Curriculum
What are best practices for prepping lesson plans?
🌟 1. Start with Clear Objectives
Identify learning goals: What should students know or be able to do by the end?
Align with standards or curriculum (e.g., state early learning standards, Common Core, etc.).
Keep objectives age-appropriate and measurable (e.g., “Students will identify 3 primary colors.”).
🧠 2. Know Your Learners
Consider developmental stages, learning styles, interests, and any special needs.
Use prior knowledge to build context—what do they already know about this topic?
🗓️ 3. Map Out the Week
Plan in themes to ensure cohesion and reinforcement across activities.
Create a weekly lesson plans to space out subjects like reading spotlight, signs/Spanish, art, sensory, motor skills, and social-emotional development.
🎨 4. Build in Hands-On, Engaging Activities
Choose activities that promote exploration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Prioritize active participation over passive instruction—especially in early education.
Rotate materials and modify centers weekly or bi-weekly to keep engagement high.
📚 5. Structure the Daily Flow
Each day should have a consistent routine that includes:
Circle Time: Songs, calendar, weather, theme discussion.
Centers/Stations: Independent or small-group play-based learning.
Transitions: Songs, movement, or games to ease transitions.
Reflection or Story Time: End the day calmly and review learning.
🧩 6. Include Differentiation & Modifications
Prepare extra challenges for advanced learners and support strategies for those who need it.
Have visuals, manipulatives, or simplified instructions ready.
Incorporate flexible grouping or individual tasks.
📝 7. Document & Reflect
Luvnotes post
Keep portfolios up to date
🧰 8. Prepare Materials in Advance
Organize supplies by day or subject in bins/folders.
Label everything clearly.
Pre-cut, print, laminate, and prep any visuals or tools over the weekend or during planning time.
🔁 9. Be Flexible
Children’s needs or interests may shift—adjust as needed.
Keep a backup activity for days that go off track (weather, attention span, emergencies).
💬 10. Communicate with Your Team
Share plans with co-teachers, aides, or floaters.
Keep parents in the loop
Pick up & Drop off expectations
Warm Greetings & Goodbyes:
Greet every parent and child with a warm smile and friendly tone at drop-off.
At pick-up, provide a personalized, positive goodbye, and share a brief highlight from the child’s day when possible.
Maintain a Structured Environment:
Create a calm, predictable atmosphere during arrival and departure times to help children transition smoothly and reduce stress.
Examples of structured activities:
Morning Drop-Off:
Quiet table activities such as puzzles, coloring, or manipulatives
Soft music playing and books available for a calm start to the day
Afternoon Pick-Up:
Individual or small-group table activities (e.g., playdough, drawing)
Calm music and dimmed lights to signal the end-of-day wind-down
Story time or reflection circle for children waiting for pick-up
Teacher Presence:
Always be present, attentive, and engaged during drop-off and pick-up to ensure smooth transitions and build strong relationships with families.
Nap Time best practice
Maintain Active Supervision at all times—staff should remain alert and in the room throughout nap time.
No Covered Faces:
Blankets must never cover a child’s face or head to reduce the risk of suffocation.
Visibility:
Room lights may be dimmed, but you must always be able to clearly see every child's face from anywhere in the room.
Conduct Regular Sleep Checks:
Perform and document routine sleep checks for all age groups, not just infants.
Look for signs of regular breathing, safe sleep posture, and general well-being.
Crib & Mat Spacing:
Ensure appropriate spacing between sleep areas to maintain safety and allow for easy access during checks.
Promptly Address Discomfort or Disturbances:
Comfort or assist children who are restless, crying, or in need of attention during rest time.
How much time is allotted for breaks to get behind?
Breaks should run on time—there is no extra time allotted to “get behind.”
The break schedule is created to ensure every team member gets their break on time and returns promptly.
Frequent delays (e.g., an hour behind daily) are not acceptable and disrupt the entire flow of the day.
If you need to step out briefly (e.g., to use the restroom or grab supplies):
Please ask a member of leadership to step into your classroom
This ensures that breakers can stay on schedule and begin the next break on time
Break delays affect the entire team, leading to:
Late breaks for others
Staff not being able to clock out on time
Increased stress and disruption to classroom coverage
Let’s work together to respect each other’s time and keep the day running smoothly for everyone.
