The Baby's Point of View
Before picking up a baby for a diaper change , what is something a teacher can do first.
Talk to the baby. Make eye contact, explain what is about to happen and give the baby a moment to respond.
What was Taylor communicating when he was hesistant around the bees?
Fear and uncertainty based on his previous experience of being stung.
Blanket in an infant's crib: safe or unsafe?
Unsafe / Risk.
A parent walks in frustrated and speaks sharply to you. What does living our mission look like in your response?
Stay calm, listen, remain respectful and curious, and work toward understanding instead of reacting defensively.
Two teachers are talking to each other while a child repeatedly tries to get their attention. What should happen?
Pause the adult conversation and respond to the child.
True or False: Diapering, feeding and getting dresses are interruptions to the "real" curriculum
False Everyday care routines are important opportunities for relationship, communication and learning.
Instead of telling Taylor, 'You're fine - there's nothing to be afraid of,' what did the adults do?
They listened, acknowledged his concern, stayed with him, provided information, and let him move at his own pace.
Infant placed on their back for sleep in an approved empty crib: safe or unsafe?
Safe, consistent with approved safe-sleep procedures.
True or False : We have a 10:00a.m. cut off time.
False We will only decide this if more children coming after 10a.m. will put us out of ratio . The only person who can turn a family away is the director.
A child spills their entire cup of milk. Which first response fits our approach better: 'I told you to be careful!' or 'It spilled. Let's figure out what we need to do.'
The second response: calm, non-shaming, and focused on solving the problem together.
A toddler is crying at drop off. What is more consistent with the child's point of view: Saying "You're Okay" or acknowledging what the child is communicating?
Acknowledge the child's communication and feelings, then offer calm connection and support.
What happened when Taylor was given time, information, and support rather than being forced?
His confidence and curiosity grew.
Supervised tummy time while an infant is awake: safe or unsafe?
Safe when the infant is awake and actively supervised.
Name one everyday moment when a teacher can build a child's sense of safety and connection.
Examples include arrival, meals, diapering, toileting, transitions, play, rest, departure, or conflict.
You notice a co-worker becoming overwhelmed and their voice is getting louder with children. What can you do?
Support the teacher, help them regulate or step in when appropriate, protect children's emotional and physical safety, and follow program procedures when leadership needs to be involved.
Name one way a classroom can communicate to chidlren : "You belong here."
family photos. children's work. familiar routines warm interactions. and representation of chidlren and families.
Taylor eventually wanted to show another child the bees. Why is that moment important?
It shows how supported exploration can help a child move from fear toward confidence, curiosity, and leadership.
A baby falls asleep in equipment that is not the program's approved sleep surface. 'They're finally asleep, so I'll just leave them there.' Safe or unsafe?
Unsafe / Risk. Follow the program's safe-sleep procedures and move the infant appropriately.
Our mission is not something we just say. Children and families should ______ it.
Experience it, feel it, and see it in how we treat them every day.
At the end of a child's day at Baby's Space, what do we ultimately want that child to know and feel?
I am safe. I belong. I am important. The adults listen to me. I can be myself. I am cared for.
A child keeps dumping or throwing materials. Before jumping to a consequence , what question should we ask from the child's point of view?
Ask what the child may be communicating or needing, and what skill or support is missing. Stay curious before reacting.
What is the biggest teaching lesson from Taylor and the bees?
Slow down, listen to what a child is communicating, respect the feeling, and use the everyday moment to build trust, curiosity, and learning.
A parent asks staff to put their infant to sleep on their stomach because that is how the baby sleeps at home. What should staff do?
Follow the program's approved safe-sleep procedures and required documentation rules. A home preference by itself does not replace program requirements.
If someone walked into a Baby's Space classroom without seeing our mission statement, what should they notice that tells them our mission is alive?
Calm and respectful interactions, strong relationships, adults listening to children, curiosity instead of judgment, family partnership, and children who feel safe and valued.
A child is having a very big reaction during a transition. What is the adult's first job before trying to correct or teach the behavior?
Create safety and connection, stay regulated, help the child regulate, and then teach or problem-solve once the child is able to engage.