People always want to begin by defining play, but playworker and play theorist Gordon Sturrock says, "Trying to define play is like trying to define love. You can't do it. It's too big for that." Instead, playworkers and theorists describe play this way: "Play is a set of behaviors that are freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically…

Intended for use by child care advocates, this booklet describes ways to gather local information about existing salaries, benefits, and working conditions among child care workers for the purpose of coordinating efforts to upgrade the field. The booklet begins by presenting the rationale behind conducting salary surveys, noting that surveys can…

Research on child care quality and experience in the field shows that the quality of working conditions are linked to a caregiver's ability to provide quality care. Noting that legal rights that generally apply to most child care teachers are not upheld in every workplace, this guide provides information on federal legal rights of child care…

Offers eight suggestions for child care center teachers recently promoted to supervisory positions. Considers the supervisor's need to make decisions, communicate, define expectations, stay connected with staff, create a culture that encourages new ideas, and set the tone for the work environment by example. (JPB)

Discusses stress among child-care professionals. Lists major items contributing to job stress, and includes a self-test to determine coping style. Identifies 4 primary coping strategies, and discusses the top 11 coping strategies used by child-care professionals. (ET)

The care and education of the youngest children in the United States has become a critical public policy issue affecting millions of families. This guide closely examines the issues and tradeoffs in key child care policy decisions that face state legislators. The guide provides a discussion of state efforts to build supply, improve quality, and…

In order to successfully implement an early childhood career development system, it is necessary to coordinate funds and training opportunities from many different sources. This action pack is designed to help individuals involved in such statewide efforts learn how to navigate the financing system that currently supports training for early care…

This booklet explains why and how child care workers should unionize. Chapter 1 outlines the individual and professional advantages of unionization and traces the history of unions and the American labor movement. Chapter 2 presents 12 steps in organizing a work site. It is proposed that child care workers: (1) explore and promote interest in…

Although child caregivers make a major contribution to children's development and to the health and well-being of their communities, they remain underpaid and undervalued. Written for entry-level and experienced child care teachers and providers, this book presents information on the child care occupation and includes tools to help teachers and…

Discusses what center directors can do to reduce staff turnover. Presents guidelines for the interview process including: (1) preparing before the interview to ensure the interview is focused and will produce meaningful responses; and (2) conducting the interview by developing a rapport, listening, and giving a realistic description of the job.…

This Child Development Associate training module explores the multifaceted aspects of family child care, including zoning, certification, insurance, hours of care, fees, advertising, programming, and parent/provider agreements. The module's purpose is to help individuals interested in a career in family child care understand the CDA requirements…

Based on the "Taking On Turnover" training series conducted by the Center for the Child Care Workforce, this action guide for center-based child care teachers and directors is designed to assist in managing and reducing the increasingly serious problem of job turnover in the child care profession. Following several introductory sections,…

This paper examines licensing from the provider's point of view. It is based on the premise that a healthy relationship between the licenser and licensee is based on knowledge and the free exchange of information. More specifically, four areas are examined: (1) licensing, as one of the many forms of regulation in our society; (2) legislation, as…

This guidebook is a reference for family child care homes and family child care group homes licensed by the State of Alaska. It outlines licensing standards and procedures and serves as a simplified abstract of Alaska child care regulations. The first part is an overview that introduces home child care and licensing. Topics covered include…

This guidebook is designed for use in teaching students enrolled in secondary pre-employment laboratory education (PELE) child care programs. The first of two major sections includes an overview for teachers in planning, conducting, and evaluating a child care program. Specific topics discussed in section 1 include (1) the school-operated center,…