I have been inspired by reading these responses, thank you for posing the questions! We were so concerned about offering care during COVID. Of course, health and safety was a top concern, but we were also concerned about social emotional health, program changes due to health and safety, and the overwhelming fear that things could change at any moment.
As soon as the children entered the doors, many of our fears vanished. As children often do, the brought joy and wonder back into our lives! Yes, there were big changes. Teachers wearing masks, families are not allowed in the building, classes can not combine, sensory experiences are limited. But everyday we were able to escape from the craziness that was happening outside of our building! We lived for the smiles, the laughter, the questioning and realized that COVID was not stopping these children from growing, learning and developing!
So, yes, things look very different in some ways, but the important things remain the same! We are on break until mid January. My hopes are that we come back rested, restored and ready to great 45 beautiful and joyous children in 2021.
Everyone keep doing what you are doing...don't give up!
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Elizabeth Huber
Director
ETSU Little Buccaneers Early Childhood Laboratory Program
Johnson City TN
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-14-2020 09:57 AM
From: Tonya Satchell
Subject: Child Care During COVID-19: What are you doing differently?
Hello NAEYC Colleagues,
Because of COVID-19, we know that many programs have had to make vast shifts in how they operate. We also know that some of our most impacted children are in low-income communities. Below is an example of how one program is handling the needs of children and families:
The Maritime Odyssey Preschool: Providing Early Childhood Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Do you have other examples? What are you doing differently? How are you adjusting to the needs of children and families in your communities?
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Tonya Satchell
Johns Hopkins University School of Education IDEALS Institute
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