Art Space Tour with Angel from @agratefulmomma

Want to read about a REAL home that integrates toddler art throughout shared spaces in both pop up and permanent ways? One where art is used as therapy to support a child? Then you’ve come to the right interview. Angel just confirmed what I already knew, she is a very thoughtful, loving and supportive mother!

Tell me about yourself and your family

My name’s Angel and I live in the Philippines with my husband Mark and where we homeschool our son, Buddy.

How have you set up an art space in your home?

We live in a tiny condo home, which we love, but with a small space we have to make creative solutions. We do pocket art spaces, as I call them.

Like this board that my husband used before for his work is now Buddy’s. He scribbles here when he wants to work alongside his dad during the day.

We have a portable art caddy so we can bring it if we want to work at the dining table, in a room, or even outside.

For some messy art with paint, I leave it in the bathroom so it’s easy to clean both Buddy and the bathroom walls. Haha

Does Buddy have a favourite art experience or material?

Buddy was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, so he avoids a lot of materials which makes a mess in his hands. He won’t touch paint with his hands before, so he would do this no mess paint activity where I put paint on paper inside a ziplock.

But he’s slowly warming up to them and art is a big part of our therapy. Right now he uses the Stabilo Woody that you recommended everyday.

What would be your advice for parents who are just beginning to set up an art space?

Just do it! Start with whatever you have in your home and test it with your child. We started with 3 colors of paint, repurposed glass bottles as containers, a book stand as an easel, and a few brushes. We’ve changed and tweaked our our spaces a lot of times to find what works best.

Why do you think art is important for young children?

It was so daunting for me to introduce anything art related to my son because I believed I was not “artsy”. I realized that we’re exploring together and that is what’s important with learning art. I think that if I was introduced to or allowed to explore art as a child, I will never think that art is only for artistic people.

It’s also a great tool for children to be engaging all their senses. Like what I said, we use different mediums to help Buddy with his sensory issues.

Finally, who is your favourite artist or favourite artwork?

I don’t have one but I want to take this opportunity to share this painting by a Filipino artist Fernando Amorsolo.

“Amorsolo is best known for his illuminated landscapes, which often portrayed traditional Filipino customs, culture, fiestas, and occupations. His pastoral works presented “an imagined sense of nationhood in counterpoint to American colonial rule” and were important to the formation of Filipino national identity. Idealized agricultural Philippine scenes are the heart of Amorsolo’s work. They present a lifestyle that was disappearing quickly.

Many of the rice fields in the paintings are now the sites of new communities; nipa huts, are replaced by new homes. But Amorsolo continued to paint the traditional rural life in the Philippines.

Many consider Amorsolo’s portrayals of the countryside as “the true reflections of the Filipino Soul.”

You can find Angel on Instagram @agratefulmomma and at her website http://www.booksandbuddy.com/

Art Space Tour with Nettie from @no_method_montessori

I met Nettie virtually a couple of years ago. Her son, Rio, and Alfred are close in age and I’m sure we’d be great friends in person too if we weren’t 14, 500 kilometres apart! What I love about Nettie is that she is REAL. She shares from the heart and advocates for others. Let’s get straight into the interview and photos of her beautiful space. She really shows how less is more! It’s such a clean space, free from clutter and distractions.

Tell me about yourself…

My name is Nettie, I am an educator and parent living in the U.S. (Florida). I’ve spent most of my adult years working in early childhood. I think the work being done in early childhood can be some of the most powerful especially in terms of working towards social justice. I strive to raise my son using an anti-bias/anti-racist lens and have worked hard over the years to do the same in my classrooms. I’ve taught in Montessori schools and traditional public. This year I’m home with Rio and have a very small space at home where I guide a tiny group of toddlers using a Montessori approach. I love spending time with family, quiet days, and getting outdoors.

How old is Rio?

He just turned 2 years old in May. 28 months.

How have you set up the art space in your home?

We’ve always had art at a low table and 1-2 invitations in a basket on the table or shelf. Recently, Rio’s dad built an easel for the toddler space so it’s currently evolving. We’ll use the easel for paint and I will still offer another 1-2 choices on the shelf for art at the table now that we have more toddlers using the space. I only leave out what’s needed and put away the rest. So, for example, I might have a tray with a sheet of paper and a small basket of various stickers. If it’s just us at home on the weekend and I’m not very directly supervising then I leave out only what I’m willing to clean up afterward.

