Making Connections: Intentional and Experiential Learning

AUSTIN, Texas, March 28, 2019 (Newswire.com) - When Monica Jackson befriended a nanny, she had no idea her career life was going to forever change. The nanny asked Monica to be her replacement and without looking back at her commercial loan lending career, Monica enrolled in the early childhood development program at Northern Virginia Community College. At the request of her professors, she went on to train other students in the program and continues to conduct workshops for providers and students, while also running her own home child care.

Nutrition is taught through learning activities by incorporating many of the MyPlate resources, beginning with the Two Bite Club. Throughout the day, Monica acts as a role model for healthy habits and offers a variety of foods. The healthy habits that she instills in young children will serve as a foundation for life-long healthy choices.

If you are looking for a child to be successful, it is a process. Sometimes we dismiss the significance of the day-to-day instruction, but then you start to see all of the children's accomplishments.

Monica Jackson, Child Care Provider

Monica creates learning that is both intentional and experiential by making connections. With every lesson and activity, the children discuss what their goal is and what the primary lesson is. As they learn about and grow red beans and then spend the day at the farmer’s market where they see the beans, a connection is made. Monica’s goal is to equip each individual child with learning experiences and skills to be able to flourish when they move on to school.

Parents are a critical part of the learning process. A daily electronic photo album is sent home along with verbal reports, texting, and newsletters. Monica knows that the parents have chosen her to take care of their children and she takes that responsibility seriously. Monica wants to find the “sweet spot” – that place where a connection is made with both the child and parent.

CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program, they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in the Member Showcase at CACFP’s website, www.cacfp.org.

Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). It provides education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. CACFP strives to improve communication between families, caregivers, sponsors and their supervising government agencies.

Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association