How many training hours are required per year?
24
What is the correct way to use the Ipad in the classroom?
iPads are a valuable educational tool when used intentionally and in alignment with developmentally appropriate practices. In the classroom setting, iPads should be utilized to enhance learning experiences, support curriculum themes, and promote engagement through interactive and age-appropriate content.
For children 2 years and older, screen time is limited to a maximum of 10 minutes per day and must be directly connected to the weekly curriculum theme. This may include educational games, storybooks, or videos that reinforce key concepts or theme being taught.
Children under the age of 2 are not permitted to engage in screen time. However, iPads may still be used as a tool for playing music, such as Monument Songs or other age-appropriate educational playlists, to support transitions, routines, or thematic enrichment throughout the day.
At all times, iPad use should be monitored by a teacher, and content should be previewed to ensure it aligns with both the developmental level of the children and the educational goals of the classroom.
What can be said over the buzzer?
Buzzer Communication Expectations
Maintain Confidentiality:
Never say a child’s name over the intercom or buzzer for privacy and safety reasons.
Keep Messages Short & Clear:
Use brief phrases such as:
“Potty break”
“Ice pack”
“Incident report”
“Temp check”
Behavioral Support:
If the classroom is becoming overwhelming or needs additional support, use the phrase:
“Need assistance”
Emergency Situations:
For any urgent or emergency situation, use the phrase:
“HELP”
In classroom best practice
Teacher Positioning:
Teachers should be strategically spaced out in the classroom—ideally with one teacher on each side to maintain visibility and active supervision.
Free Play & Centers:
Implement small group activities during center time.
Rotate groups frequently to maximize engagement and individual attention.
Transitions (e.g., Lunch to Nap):
Use teamwork and role-splitting for smoother transitions:
One teacher should clean up and prepare cots/beds
The other should remain actively engaged with children, offering calm and structured activities to ease the transition
Active Engagement:
Both teachers should be hands-on and interactive, not standing in one place or passively observing.
What time should you be in your classroom if you are scheduled at 7:30am?
If you are scheduled at 7:30 AM, you are expected to be in your classroom and ready to begin at 7:30 AM.
Being “on time” means being in the room, clocked in, and actively supervising children.
If you’d like to say good morning to teammates or children in other classrooms, please plan to arrive a few minutes early so this does not interfere with your scheduled start time.
There has been an increasing concern about staff lingering in hallways during the morning hours. This affects classroom coverage and disrupts the flow of the day.
Please be mindful:
Schedules are based on the needs of the school, and are subject to change.
If you are consistently arriving late (e.g., scheduled at 8:00 AM but arriving at 8:15), your schedule may be adjusted or pushed back accordingly.
Let’s all work together to model professionalism and accountability, and ensure every classroom is properly staffed on time each morning.
How many days are do we close at noon for training?
1. Columbus Day
2. Presidents Day
Luvnotes: How often should you be posting? How many pictures are required? How many learning objectives?
LuvNotes Posting Guidelines
Real-Time Updates:
LuvNotes should be updated throughout the day in real time, including:
Every diaper change
Every meal or snack
Every nap or rest period
Photo Requirements:
A minimum of 5–7 photos should be posted daily per child:
2–3 group photos are acceptable
The remaining photos must be individual shots showcasing children engaged in curriculum-based activities
Learning Objectives:
Each post should include clear connections to 3–5 learning objectives from the weekly lesson plan daily, highlighting how activities align with developmental goals.
What should you do during a fire drill/ intruder drill?
🔥 Fire Drill
Evacuate the classroom safely and quickly to your designated outdoor safe area.
Once in your safe spot, immediately conduct a face-to-name check to ensure all children are accounted for.
Keep the environment calm and positive for the children:
Sing a song
Read a short story
Wait for the all clear before re-entering the building.
🚨 Intruder Drill
Quickly, safely, and quietly move to your classroom’s designated safe hiding spot.
Lock both the outside and inside doors of the room.
Turn off the lights to reduce visibility.