What are Rio’s favourite art experiences?

He really loves manipulating play dough and sand. He will roll play dough with his hands over and over and is fascinated by the shapes created when he’s done. I also notice that he loves using markers. I think because they glide so easily and produce such a nice wet color – I find them satisfying to use too!

What is important to you when thinking about how Rio will engage with art?

I like to try and offer materials that I would find engaging and satisfying to use. I like to offer a variety of experiences to see what he really connects with. Art is a permanent and accessible option at home at all times because I think we all need to express and create and in a way, art becomes a social emotional work. I intentionally hang artwork created by real artists in the space. I think that’s important. I also realize he’s 2 and art can become a mess when I’m viewing it as the adult who has to clean up. So I accept and embrace mess by being prepared – always having old towels and rugs on hand, and an old t shirt as an apron if necessary. Or we do art outside.

Less is more: two watercolour tablets, a brush and cloth

What do you remember about art from your own childhood?

I have really great memories of doing art as a child. I loved painting and drawing. I still do! I come from a family of many talented artists. But as art became a more crowded out subject in school, I didn’t do much of it. I love that I am rekindling that interest now as Rio is experiencing art.

Finally, who is your favourite artist or favourite artwork?

I don’t know if I have one favorite! I love the work of artists like Alma Thomas and Vincent Van Gogh. In my home we have several pieces of art by Ricardo Levins Morales. I love the way art can tell a story, evoke emotion, and become a powerful tool. That’s one thing I love about the work of RLM who creates beautiful, socially conscious art.

I loved interviewing Nettie! I learnt so much and discovered Ricardo Levins Morales. To follow her on Instagram, click on this link @ no_method_montessori

Art Space Tour with Sarah from @the_prepared_environment

The first thoughts I had when I came across Sarah’s account The Prepared Environment a couple of years back was how genuine and kind she was. What she shares is sincere, about building community and advocating for others. I was so thrilled when she agreed to be my first interviewee for the Art Space Tour series. This series is inspired by her home tour series that I was part of last year.

Sarah also runs an amazing Art for Toddlers course through her account Primo Art Club. Let’s now get to the fun part! There’s some exciting things in this interview and I can’t wait for you to read all about Sarah and the art space she’s made for Layla.

Tell me about yourself…

I am a Montessori teacher and mom from Vancouver, Canada. I was a classroom teacher for 13 years. Last year I became a non-enrolling teacher; I teach art and Resource. This year I will be adding one day in the school library. I love working with families to create child-friendly and organized homes. I also have a passion for everything art related!

How old is Layla?

She just turned 4 years old.

Layla’s current art space at 4 years old

How have you prepared an art space in your home?

Over the last 3 years we have changed her art spaces a few times. Until recently, I kept limited art supplies out all the time. Most of the supplies were brought out when I was able to supervise. As she has gotten older, I have been able to leave out all of her supplies. I have used an IKEA trofast tower so she is able to access her art supplies independently. She has access to paper, glue, scissors, markers, crayons, stickers and paint.

What are Layla’s go-to art activities?

She loves painting and collage! Painting usually involves her fingers at some point!

What made you interested in teaching art in the Montessori classroom setting?

I love the way art can be a creative outlet for children. I also wanted to help children who feel like they aren’t good at art see that there are many ways “to do art”. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a child who is reluctant to do art at the beginning of the school year change into someone who looks forward to doing art by the end of the year.

What do you remember about art from your own childhood?

I remember having a classroom teacher who was an artist and she had so much passion. She made us excited to learn new techniques and try new things.

Finally, who is your favourite artist?

