenterCompliance with regulations Respect for the safety of the children

Amount of SpaceHow much space is required? 35 square feet per child inside, and 75 square feet outside according to KDHE requirements but NAEYC Accreditation standards require 50 square feet inside, and 75 square feet outside,

Social SpaceThe area of space that a child feels that belongs to him.Facilitated by arrangement of centers.

Personal SpaceEach child needs a place that can be called their own.Very difficult in a full day center with many children

Providing Clues for BehaviorBoundaries between centersPosters indicating the number of children per center.

Sufficient Play SpacesHave at least 50% more play spaces than children, but ideally have 2 to 3 choices for each childHave the play spaces interesting and appealing to the children, self explanatory and self correcting if possible.

Managing TIMEPredictable schedule that the children will be able to predict what is going to happen next. Provide warnings that are appropriate so children will be more willing to stop the activity to move on to the next one.

Balance of ActivitiesBalance the activities between; active and passive teacher directed and self directedTeacher initiated and self initiatedIndividual, small group, and large group

Keys to appropriate schedulingPredictabilityFlexibility

TransitionsLimit the number of these daily.Plan for the transitionsStructure the transitions

Adult Child RatioVery important to have the proper number of trained staff for the number of children in your care.1 Adult to 10 preschoolers (2 and potty trained to kindergarten age) Total group cannot be larger than 20 1 Adult to 12 preschoolers (3 years to kindergarten age) Total group cannot be larger than 24

Plan an inviting curriculumPlan, plan and over plan a developmentally appropriate curriculum for the children

Observe the childrenGet to know each individual child in your program.Understand their family situationRespect the child and their family