Help children remain calm and silent until the drill is over and you receive the all clear.
Outdoor/Playground best practice
Active Supervision:
Teachers must be constantly scanning and circulating the playground to ensure all children are visible and safe.
Avoid clustering—space out across the play area to maintain full coverage.
Teacher Placement:
Position staff at opposite ends or in key zones to monitor high-traffic or high-risk areas (e.g., slides, climbing structures).
Engagement Over Observation:
Teachers should be actively engaged, not sitting or distracted. Interact with children, offer encouragement, and model safe play.
Limit Free Play Time:
While child-led play is valuable, the entire playground time should not be unstructured free play.
Introduce Structured Games:
Incorporate simple, age-appropriate group games to keep children focused and reduce behavioral incidents.
Examples: Hide and Seek, Simon Says, Red Light Green Light, or obstacle courses
Preventing Incidents Through Engagement:
Keeping children engaged and moving minimizes opportunities for unsafe behaviors, conflicts, or injuries.
Immediate Response:
Address unsafe play immediately and redirect positively.
Report any injuries or concerns following proper protocol.
How can we be productive during nap time?
Use nap time as an opportunity to maintain a clean and organized classroom.
Daily Cleaning Tasks:
Wipe down tables, chairs, and high-touch surfaces
Clean and sanitize toys and manipulatives that were used during the day
Clean bathrooms and sinks
Sweep or vacuum as needed
Weekly Cleaning Tasks:
Clean and organize shelves and storage areas
Rotate and sanitize classroom materials and learning centers
Other Productive Tasks:
Prepare materials for upcoming activities or art projects
Update LuvNotes, documentation, and lesson prep
Organize supplies
Staying productive during nap time helps create a safe, clean, and well-prepared environment for both children and staff.
What is the enrollment expectation for our school?
What percent should we be at?
100%
At minimum we need to be at 90% enrollment.
We are currently at 61.75%
You, the teachers are we sell our school.
What are best practices for implementing curriculum in the classroom?
Know Your Curriculum Thoroughly
Plan with Purpose
Embed Learning Into Daily Routines
Integrate curriculum concepts into all parts of the day—circle time, transitions, outdoor play, meals, and even diapering—to create consistent, meaningful learning experiences.
Balance Structure and Flexibility
Follow the daily schedule to provide consistency, but be responsive to children’s interests and needs. Modify activities as needed while still meeting curriculum goals.
Engage Through Hands-On Activities
Prioritize active, play-based learning where children explore, create, and problem-solve. Use open-ended materials and real-world experiences to reinforce concepts.
Incorporate Individual and Group Work
Offer a balance of individual, small group, and whole group activities to support social development and independent learning.
Connect with Families
Communicate curriculum goals and activities through tools like LuvNotes so families can extend learning at home.
Use Ongoing Assessment
Observe, document, and reflect on children’s progress to inform future lesson planning. Adjust instruction based on what is or isn’t working.
Collaborate with Your Team
Work closely with co-teachers or assistants to ensure consistent implementation. Share observations, insights, and suggestions for improving curriculum delivery.
When can a personal device be used in the classroom?
Personal Device Usage in the Classroom
Personal devices (e.g., cell phones, Bluetooth speakers) are not permitted for personal use at any time while in the classroom.
This is a directive from the home office and must be strictly followed.
Cell phones may only be used for LuvNotes purposes, such as:
Taking curriculum-related photos for documentation
Uploading updates directly to LuvNotes
Bluetooth speakers are permitted with the following guidelines:
Volume must be kept at a reasonable level
Should not be used to mask or compete with classroom noise
Music should support classroom routines (e.g., transitions, calm-down times)
At no time should personal devices be used for texting, calling, social media, or entertainment during classroom hours.
What does it mean to be a mandated reporter?
A mandated reporter is an individual who is legally required to report any suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable person.
In a childcare setting, all staff members are considered mandated reporters, including teachers, aides, and administrators.
You are required to report if you:
Witness signs of abuse or neglect
Suspect that a child may be in danger
Receive a disclosure from a child or another individual
You do not need proof—just reasonable suspicion is enough to make a report.
Reports must be made immediately to the appropriate child protection agency or hotline, and leadership should be notified right away.
