What are /r/ECEProfessionals' favorite Products & Services?

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Scratch !

We also introduced coding by having kids explain how to make a sandwich. But you literally do only what they tell you. Then we explained that computers use code to know what to do, but you have to be specific and accurate with your steps.

How about bamboo?

You could also try tempered glass, with a silicone cover to help prevent breakage. Or just silicone, if it's not too flimsy.

I also agree with Corelle! They're pretty tough to break and pretty cheap.

I love that book! I would also suggest Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh and White Rabbit's Color Book by Alan Baker. I did a lesson when I taught preschool that used plastic transparent paddles. The students could walk around the room, looking at different objects through one or two paddles at a time, seeing how the colors mixed together. We did an extension activity with different colored tissue paper and clear contact paper that we used to make "stained glass" designs to bring home and hang in our windows. The tissue paper can overlap to create new colors.

These are the paddles: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Advantage-8833-Color-Paddles/dp/B00M1HBEPK

>once they're sitting down for lunch they dont wanna stay seated, they will get up to go play in the middle of eating

I got a timer from amazon that we use during our mealtime. While the light is green, it is time to eat/drink (or at least stay in their chair). Once it's flashing yellow, they can either continue to eat or pack up their food and move to the reading corner. Once it's red, it's time for everyone to pack up. This is for a class of 3/4s so it may have to be adapted somewhat to fit your kiddos, but it's been a huge improvement for us over last year without it!

They are pretty sweet! I’d recommend for older preschoolers as they’re kinda small when first coming out, but it’s fascinating.

There are a ton on Amazon though and fairly inexpensive, this one’s $10 after shipping . We kept ours in a 2 liter pop bottle.

Also, they will eat each other if you leave em stuck in a container together for long, so keep that in mind, too. But they’re fascinating, a good twist to the butterfly unit and they have benefits with pest control in your garden!

Yeah, I find that the first 6-12 months at a new school can cause me to be sick a lot.

Other than nutrition, sleep, and hand washing I absolutely swear by these two products:

Neilmed sinus rinse

Kick-ass immune activator

During cold and flu season, or if I'm with kids that are obviously sick, I have a routine when I get home:

Go straight to the laundry room, strip and put clothes directly into the washer. Then I jump in the shower and use the Neilmed rinse.

I do those things because I hate the feeling of sitting on my bed or couch or whatever with preschool germs all over me.

I really do find that the sinus rinse helps me from getting sick more often, and the immune activator stuff does help kill and shorten colds when I feel something coming on.

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I removed all of my information from my resume but condensed what mine basically is with small descriptions of what you should have. This got me an interview with the school board. I just noticed on that it was removed but obvious include your College of ECE.

Seeing you are OSSD, I graduated April from an ontario college.

If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_G-Gi4cuIloVDdUS2Y0ajVGVFk/edit?usp=sharing

I have a puppy pen fence from amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Foldable-Metal-Exercise-Fence/dp/B0758FX7MT/ref=asc\_df\_B0758FX7MT/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241944354408&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=200798188500448742&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt...

It can stretch out really long and form a great barrier. It's lightweight but you could also could carabiner them to the carts. Hard for a little one to get off but easy for an adult.

However, the non locking wheels are a HUGE danger. WTF are you going to do if you have to evacuate? I'm sure, it would only happen on a calm sunny day, right? So you have one person with live babies in these rolling death traps?

This one?

To report to licensing there’s usually a website. So google report a daycare in your area and it should come up right away. Make sure you call instead of emailing as your report as a teacher there will carry more weight.

Is it a regular door knob? Would these work?

I also agree with reporting it to licensing. That’s a huge hazard.

Do you know or are you able to ask what theme/s the class is working on? Being able to connect a story and activity to that always stands out.

Perhaps something autumn related, like “Autumn Leaves” by Ken Robbins. Then you can either cut out print outs of different leaves (and laminate if you can) or buy a pack of fabric leaves like https://www.amazon.com/JULLIZ-Artificial-Thanksgiving-Halloween-Decorations/dp/B0B8YNF9N7/ Then hide the leaves in a bin under some crinkle paper or ripped construction paper pieces. Each child can have a turn to peek and find a leaf or two, and sort them on to a graph on chart paper. Use tape to place them on graph. Then they can help you count which leaf color was found the most and least. Something like that. Easy to set up and easy to clean up. And you can’t argue that autumn during autumn time is relevant. (Or some other nature sorting game with other materials depending on where you live.)

I'd contact the manufacturer.

