Creating Affirming Environments

        There was a time when I considered opening up a Family Child Care.  However, I wanted it to be very different than what was out there.  I know my limitations, so my Family Child Care was designed specifically for 2-and-3-year olds children.  My 2-year-olds had to be potty trained, so I’m counting on having older 2’s and 3’s.  With the implementation of VPK, I knew that the demand would not validate the inclusion of 4-year-olds.  Ideally, I would like to have 12 children, with another teacher.  Based on the area that I live in, I would expect the majority of the children would be White or African American.  However, I would gladly welcome children of all nationalities and religions.  My presumption is that the families would speak English only or English and Spanish.
      It would be extremely important for me that my home represent a school and a 2^nd home to these children.  I want them feel welcomed, valued, and special; I want them to feel safe.  While this atmosphere needs to be reflected throughout my home, it is of utmost importance that the initial area where they are starting their day reflects the children in my care and their families.  First and foremost, for the parents benefit, I would have a morning message board that would give each family a quick idea of something special that we will be doing today; this board would be next to our daily schedule.  In addition, there would be a white board near these boards where I could share important information daily with my parents.  Sometimes a simple “WOW!  We had a great day yesterday painting with plungers” would suffice, while other times I might remind parents “Tomorrow is Show and Share.”  Remind your child to bring something in that begins with the sound of the letter /t/ like truck.”  Prior to beginning circle time, or perhaps during circle, I would review the message board and daily schedule with my students.  In spite of this, there primary purpose is for their parents, rather than for the children (notice I said primary!).  In addition, I would like one small bulletin board for each student that goes together for one large bulletin board.  This board would be totally interactive for the families, who are encouraged to change the pictures or information monthly (if not more!). 

            In my preschool, we had a similar board, which was extremely well-received and used by each parent (even those families who were not involved with other activities; they interacted with this board!).  There was one board per child, and together, they formed a large rectangle.  We put a frame around the boards, so they were all connected like one extended family.  Parents put pictures of their families, cards, trinkets, candy wrappers (of their child’s favorite candy), and so much more.  It was wonderful; each board was as unique as their children.  As an added perk, the families could be heard talking about the boards and asking questions.  I know this would, also, work in a family setting.

      I would like to enlarge a picture of each child’s family; I would request that the family picture includes all family members, including pets.  Then, after we enlarged them, I would invite families to decorate frames with their children; they would bring in the frames, which obviously would go around their family picture.  In addition to these pictures, I would like to take pictures of people in the community.  Rather than utilizing pictures from google, I think it is worth taking pictures of our community’s mailman, garbage collectors, firefighters (there are some woman), librarians, etc.  In the past, I have had not any problem securing permission prior to taking and using such pictures, but of course, you never know.  I just think having the “real” people help a lot. 
           There would be a special large shadow box that would go on one of our walls,   Once a month (or every 2 weeks), another family could take home the shadow box, filling it will items that have meaning to their family.  The shadow box has to be specific enough to hold items of varying sizes.  I like this idea, because it assures that the items will remain safe; at the same time, I can easily remove them to share with the families.
            As far as toys and books throughout the Family Child Care, I would be very specific, choosing carefully.  First and foremost, the majority of the books in our home library would be books that we made together individually and as a group.  This will enable the books to represent the children who are part of my center.  In addition, I could easily put together a book that would meet a diversity need that we want to share with the children.  In addition, a continue the story book would constantly be circulating throughout our school; again, the topic of each book could encourage a positive anti-diversity curriculum.
            Next, similar to books, I like toys and dolls that we make ourselves.  However, Kaplan Learning has some amazing soft dolls that represent diversity.  This would be a priority to me when choosing games, dolls, and books.  In the same area of the toys, I would include several non-breakable mirrors, so the children can look at themselves and their friends, appreciating their differences. In this same vein, I would design classroom puzzles that reflect the children, their families, our community, or whatever area of diversity holds importance at this time.  I love making simple puzzles, and I don’t even use a puzzle maker… just a heavy piece of poster board, laminating paper, and of course, the picture.  I put each puzzle in a manila envelope, with the puzzle picture on the envelope… I number the backs of the pictures in such a way that if a piece is missing, I can easily figure out where it goes.  In addition, this simple procedure gives me the opportunity to design similar pictures for varying age groups; I just cut them differently. I can, also, make additional puzzles if I find that a group of children really like one puzzle. 
          Furthermore, it is imperative that all skin colors are contained within our box of crayons.  All too often, I believe that teachers pick bright red or yellow or blue paint, rarely putting out the black or brown paint (except if they are making zebras, of course).  It is important for children to understand that all colors are important and beautiful.  Black and brown would be offered on a regular basis.  Let’s not forget music and musical instruments, which I believe are extremely important.  I would offer a variety of music and together, with the children, we could make instruments representing various cultures.  In addition, I love the idea of giving each child an empty piece of cardboard shaped like a child, so they can dress it and add hair to represent who they are; it’s a great project for child and parent.