That is a hard question! There are so many amazing artists. I would have to choose Vincent Van Gogh. When I was in college, I studied Art History and I was lucky enough to study art in Europe for a semester. We visited Arles, France and I saw the Yellow House in person! Whenever I see his work, it reminds me of that amazing trip. I also have to say I am a huge fan of Susan Point, a local Indigenous (Musqueum Coast Salish) artist. Her work can be seen all around Vancouver, including the airport and on the 2010 Olympic hockey uniforms.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Doing art at home doesn’t need to be stressful or overly messy. Start with activities you feel comfortable with and give your child limited choices to help them practice their decision making skills. I always recommend using a waterproof placemat to define the work space and having a damp cloth nearby to wipe hands.

You can follow Sarah @the_prepared_environment and @primo_art_club

Scissor Work at 22 Months +

Alfred’s journey to use scissors began as soon as he was born, as his hand coordination, control and muscles developed. Opening and closing his fist, grasping, holding and using tongs, etc. He has always loved scissors but it was probably at about 22 months that he REALLY wanted to use mine…he didn’t want to wait any longer.

Below you will find info on:

• Readiness

• The scissors he uses

• Supporting proper/effective grip

• Building independence and success

• Working through frustrations

Readiness

I was cutting some washi tape one day. I knew from the longing in Alfred’s eyes that he was ready, and he had the coordination and determination to match. It was on this day I decided I needed to find a pair of scissors Alfred could use with one hand. Because he had to use two hands to open and close the scissors, I held the tape for him. I wanted him to be able to cut independently without me. He made a card for his Granny’s birthday by cutting and sticking on washi tape.

Easy grip scissors

I happened upon these scissors by chance at a small locally owned Office Supplies shop. They are called “Easi Grip Scissors”. Due to the continuous loop at the base, they spring back open when the hand grasp is released. Eventually, we will move onto regular scissors but these bring Alfred so much independence and satisfaction.

Supporting proper grip

I’m not an OT but I do know that proper grip means effective cutting and I’m guessing it aides in proper muscle coordination and control too. I encourage Alfred to hold his scissors so his thumb is on top and/or closest to him…often he start with his fingers on top and then naturally turns his wrist as he realises that position feels awkward and isn’t effective. The scissors lend themselves to being held in the correct manner so I didn’t have to model that much!

Fingers on top – less effective and less control

Thumb on top, more effective and greater control

Building independence and success

Cut up packaging into thin strips – I’ve used cereal, muesli bar and tissue boxes

Tips:

• Start by taping strips of heavy weight paper (not too thin, not too thick) onto a flat surface so that they don’t have to work so hard holding the strip steady. Make them thin enough so your child can cut through in one motion.

• Move on to use strips of thin card. I used recycled boxes from cereal, muesli bars, coffee sachets, tissue boxes etc. Once again, cut thin enough so your child can cut through in one motion.

• Place all this on a tray or in a box, adding a low container for the offcuts. I also like to have a small bin nearby.

Working through frustrations

Some days, Alfred will ask me to hold his strips. I encourage him to hold his own but this might be a day I would pull out the tape again and tape down some strips. Children will move back and forward within any development and/or may simply feel like extra support will aide in their success. Remember, this isn’t a test or a race…they are there to enjoy the moment and feel satisfied and purpose fulfilled.

Thanks for reading!

Caroline

Montessori at 16 Months

A little of what we have gotten up to at 16 months. Movement, music and dancing, books, practical life and going outside are Alfred’s favourite things.

Indoor spaces

Some areas that do so much but are quite simple.

Dressing

Having a space with only a few items of clothing, with clear labelling has really encouraged and engaged Alfred in dressing…A task he used to get so impatient with. I still support but Alfred pushes his arms through, pulls his legs up and puts them in his pant legs, collects his socks and puts dirty clothes away.

Bathroom

Alfred uses a Kmart step stool in the bathroom for teeth brushing, hand washing and looking at himself in the miror.

Books and reading

All about language and vocabulary saw an even greater interest in books at 16 months. He points at many things on the page requesting the name and often repeated the word in his own way. Since he loves reading on the couch we put a basket of books on it.

Shelf work

I took the shelf photo without straightening everything but it’s a good “real life” look of his shelf. It gets used less since he is always on the move but is still used. He was really into balls, especially big ones for maximum effort at 16 months…hence the basketball and heavy fabric ball. He also loved pouches/mystery bags, transferring, posting, playdough and cars.

Busy moving

Enjoying climbing up and down on the Piller triangle.

