u/HopeAggressive6362

I’m setting up my classroom and was thinking to utilize the open closet nook for a writing art area.
(Edit: the closet has no doors, more of a small alcove)

If anyone knows Licensing requirements in child care center my question is:

Can I have it as is or do I need to remove all the items on the shelves above?
* I will be removing all heavy items and keeping mostly paper and some art supplies and not have anything stored that comes close to the edge.

Thank you!

Background: I just started working at a center and nap time is absolute mayhem.

No wind down transition from lunch or quiet time options for kids that can’t sleep just imo forcing kids to lay down and not gently.

I was in the 5s room today (not my class) for the first time so of course the kids are more interested in me and who I was but also just lots of talking with each other and getting up. When I mentioned their teachers name (that she will be back soon) everyone gasped and was like no like they will be in trouble. One girl kept asking if I was mad and angry and I was like no of course not I just would like for you to rest your body and stay quiet so your friends can sleep.

Then when the teacher came back she was like thank you to (she says my name) for letting me know who is all on “red”. They seem to use a green - good and red - bad system for behavior, but it’s not been shared with me yet so not sure how it works. Then all the kids gasped again and one boy who was really trying hard to sleep sat up and started crying and saying I’m trying to sleep but it’s too loud (afraid he’s in trouble) so I went to him and calmed him.

QUESTION:

Is this normal?
I don’t feel comfortable using threats for kids to rest, or behavior color systems in general (at least ones focused on the punitive side). I don’t see how that teaches them how to calm their own bodies and be mindful of others.

I ran a small home program so I had lots of flexibility so this is my first time in a center with more kids so I know it’s different and teachers are spread thin here. But over all it seems like a lot of “nos” and “be goods” and external behavior modification vs children learning self regulation, as well as, not setting/practicing expectations.

Any advice or shared experience will be great.

I also plan to implement a different nap strategy when I take over my class. Overall seems like the children need lots of practice learning expectations, how do we behave in certain situations and how to handle disputes. Also more confidence building!

Thank you <3