I wonder if you can replace the straps entirely? Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Safety-AT-Harness-Children-HighChair/dp/B077WFK5GJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5A02HPVRLQV5&keywords=highchair+three+point+strap+replacement&qid=1666057381&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjE0IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=highchair+three+point+strap+replacement%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1

**BUT** (I am not a nursery worker)- Will replacing the straps void the safety of the highchair or your liability as a childcare provider in terms of the safety of the highchair? Does that make sense? Like how you can't add non-approved items to car seats or they lessen the safeness of the system. I am not explaining this well, my brain is tired.

What about something like this? https://www.amazon.com/Playhouse-Reading-Enjoying-Assemble-52x35x51/dp/B09DFQ1HR5

I would just set really clear boundaries around it, that it's mean to be a reading corner and not a playhouse. Offering them a different space in the classroom to pretend to play house should help with that.

Parent is welcome to purchase and provide a long-sleeved bib like this, which will be sent home daily for them to wash: https://smile.amazon.com/HaimoBurg-Sleeved-Toddler-Waterproof-Months/dp/B082KTQMR5/ref=sr_1_12?crid=97NIDMVT9D66&keywords=baby+bib&qid=1663545558&sprefix=baby+bib%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-12

Children are messy. I understand with some families experiencing financial hardship, it's hard to see brand new clothes they purchased for their child get stained, but that's the nature of childhood. You or admin can email them and provide them with the above suggestion, but other than that, stick to the school's policy and reference it every time they complain.

Philadelphia Chickens.

A number of the songs on the CD have their own standalone board books.

A kinder teacher was reading one of the standalone books to her class and she didn't even know the words of the story were a song.

I have this one and it works really well. It has both nature sounds and a variety of white noise. It also gets really loud if needed, louder than any other sound machine I've used!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RV7YDG6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thin colored tape!!! That's what we use to mark EVERYTHING in the infant room. Every kid gets their own color. Their binkies have the tape on the front circle part. They have their food pouches and other food items marked with this tape. Same with their bottles. Their diaper cream is marked with tape and their cribs are also marked with the tape. The only things we dont mark with the tape is their diapers, their clothes & their sleep sacks. We write the first letter (sometimes the first 2 letters) of their name on their diapers - where it folds when unused.

We have a chart by the changing table and one of the fridge that tells you who has what color. We try to use a color that starts with the first letter of the child's name when we can so. It's a really great solution. I found a link to a simular product so you guys can understand what kind of tape I'm talking about lol Colored Tape

I usually buy something like this.

Montessori. Contemporary research backs up her ideas and methods, as shown in the book Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius

bonVIVO II Portable Floor Chair with Back Support - Adults & Kids Floor Seat for Meditation and Gaming - Blue & Beige https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WVD51WW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_A2A0XKVM3RB7HWPFG2Q4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

We have these in our toddler rooms for the teachers. Unfortunately, they do break after a while and are quite expensive. They are comfy, though, and would probably last longer if the teachers knew how pricey they were.

I would build a positive relationship as others have said and then I would try the setting limits method.

1. Tell the child in clear direct and calm language the rule and the consequence.
2. Follow through.

That's it. It's very effective. There's a book too that goes more into depth : Setting Limits with Your Strong-Willed Child, Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition: Eliminating Conflict by Establishing CLEAR, Firm, and Respectful Boundaries https://www.amazon.com/dp/0770436595/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_9T4Q7TQBXK3W0JSMX72D

I’ve looked into silicone rings, but my husband doesn’t like wearing rings so we wear our rings on necklaces! It’s easy to tuck into your shirt/top as well. We just use black string necklaces, but there are also some really pretty ring holding necklaces

I bought this visual timer last year when I had that struggle. It helped a lot!

KADAMS Time Tracker Visual Timer with Audio Alarm Pause Function, 24hr Countdown Clock, Volume Control, Stoplight Traffic Light, No Loud Ticking, Time Management Tool for Classroom Teacher Kids Adults https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P33499R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_EVAYY359J3VYB3SQ5PY3

I have to mention Laurie Berkner too. Big hits are We Are the Dinosaurs, The Goldfish song, The Airplane Song for directed-gross-motor songs. They have actions built in.

I also use a lot of old folk songs with children - Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Ella Jenkins.

I've also recently learned that a lot of the music I do coincidentally overlaps with those of Music Together. I love these, especially see how I'm jumping.

I am a professional EC music teacher (in addition to having my own general class), so if you have any questions, feel free to message me!