Failure to report can result in legal consequences and jeopardize the safety and well-being of the child.
What is preclosing?
Cleaning and sanitizing tables, chairs, toys, and frequently touched surfaces
Wiping down sinks, counters, and bathroom areas
Organizing shelves, centers, and classroom materials
Restocking supplies (e.g., diapers, wipes, tissues, gloves)
Taking out trash and soiled laundry
Sweeping or vacuuming floors
Most of these things can be done as children are being picked up if you have a few engaging centers out.
What is our dress code?
Dress code is Business Casual.
This means no ripped jeans, no graphic t-shirts, and clothing should be neat and appropriate for a professional childcare setting.
Enforcement:
Moving forward, if you are not in compliance with the dress code, you will be sent home to change before returning to work.
LSP Shirts:
If you are wearing a Little Sunshine’s Playhouse (LSP) shirt, you are not required to wear an apron.
Please ensure your attire reflects the professionalism and care expected in our environment.
What are expectations of portfolios?
Monthly Updates:
Portfolios should be reviewed and updated on a monthly basis to reflect each child’s growth and development.
Transition Readiness:
Portfolios must be fully up to date when a child is preparing to transition to the next classroom.
Art Requirements by Age Group:
Each portfolio must include a minimum of two pieces of art from each age group the child has been in:
One product-based art piece (focused on outcome)
One process-based art piece (focused on exploration and creativity)
Name everything that should be on an incident report.
Incident Report Requirements
Facility Name: Higley
Date of Incident: (e.g., 08/05/2025)
Time of Incident: (e.g., 10:30 AM)
Child’s First and Last Name:
Ensure spelling is accurate and complete
Person in Charge of Facility:
Morgan DeFabrizio
Staff Member Responsible at Time of Incident:
Include first and last name
Other Staff Who Observed the Incident:
Include first and last name(s) of any additional witnesses
Detailed Description of the Incident:
Provide a factual, objective account of what occurred
Description of Action Taken:
Clearly outline any first aid, comfort measures, or follow-up steps provided
Staff Signature:
Signature of the staff member completing the report
Immediate Notification to Leadership:
Report any injury to leadership immediately, regardless of severity
What are meal supervision requirements?
Family-Style Dining is Required:
This is not only a Little Sunshine’s Playhouse policy but also a state licensing requirement.
Teachers should model healthy habits by sitting and eating with the children.
Active Supervision During Meals:
Once children begin eating, at least one teacher must be seated at the table with them for the entire duration of the meal.
Children should never be left unsupervised while eating.
Engagement and Safety:
Use mealtime as an opportunity for positive social interaction, conversation, and reinforcing self-help skills.
Monitor closely for choking hazards, appropriate eating behaviors, and safe food handling.
Remain Seated Until All Children Are Finished:
Teachers must remain with the group until every child has completed their meal and is ready to transition.
Encourage Independence:
Support children in serving themselves, using utensils, and cleaning up their space in alignment with family-style dining expectations.
When are you expected to be here?
You are expected to report to work on time and on the days you are scheduled.
This includes being present, clocked in, and ready to work at your scheduled start time.
Attendance has become a significant concern.
Last month alone, there were a total of 40 call-outs—this is completely unacceptable and places a major strain on your classrooms, co-teachers, and the overall operation of the school.
We cannot stress enough how important consistent attendance is:
For the children, who rely on consistency and connection
For the families, who expect dependable care
And for your team, who depend on each other for support and coverage
We need to see immediate and sustained improvement in this area. Continued attendance issues may result in formal disciplinary action, as outlined in our policy.
What does quality care mean?
Quality care is the consistent provision of a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where every child feels valued and respected.
It involves attentive, responsive interactions that promote children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Quality care includes:
Age-appropriate activities that foster growth and curiosity
Maintaining cleanliness, safety, and organization throughout the classroom
Encouraging positive guidance, respect, and inclusion among children and staff
Building strong, trusting relationships with children and their families
Providing consistent routines and clear expectations to help children feel secure
Ultimately, quality care ensures that each child has the opportunity to thrive, learn, and develop holistically in a caring and professional environment.