Climbing in a box and laughing at himself in the mirror.

Alternating between riding on and pushing/pulling his trike.

Alfred is constantly on the move. It is delightful to watch him busy concentrating on riding around his trike or getting in and out of a box. He is still strongly in the Sensitive Period for Movement.

The Great Outdoors

Snow! A very fun experience for the senses.

Wide, open spaces. So important for this age.

Watching objects in the water at our local park.

Outside is a favourite place for all of us.

Two or more times a day Alfred will request to go outside. We are always on the go. This evening on a walk to the park we met one of our many park friends (people we met at the park and only see if we bump into them there), Alfred patted Lily and played in the dirt while my husband and I chatted to Lily’s owner. In the morning while playing on the playground with two neighbours and their children, he patted Claus while I chatted to his neighbour. There are so many benefits to getting outside locally!

Small objects

The Sensitive Period for Small Objects occurs most at different times between the ages of 1-3.5 years. I have always given Alfred time with small things, while under a watchful eye to check he doesn’t put them in his mouth. I don’t leave really small things on his shelf but at 17 months he is less likely to mouth something.

Practical Life

Food prep and eating
Dressing and bathing
Teeth brushing
Putting rubbish in the bin
Cleaning up spills and wiping off dirt
Washing hands and faces
Feeding pets
Handing up washing
Putting dirty washing in the basket
Putting in and taking out washing from the machine
Checking mail
Watering

The list really is endless. These are optional and Alfred only joins in when he wants to, I always invite or he initiates.

Parks and playgrounds

Alfred really loves going to the playground. He enjoys interaction with children, who act as models. Today on the swing he copied a 6 year old friend by putting his legs in the air and his head back just as she was doing (since she was swinging by herself). The challenges a playground provides for height, strength and coordination would be hard for me to recreate at home. Plus, so many great risks!

Happy reading,

Caroline

Screen free ideas for a 1 year old

Alfred is mostly screen free. He does sometimes watch videos of himself and if I’m really sick he will watch TV for 5-10 minutes. He isn’t interested in watching it for any longer and I’m glad of this.

Below are:
• Outdoor ideas at home and out,
• Indoor ideas at home and out

• Ideas for when you’re sick or very tired

Screen free ideas: Outdoors

Things we do daily and weekly.

At home

Watering the garden with a watering can or hose (get ready for a change of clothes but using the hose is a favourite here!)
Flower picking (and then inside for arranging/pouring/water play)
Being pushed on the swing (often when I’m hanging out washing)
Throwing around balls on the grass
Picking fruit and veg (e.g peas or strawberries) to eat
Posting rocks, leaves or flowers into containers
Anything to do with clothes pegs – sorting, transferring, posting
Riding a trike around the backyard (Alfred uses the style where you move around with your feet, no pedals yet)
Music. Singing songs of listening to music happens everyday and always improves an unhappy mood

Outdoors: away from the home

Park visits: smelling flowers, watching birds, playing on the playground, patting dogs
Outdoor cafes with animals and play equipment. We have one with lots of birds and a pond -ducks, geese, peacocks, chickens, guinea fowl, pigeons, etc
Bike riding
Nature reserves
Gardens. Japanese gardens are a favourite here as they have so many things to explore – bridges, lakes and streams, waterfalls, paths and waterfowl. Botanic gardens are fun too as they often have different sections like the tropical dome, fern or cacti house and a myriad of paths.
Walking. We used to walk every morning and afternoon when Alfred was younger and wasn’t yet walking himself. Now that he can walk, we still walk but less often and opt for places he can walk freely with less restrictions on where he can and can’t walk.
Visiting neighbours

Screen free idea: Indoors

The only time we are always indoors early morning, lunch before a nap and late afternoon and night. The rest of the time Alfred likes to be out and about.