There’s a great CD called kids in motion by Greg and Steve it has so many dancing songs, it was my classroom’s favorite activity. There is also a Spanish version included. I bet your local library has a copy. I’m on mobile, I’m not sure how to link it

Greg & Steve Productions YM-008CD Greg & Steve: Kids in Motion CD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BO4AXL6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_24AMMWY51MJXF7KHQ38R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

My favorite rain pants are these Helly Hansen ones, which I get a size larger so I can wear them over my regular pants. I do notice that the waterproof layer wears off after about 2 years, so I keep waterproofing spray on hand to just refresh when I notice that.

I also have some Columbia jackets of varying insulation: one snow jacket, one rain jacket, and one rain shell. I also use the waterproof spray to refresh these every other year.

For feet, I really like my Muck boots. They are super comfortable and keep my feet warm down to about 40 degrees F. If I wear my Smartwool socks, I'm comfortable down to about 25-30 degrees F. But if you're not outside all day, I'd say any kind of rain boot, or waterproof hiking boot will do. I've found some good gear in the REI basement and tent sales in the past.

I hope this is helpful!

Maybe look up planter plantar fasciitis and see it that matches your feet hurting. This happened to me when I started in the preschool room. If this sounds familiar, look into new supportive shoes or Insoles. I went with Insoles by Dr Scholl’s and they have been excellent.

I bought these pants from Amazon. They look like dress pants but feel like yoga/pajama pants. I would buy 5 pairs in black if I didn't think someone would notice that I wear the same pants every day.

Safort 28" 30" 32" 34" Inseam... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0796NKQ9H?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You could also search for palazzo pants. They are generally comfy and look a little more formal than sweatpants. Or look for jeans with a lot of stretch.

This site says about $32k - $36k, depending on the specifics of the title (I tried "head start case manager" and "head start family specialist case manager" because that one came up first on Google, not sure of the difference).

Check out the site, if you put your city in as well as the state (I just did Indiana) you'll probably get more detailed results. Good luck!

Designs for Living and Learning

Licensing branch has many great resources, but they're not all publicly available. Make sure you read zoning and building guidelines carefully too.

We are interested in seeing the answers to this question. Our podcast just covered the Khan Academy Kids and wondered if educators are using this product. If you want to hear the interview, you can listen to it here: https://anchor.fm/innovation-for-all/episodes/How-can-technology-help-close-early-education-gaps--feat--Cyrena-Chih-e3chm0

Sorry- I don’t know where they get them, I think they’re repurposed. But they’re kinda like this:

https://smile.amazon.com/ljdeals-Plastic-Squeeze-Bottles-Condiments/dp/B08PMH33MD/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=7PW62N6CTO4E&keywords=small+squeeze+bottles+2+oz&qid=1636863734&qsid=140-1119983-8869427&sprefix=small+squeeze+bo%2Caps%2C164&amp...

Theres a total of 37 cases in her state right now, and she said at least one of them is in her town.

Yes, the standard flu has claimed more than this virus, but it's still very early on, and many organizations are concerned with the similarities it has shown with the spanish flu.

Here is a great tracker for cases worldwide, developed by Johns Hopkins University.

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

You're welcome. Glad I could help.

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This is the tidy up song I often use: https://www.shazam.com/track/200931154/tidy-up-time I've played it so much that as soon as the song starts playing the children know what to do

I used to use instrumental Disney music until one of my kids would keep herself awake by singing along lmao. I ended up getting this sound machine. It can play white noise, music, or nature sounds. I kept it on rain sounds and my twos were always out right away.

The Darkest Dark by first Canadian astronaut Cheis Hadfield

My kids haven't gotten bored with our sensory basket despite it getting lots of use! Fidgets like poppers (pom poms fit really well in the holes for counting, patterning, or color matching!), those little plastic chain links, the stretchy snake-like rubber fidgets with different textures (can use those to make shapes and letters as well), stress balls, those liquid drop timers, rubiks cubes, some of those non-tug hair ties that are spiraled like old phone cords.

They also really like felt or magnet boards for playing and telling/retelling stories. I currently have a bunch of felt animals and a house-themed magnet board and this fairy tale magnet board which keeps a handful of children entertained for 10 minutes easily!

I highly recommend looking for a data backed curriculum but your school has to be willing to pay for it. We use Teaching Strategies GOLD. The other teaching method I recommend is “project based approach” it takes more work but it is a lot deeper level of learning versus doing themes or boxed curriculum. This textbook is what we used in my grad school class and it has a wealth of knowledge of you are interested in using Project Approach.

