Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Use Philosophical Ideas to Help Child Care
• Method 2 of 2: Study a specific philosophy of childcare
• Tips

Developing a childcare philosophy is important for those who interact with children. Whether you are a kindergarten worker, camp counselor, professional nanny, teacher, or parent, the way you look after your children will have a direct impact on how they relate to you and others. Most people make a list of what they think is important in childcare. This shapes their philosophy as well as their views on discipline, love, etc. Develop a childcare philosophy, consider what matters to you about it, and shape your approach. Explore philosophical ideas that have been used and tested by child development professionals over the years.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Use Philosophical Ideas to Help Child Care

1. 1 Respect all children and their individual feelings and experiences.
2. 2 Praise and reward good behavior to encourage positive choices.
3. 3 Discipline children without using physical force. Use timeouts, pick up favorite toys, or redirect violent behavior.
4. 4 Create a healthy and safe environment, stimulate children's curiosity to be creative. Toys, music and entertainment should be age appropriate.
5. 5 Provide healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. Keep kids away from junk food or candy.
6. 6 Show attention. Create an atmosphere of love, show respect and trust, show hospitality, give them kisses, hugs and warmth.
7. 7 Encourage learning through reading, research, questions and answers.

Method 2 of 2: Study a specific philosophy of childcare

1. 1 Review the philosophy of caring for Montessori children. Founded by Maria Montessori in 1907, this philosophy encourages children to learn on their own, with teachers and educators acting as guides.
   • Allow and help children learn and grow at their own pace and choose their own practice. The Montessori philosophy also encourages independence and personal responsibility by requiring children to clean up after themselves and take care of their own needs.
2. 2 Explore Waldorf's philosophy of childcare. The first Waldorf School was built in 1919, the philosophy is based on the study of Rudolf Steiner. This philosophy is based on an ongoing routine for children to feel gifted and safe.
   • Promote your child's physical, mental, emotional and intellectual development with a consistent regimen, adhere to a schedule, and provide a caring environment that children can expect and trust.
3. 3 Check out Reggio Emilia's philosophy of childcare, which is similar to that of Montessori. This model allows children to play a leadership role by learning in developmental projects and curricula that are aligned with the child's interests and capabilities.
   • Encourage the child's natural curiosity and guide children in projects and games that allow children to explore what interests them. This philosophy assumes that children learn from mistakes.
4. 4 Learn from other models to help you develop your own childcare philosophy. There are many models, communal philosophies, religious philosophies based on designs and rigorous academic systems used and viewed by people.
5. 5 Talk to child care experts in your network. Learning that works for other people can help you shape your own philosophy. You can read the philosophies cited by child care centers and daycare centers on their websites and displayed in their buildings.

Tips

• Stick to your childcare philosophy, develop it and use it tactfully. While consistency is important, you may need to adjust your philosophy based on specific children or circumstances. For example, a child with a disability or unexpected situation may require you to change your normal childcare practices.
• Include others in your childcare philosophy, especially if you are caring for one unusual child. For example, if you are hired as a nanny, your philosophy should be consistent with that child's parents.