At home

Practical life! Meal prep, packing away and tidying (sense of order is getting stronger), dressing and putting clothes away, teeth and hair brushing, bathing
Playdough
Reading
Shelf work. Most young children won’t play with toys or materials independently. Alfred really enjoys me playing and working with him so I often sit next to him and follow his lead.
Balls. Throwing and rolling balls is okay inside when done safely. We roll, bounce and throw with Alfred (okay, my husband mainly does this with Alfred)
Art. Alfred will request the pens or he sees his dad drawing and wants to join in so his dad sets up an area next to where he’s sitting. We currently use pencils, textas and crayons (just what we have or were given). 5-15 minutes is the max he will be interested in this but time is not an indicator of enjoyment.
Eating. Lots and lots of food. I love food and so does Alfred.
Music and movement, singing and dancing

Indoors: Out of the home

Library
Grocery shopping
Music and movement classes (We do Kindermusik, not necessary but a part of our week that we both LOVE)
Indoor play spaces (we often go to an indoor play space with our mothers group if it’s too hot, rainy or windy)
Art gallery or museum (yes, prepared for going on the toddlers explore and less time contemplating art)
Visiting friends and neighbours
Visiting the nursing home

Screen free ideas: When you’re sick

We don’t have family where we live that can pop over when we need if we are sick or have zero energy left

(my husband has at times taken time off work, and my mum has travelled to us when I had influenza). When I am sick alone with Alfred, this is what I have done :

Backyard time. I figure I could lay down in bed or lay down outside, Alfred prefers being outside

Too sick to get out of bed? I hear you! I will bring some books and intricate fine motor work into the bed. Think: money boxes, syringes from medicine, transferring small objects between containers.

Box or basket of unusual items. Very occasionally I get down a box of Christmas ornaments and decorations. Alfred enjoys playing with them and is a real treat since I very rarely get them out. He will spend 30-45 minutes with them, he mainly explores independently but I do engage when he needs.

Thanks for reading,

Caroline

Montessori at 11-12 Months

11-12 months was a for movement and increasing ways to communicate his wishes. I also noticed more expressive and receptive language and affection. He was strongly in the Sensitive Period for movement, specifically crawling, climbing and pulling up to stand. While he ignored his shelf a lot, he did engage with relevant real life activities that involved fine motor use like money box work and opening and closing.

Montessori can be done anywhere and it doesn’t require specific materials or toys when at home. It’s about giving our children the opportunities to satisfy their Sensitive Periods, provide time and spaces for building independence and empowering them with the knowledge that they are capable, and genuinely can contribute to family/community and are valued.

Below are some of the things we did at 11-12 months:

Spaces

Living Room

Mirror and coats

It’s great to have a place for toddlers to view themselves, unlike us, they are still getting to know their reflection

Dressing

In Alfred’s bedroom: Floor nappy change space plus two options each of shirts, pants, jumpers and singlets/socks. This was good for this age but we changed it when he got older

Weaning Table

Built by my dad, he started using it more at this age but a couple of months late it got much more use

Shelf work

I moved the hooks behind the shelf lower and added some drawings I did that were relevant to Alfred

Ball run, shakers, pop up toy, xylophone, cars, blocks and animals

A simple way to stop the balls rolling away, use a wooden tray

Alfred loved using a money box at this age! I kept the money out of reach though as he liked to put it in his mouth if I wasn’t with him

He loved the medicine syringe so I put an empty bottle out and straws, lots of concentration here

Using felt balls and a pincer block my dad made

Shelf work did take a back seat in this time because he just wanted to be on the move but if I sat or lay down near the shelf he was happy to work alongside me. I was his “emotional anchor”, a term I read in an NAMC Infants Guide.

Movement

Walker Wagon

And popular for pushing around while on his knees

I really wanted to try the radio flyer but you can’t buy it in Australia. This walker (Moover brand) is simple and doesn’t tip, it has worked well enough for us. I haven’t tried any others so I can’t compare it.

Climbing & crawling opportunities

Up the stone path at the Japanese Gardens

Having different terrains for climbing and crawling is very enjoyable and great for strengthening muscles and coordination. If you don’t have stairs, maybe use some firm cushions for climbing up onto the couch or up a stone path at the park or bushland.

Swinging

Alfred loves our cheap, secondhand plastic swing. It’s been used daily since we bought it

Alfred LOVES the swing. This cheap plastic one was bought secondhand and he requests to go in it daily. It is quite low so he goes and holds onto it when he wants a swing. He will usually want stay in for 30-60 minutes! It must be very relaxing. We sing songs like “Grand Old Duke of York”, “Giddy Up Horsey” and “Cecil the Caterpillar”. He laughs and laughs.