Basically everything here. I got a similar pack and it has some good stuff that I love. Definitely pull the rubix cubes though as they have a tendency to just explode (or at least mine did) when you mess with them.

Sand timers are also helpful. This pack is my favorite. They have yet to break and come in a lot of different time increments.

No leggings is such an asinine requirement for a dress code, especially if those leggings are being worn under something like a dress, skirt, or long tunic. Whoever made that rule has never spent a second in a classroom...

Now, for some more helpful advice, if no leggings, I'm going to guess they allow hosiery? Maybe hosiery that's made out of a thicker material similar to leggings?

And the more I think about this, how will they even be able to tell the difference between leggings and hosiery if you're wearing socks/bootlets that cover the bottom, and something long that covers your bottom?

Maybe some loose pants like this that mimics a skirt?

Or wide-leg pants like this?

This is my go to for developmental milestones for school agers. Maybe you can see if someone you know has it? or a library? or maybe your school could purchase one for all the teachers to share as it covers birth to age 12. https://www.amazon.ca/Developmental-Profiles-Pre-Birth-Through-Adolescence/dp/130508831X

Whatever you do know that ABA therapy is going to be seen as abuse. So try to stay away from that because as an autistic person myself I don't like it. Occupational therapy, speech language therapy and physical therapy are just fine.

Does she have the ability to use an iPad for communicating? There are many apps available as well as ways to customize it. Get a sturdy case like one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/6AD8F89B-7114-41EF-A403-69F7A852E0EE

There are also table tasks you can try with her. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WM314M?ref=exp_fatheringautism_dp_vv_mw

(It’s an affiliate link to a YouTube channel, so you might not want to support that)

You can work on just getting her to do the task, sort, count, learn colours etc.

She's screaming and running though because her environment is too much. She probably needs a quiet sensory safe space to escape to. A tent can be good - fill with pillows and blankets and stuff. But that takes up space. What do her parents say?

They are more expensive, but worth it long term: https://www.amazon.com/SoftScape-Hanging-Rest-Mat-Preschool/dp/B07RF5HXVY/ref=sr\_1\_2?dchild=1&keywords=hanging+rest+mat+preschool&qid=1621991486&sr=8-2

The smallest we have are exactly 2 inches.

For reference, this is the exact product that started the argument, as a couple of have these alphabet blocks in the classroom: https://www.amazon.com/Mirari-ABC-Flip-Flop-Blocks/dp/B018OH2DUA

Someone said, "Oh those are manipulatives not blocks."

And then everything descended into chaos 🙃

You Weren't with Me by Chandra Gosh Ippen is a great age appropriate book that addresses being separated from a loved adult.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1950168026/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_05GCE6MKBJZ2MKEGPPDJ

One thing to consider with toddlers is; they still like to put things in their mouths. So I would be cautious of sand and similar materials. (Also a nightmare to clean up!)

I would focus on some materials that have different textures or something they might not see/touch regularly.

Some things that come to mind are:

Felt cut into different sizes and shapes.

Construction paper and tissue paper; encourage them to tear it up!

Toys hidden in Poly-fil/ fake snow.

These jumbo lacing buttons.

Fake flowers with lots of different colors. There are some fake flowers/plants with interesting textures.

Party supplies; paper streamers, necklaces, wrapping paper, paper plates/cups, banners, etc

Make it easy on yourself. Leave messy sensory experiences to the tables (play-dough, moon sand, shaving cream). An important skill that children learn at sensory tables is to share and interact appropriately in close proximity of one another. Make sure you have plenty of supplies.

So it won’t make the room dark, but these fluorescent light filters help at least soften the harsh light. They are pricey, but I think there are some DIY options too.

For the record, LakeShore is crazy expensive but has a few bonuses: free shipping to schools, tax exempt if public school, and a lifetime guarantee for all their products. If you want to spend less, Discount School Supply has much of the same for hundreds less and Amazon is often even cheaper.

As for furnishing a room, I was in three totally different locations. My very first teaching job I was in a school that had all special ed self-contained rooms. The next year they decided they wanted to do an inclusion classroom as well and opened up a new room. I wanted to teach the inclusion class so I was responsible for ordering and furnishing it. This past year I worked at a brand new school that was being built and we worked as a staff to furnish the rooms and decide what we wanted. This year I'm in a new district and the teacher who was here before me was there for 27 years...and everything in the room was 27 years old. I called the district and said that things were in such bad shape (think: spider-infested dress-up clothes, headless dolls, splintered furniture, etc) that it literally wasn't safe for students. So...new everything for the 3rd time!

