Comments on: EI Practitioners + Childcare Workers = Dream Team!

By: Ella Starr

Ella Starr — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 18:09:05 +0000

How helpful that you talk about how circle time is difficult for developmentally delayed children and a practitioner can help. I just started working and want to find a child day care center to help. I will find a reputable child day care center in my area.

By: Jennifer MacRae

Jennifer MacRae — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 18:20:56 +0000

I really appreciate the statement in this post, “It is quite possible that the staff at the childcare center see the children for the majority of their waking hours.” As a mom who works full time, I have come to realize that while I am the expert on my child, the ladies who care for my baby and toddler during the day, know so much important information about them as well. I would be a fool not to tap into their knowledge and ask questions…just as I imagine it would be very foolish for EI practitioners not to take advantage of the expertise of the childcare staff.

By: Dana Childress, M.Ed.

Dana Childress, M.Ed. — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:18:05 +0000

In reply to Megan Vela.

Thanks Megan! That’s been my experience too – that most of the time, the child care provider and the interventionist make a great team. There is often a period of rapport building during which the provider hopefully learns that we aren’t there to judge or change her routines but instead are there to support her (or him). Working alongside each other, as you said, is so important!

By: Dana Childress, M.Ed.

Dana Childress, M.Ed. — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:15:21 +0000

In reply to M.

Thanks for your comment! Yes, I think showing an attitude of respect and partnership goes such a long way! Just like we are a guest in the family’s home environment, we are also a guest in the teacher’s classroom or child care provider’s home. Being open to the teacher’s ideas and including all children really benefits everyone – not just the child we are there to support!

By: Megan Vela

Megan Vela — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 21:35:48 +0000

I thought a great point to highlight on this article was “Ask the staff when they feel they need the most assistance.” More often then not, childcare workers will be receptive to implementing ideas and strategies that will help make their day go more smoothly. If the childcare worker provides you with specific times in the day that are a struggle for him or her, consider scheduling visits during these periods to provide ideas and strategies in the moment. Make sure that you are collaborating alongside and providing suggestions in a manner that is encouraging and empowering!

By: M

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 21:30:00 +0000

I enjoyed this article and how you brought up that at times providers at the childcare facility can be wary at first. It may not feel as comfortable to be in that environment. I am not in the EI field yet, but when I am and have this situation, I will make sure I am not taking away when I come in but aiding and including other children. Hopefully being open to the childcare provider’s ideas and thoughts will help form a strong relationship and open the door to a positive experience in the childcare facility.