Supervision
If a child is in the bathroom and they are just washing their hand, do they need to be supervised?
YES! Children need to be actively supervised any time they are in the bathroom!
A child just peed on the floor in the classroom. How do I properly clean it up?
Clean with bathroom 3-step solutions. Mop cannot be used to clean up bodily fluids.
What do you do if a parent brings you a medication and asks you to give it to their child?
Families must complete a Medication Authorization Form. Staff must confirm the medication is not expired and, if prescription, is prescribed to the child. All medications must be approved by the director prior to administration.
The center does not administer Tylenol, Motrin, cold medications, or prescription medications intended for twice-daily dosing. Exceptions may be made in rare, case-by-case circumstances with director approval.
If the toddler room has 21 children, what staff qualifications are needed?
Lead(1-7 kids)
Aide (8-14 kids)
Assistant (15-21)
Bonus info:
Aide (22-28)
And the pattern repeats.
What is our dress code?
Team members are to wear one of the following for their top:
*All tops should have the Milestones logo of their chosen color.
For their bottoms:
Jeans must be free of holes, no baggy sweatpants. Shoes must cover toes and have a back strap - no open toe shoes.
True or false: I can effectively supervise my class while I am sitting on the floor/ground in the gym/outside.
Nope! All teachers should be up, moving around, engaging, and actively supervising all areas. You should not be seated at any time.
What do you do if a parent brings you an aerosol sunscreen for their child?
Send it home, and ask for a non-aerosol sunscreen
What teacher beverages are allowed in the classroom.
All beverage containers in the classroom must be clear. If a container is not clean, it must be stored in a cupboard or closet, not in the counter.
Hot beverages are never allowed in the classroom. Any container designed to hold hot liquids may not be brought into the classroom, even if it currently contains a cold beverage. For example, a Yeti or insulated thermos with ice water is not permitted. During licensing visits, licensors will not inspect containers and will assume insulated cups are holding hot liquids.
Who is responsible for cleaning up after employees in the breakroom
the employees are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. Please clean up any food spills or crumbs on the table, floor, fridge or microwave.
What is the proper way to call out if you are sick?
CALL your director 1 hour before your shift.
Do not text - especially late and night or super early in the morning.
Tell me how 2 teachers in a preschool room can make sure they are supervising effectively
Spread out
Walk around
If you are sitting, make sure you are facing the classroom, not with your back to the group
Communication - telling the other person if you are going to briefly step out. Get a AD or director if you are going to be more then a moment.
Engaging with kids
Not prepping during busy times
You find a tick OR a sliver on a child. What do you do?
We cannot remove things that are embedded in a child's skin. You would have to call the parents and let them know that they will have to remove it.
Side note: Cradle cap should not be removed by staff. Attempting to remove the affected area can damage healthy skin and make the area more susceptible to infection.
Where do teacher scissors need to be stored?
Out of each of children at all times. They cannot be on the counter; they must be in a locked cabinet.
What is the "sandwich effect" when communicating to parents?
The sandwich effect is a communication strategy where you share a positive comment, then address the concern or behavior, and end with another positive or supportive statement. It helps families hear difficult information while still feeling respected and reassured.
There is always SOMETHING good about a child's day. Ex: they loved playing with cars, they enjoyed getting outside, he ate all his veggies, she loved the art project today.
True or false: It is okay to take a picture of a child on Snapchat if you get permission from the parents
FALSE: Staff may not use personal phones in the classroom. Please inform your director if you need to have your phone accessible for an urgent reason. Personal phones may never be used to take photos or videos of children.
If an infant is sleeping in a crib, how often do you need to check on them?
Every 10-15 minutes
A child comes in sleeping. What do you do?
Wake them up while the parents are still present. We cannot accept children who are already sleeping because licensing requires staff to personally observe a child’s condition at arrival. When a child arrives awake, staff can check that they are alert, responsive, breathing normally, and not showing signs of illness or injury.
This includes infants!
Tell me about a fever
100 degrees or higher
Taken at least 20 minutes after waking
Teething does not typically case fevers over 100 - will still need a note from the doctor for this.
Kids need to be fever free 24 hours without fever reducing medication to return.
Can return with a doctor's note for non-contagious illnesses. Ex. Ear infection
What can you do when most or all of the kids are sleeping at nap time?
Prep and clean
Wipe down shelves
Clean chairs
Deep clean tables
Organize cubby area
Bathrooms should be done EVERYDAY
Clean window
Sweep and mop
Organize
Restock bathroom (diapers and wipes)
True or false: It's okay to swear or say inappropriate things in an infant room because they and babies and don't understand.
Nope! Swearing or inappropriate language is never acceptable in the classroom or anywhere in the building. Staff are expected to use respectful, professional language at all times.
If you are alone in the classroom and need to change a diaper but cannot fully supervise the classroom, what should you do?
Request assistance. Children may never be left unsupervised. Diapering should only occur when full sight and sound supervision of all children can be maintained or another staff member is present to provide coverage.
True or False: If you are doing a diaper round, you do not need to wash your hands in-between diapers as long as you change your gloves.
FALSE, you need to wash your hands and change your gloves before every diaper change
When is it okay to bring a child to the office or front lobby?
If they are sick or seriously injured. If you are having problems with behaviors, ask the AD to come to your classroom to help.
If child is showing behaviors that are dangerous to self or other and removal is required, you may do so, but try to say just outside the classroom while you help them regulate.
What is an Unqualified Substitute (Unsub)
Our center is allotted a limited number of unqualified substitute (“unsub”) hours each year. These hours are used when staffing does not fully meet qualification requirements for a classroom.
Example: In a toddler classroom with 21 children, 1 lead teacher and 2 aides are present. Because only one aide may count as qualified, the second aide must be logged as an unqualified substitute.
Staff working under unsub hours must be informed that their time is being logged as unsub hours and understand that these hours are limited and tracked for licensing compliance.
I can bring my vape in the building as long as I keep it locked away with my personal belongings.
No. Staff may not bring vapes, tobacco, or any nicotine products into the building at any time