I have a few items of my own that I have collected over the years when I was an independent contractor for Early Intervention, but I made a choice several years ago to no longer spend my own money. If I need something I beg/borrow/fundraise. I just can't think of another job where it's expected to spend your own salary on necessary supplies.

The few things I've treated myself to that I don't expect them to buy are things that make my life easier but are not for the students: personal laminator, color printer for the room (can't tell you how often that has saved me), and a subscription to LessonPix. Oh...and I went all out and bought a really cute whiteboard eraser this year. Big spender!

I would recommend something like this, then: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LBSZQ3U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dlC_QnELFbB33RDEM . They're strong enough that they won't break easily, but they're really good for pulling. They're easy to clean, too

I just read Bringing Reggio Emilia Home, which discusses a teacher's effort incorporating RE into her US school after visiting in Italy. Highly recommend. https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Reggio-Emilia-Home-Innovative/dp/0807736600

I work with older infants and toddlers and my advice would be to mix textures and use pops of color!

• Add child safe mirrors to the walls at their eye levels (command strips and/or hot glue will help!)
• Laminate and attach family photos and photos of the children to the walls
• Add charming contact paper to the tops of your shelving, changing table, etc. I personally have this one in gray on my shelving in my class and I love it! I only have 3 shelves in my room so this pattern isn't overwhelming. A little contact paper will definitely help the room feel cozy and welcoming! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3B69F2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FIyvFbA62K64Z
• Treasure baskets! These are adorable to have on display and they engage the infants as well. https://journeyingintoinquiry.wordpress.com/2016/12/20/infant-treasure-baskets/
• Find real life images to put on the walls. Real images or posters of bugs, animals, nature, etc. over cartoony ones. Laminate and put it at their eye level.

Does your room have a theme or color scheme? My room had verryy light gray walls, gray and white contact paper, black chalboard lables (amazon for super cheap and they look amazing for labeling diaper bins, bag hooks, etc.) with pops of lighter rainbow colors for toys bins and decorations. It is very calming and easily allows me to change my room aroubd with different units.

Find a color scheme or theme you like and build your decorations off of that.

This got really long LOL but my classroom is my second home...I'm in there 9 hours a day and I want it to be comfortable lol. I can take some photos of mine tomorrow and post or PM you if you'd like!

What about getting those little variety smiley-face sticker packs? Put a matching pair of stickers on the end of each child's shoe (one kid gets 2 red, another purple, a third gets stars or whatever, etc.). Then when you pull out their shoes, even if they are similar they can work on matching the stickers.

Closest I can come is the half sheet type. I love them for morning messages. It's 1 inch rule vs the usual like 1.5 inch, so you naturally write a little smaller and fit a little more, but not like a full sentence. I'll keep looking, though!

Water and sand are the main staples. You can change out the accessories to keep their interest renewed for a long time. Some things we have done:

Water: Adding soap to make bubbles Measuring cups, funnels, pipettes, etc. Sea animals and seashells Materials to test for sinking and floating Sponges and dishes from dramatic play center

Sand: Same measuring cups and funnels as above Dinosaurs and/or dinosaur bones Glass gems like these Coins or other "treasure"

We also have used other materials like beans, rice, dried oats, etc. but they never seem to be as popular as water and sand.

OXO Good Grips LiquiSeal Travel Mug! I've had this for 4 years. Still going strong. The best thing ever. A little steep for a mug on a teacher's budget, and would very much be appreciated as a gift.

Todd Parr's The Feelings Book would be perfect for this! Little Monkey Calms Down would be another great one to include, and also comes in board book format.

I personally like Children by John Santrock from the psychological perspective, but also the Developmentally Appropriate Practice series by Copple (link for Pre-K) is what my university uses to discuss developmentin context of the classroom!

Rise Up Singing is such a classic resource. Plenty of the songs won't be pertinent to your situation, but there are so many that are that it's worth it! I also keep songbooks from Raffi and Red Grammer on hand.

Not sure if you teach infants/toddlers but this is one I've been using in a college course currently and it's one of the best behavior and psychology books I've seen for ECE. Lots of great explanations and picture sequences to model parent/teacher guidance. The Psychology of Babies https://www.amazon.com/dp/1849012938/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_AvGWwbY3C83W1

If you can, these http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FKWWDMQ?psc=1 are amazing. They self close. I just don't think any amount of attaching things to the covers are going to help, maybe an outlet check every hour or something but if all other things haven't worked I dunno.

What do you already have? We use just about everything on this page except for the fraction circles.

Counting bears are also one of my immediate go-to manipulatives.