Online Child Day Care Management Course

To prepare students to start and operate a child care business.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Know how to supervise and monitor the safety of children in their care
• Understand the preparation of meals and snacks, helping children keep good hygiene, changing diapers, and sanitizing toys and play equipment
• Know how to organize activities and implement a curriculum that allow children to learn about the world and explore interests; support children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts
• Understand the creation of schedules and routines that ensure that children have enough physical activity, rest, and playtime
• Recognize signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and bring the problems to the attention of parents
• Understand the keeping of records of children’s progress, routines, and interest, including daily observations and information about activities, meals served, and medications administered

The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.

The increasing demand for child care; benefits of quality child care; types of child care, including in-home care, family day care, and centre-based care; meeting licensing requirements — providing a safe and healthy environment; managing staff.

An overview broken down into birth-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-36 months, 3-5 years; details on social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.

The stages of growth and tips on developing a learning environment for school age children, ages 6-8, and ages 9-12.

Practical Exercise: Reflection and Observation

Assessing community needs; questionnaires; telephone surveys; attending meetings; what to ask; establishing a program philosophy; goals and policies; licensing requirements — federal, provincial, municipal; making a business plan; insurance; planning space (indoor and outdoor); providing equipment; required staff; developing forms; bookkeeping required; advertising.

General licensing procedures; agencies, areas of regulation — building and safety, zoning, fire, and sanitation; physical space indoors and out; nutrition; director's responsibilities; caregiver-child ratios; group size; transportation; staff qualifications; records, steps in the licensing process.

Government regulations — zoning and safety; analyzing space requirements for in-home and centre-based care.

Roles and qualifications of personnel; hiring personnel; physical exam and fingerprinting; work schedule and responsibilities; vacations, holidays, and sick leave; staff meetings; trial employment period; termination procedures; evaluations and grievance procedures; managing personnel — motivation, evaluation, and personnel development.

Introducing children to the world of computers; educational and fun activities that can be done using the computer.

Practical Exercise: Facilities and Staff

The purpose of program planning. Curriculum planning and content planning.

Preparing environments that promote program goals; grouping children; selecting and purchasing equipment.

The relationship between guidance and discipline; applying your knowledge of child behaviour and development; styles of adult-child interaction.

Inclusive education; principles of inclusion; building tolerance and acceptance; children with special needs; assessing and adapting the environment to create one that promotes respect.

Practical Exercise: Program, Environment, and Guidance

Working with school-age children; outdoor and indoor games; visual arts; music and movement; drama; science in after-school care; math.

Parents' legal rights; communication with parents including orientation; visits to facility, and oral and written communications; parent participation; parent education.

Estimating costs including general and specific cost factors; estimating income; balancing the budget; other financial responsibilities.

Textbook: Working with School-Age Children

Promoting good health; health appraisals; health assessment tools; conditions affecting children’s health; creating a safe environment; safety management; management of accidents and injuries.

Practical Exercise: Health, Safety, and Nutrition

Textbook: Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child