Ms. Amy's Blog @Child Central Station

I'm creating a new training for folks in Michigan, as we are going through a Quality Improvement Program. One of the "point" areas in the assessment includes using one state approved curriculum.  The list of approved curriculum is currently as follows: Bank Street Creative Curriculum (PreSchool) Creative Curriculum (Infant and Toddler) Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care High Scope (PreSchool) High Scope (Infant and Toddler) Jackson Early Head Start Curriculum Guide Parents as Teachers Project Approach Thematic Approach from MSU (Mississippi State University) Montessori Partners for a Healthy Baby Reggio Emilia Tools of the Mind I would love to share insight from folks who are actively using one of these curriculum in your center/program/home. OF course I will give you credit and send folks to find out more from your websites/blogs (if you have one). I intend to make this training session available online for those looking to make a change in order to meet a hig...

Yes, the rumors are true. For those of you in the local area, you may have already heard. There are big changes coming on the horizon around here. I have a new job. I actually started already (part time for the summer, will be full time in the fall).  My new position is a Quality Improvement Consultant for the Early Childhood Investment Corporation and the Upper Peninsula Great Start Quality Resource Center.  Life as we know it is going to be very different,  but I am excited about the upcoming challenges and adventures. Don't worry... I'll still be blogging, my focus may shift a bit...  and if you don't see me online for awhile don't worry .... I'll be back, after I finish juggling all of the real life adventures! Oh, and I'm still providing training sessions. With this new position, I will have some more flexibility and may even be taking some of my training sessions on the road!

Let's face it.... You don't need the book to know that EVERYONE POOPS.... everyone farts, everyone burps....  and for young children, especially boys ... "poop" is one of the funniest, most giggle producing word you can share with your friends. So, how do you handle potty talk? I've heard a lot of different perspectives. Some places require that potty talk remain in the room with the potty... other places try to discourage it completely. Around here, we have another philosophy... WE EMBRACE it! Seriously folks... EVERYONE POOPS. It is a bodily function and when it is such a HUGE interest of the children why not embrace it and use it as a learning opportunity? Right now, we are raising monarch caterpillars.  Did you know that their poop is called FRASS???  Caterpillars poop A LOT, and they tend to poop on your hand when you hold them.  Their poop is fairly dry and it will roll right off your hand if you tilt it.   The children love to obse...

We interrupt this blog already in progress for an extended get away into REAL life.  There are many changes on the horizon, but I'm not moving, the blog is not disappearing, and eventually.... When time permits, I'll be back.... With all kinds of news and updates to share! Until then, enjoy the archives,  take a look at some of the other amazing blogs out there, OR GET OUTSIDE! I'll be back when I can.