Pulling up

I don’t think a pull up bar is necessary, but if you have one that’s great too! We never got around to putting one up and Alfred found several other places to pull up on and cruise along: the couch, his shelf, walls, benches, the bed. It’s nice to spend time with other toddlers, especially ones just older who model so many great things!

Outdoors

Alfred wanted to be outdoors most of the time. He was happy in the back or front yard but loved time spent at the park or any nature space.

Small objects

Exploring origami lucky stars I made

While we have to be cautious of choking, don’t let this limit your child’s exposure to small objects. Alfred loved exploring little tiny things. If he put it in his mouth the conversation went like this, “We can hold things, but they’re not for your mouth”, if he kept putting them in his mouth I said, “We can’t put these in our mouth so we will put them away for today”.

Practical Life

This was what we did most along with being outside. Check out my post on it here:

Practical Life at 12 Months

Thanks for reading along,

Caroline

Choosing a Day Care for Independent Toddlers

If you’re like me, choosing a place to send your baby or toddler can be challenging because you want something that will be full of warm and loving relationships, be respectful of their learning and support their independence.

There are no official Montessori schools or Children’s Houses where I live. There are a few centres that say they are Montessori based but the teachers and educators haven’t done any Montessori training. A friend reminded me that while Montessori philosophy should definitely be on the list, having lovely relationships is most important. Below I have outlined the key things I looked for when choosing a day care centre.

Alfred playing with a ball, photo sent to me

1. Relationships

Teachers and educators that nurture the child and support independence was key for me. When I went to different places I listened to how the adults spoke with the children. When I was visiting the centre Alfred now attends, I noticed that their were genuine conversations with the children. I also noticed that they respected what the children were interested in or the sensitive periods they were in (development) as the indoor, semi-indoor and outdoor areas were open and children could roam between them. Runny noses were wiped immediately and children were comforted when they were sad. We know that positive relationships have a huge impact on a child’s life.

I also considered the relationships between the staff. How did they talk to and about each other? I noticed that they all said kind things about each other while I was there.

What I saw in places that was an immediate no for me: a crawling baby was left to cry and his dummy/pacifier kept falling out while he was upset. He had his arms up for one particular adult who kept simply putting his dummy back in and walking away. He cried for about 10 minutes until another adult who was bottle feeding a baby asked the adult to give him a cuddle…shouldn’t need to be asked! I also saw a lot of runny noses in this class that weren’t being wiped by an adult who was free and could have wiped them.

2. Independence

I wanted to see “help me to help myself” and children not having to get adults to help in a task they could do themselves. Children should be supported to be independent. It’s very frustrating and sometimes degrading when someone else does what we could do, as an adult I hate that feeling when someone else does something because they don’t think I can do it. Let’s give children the dignity they should have.

On Alfred’s first day he helped put the fruit from the shopping away. How exciting. He had two bowls of fruit at morning tea, what a great connection and how valued he must have felt. They also have a step stool children can climb up for nappy changes and mats on the floor for sleeping (this was a big one for me, I couldn’t choose a centre with cots as being able to get in and out of bed independently is so important for him). With floor mattresses or beds, there is no chance he could be left in the cot crying if adults were busy with other children. Also, child sized wooden tables and chairs for meals and snacks.

3. Outdoor Spaces

I wanted Alfred to have access to an outdoor space for most of the day. I also wanted a natural space with a garden. It is the norm to see fake turf in centres, I compromised on that as most places were I live have fake turf. The place Alfred attends has lovely trees, hedges and gardens. They also have a vegetable patch in a different area that the children go to once a week.

Out of all the places I went to this was the only place with a garden and trees! All the other places only had fake turf and fences…I noticed how calm the children were at his centre and I wonder how much the freedom to be in and out for most of the day would have on the calm and relaxed feeling. One place said that the UV levels governed when they could go out…since it gets so hot in Summer I can imagine they don’t get to go out much. Alfred’s centre has shade cloth and shade trees, plus they wear sunscreen and hats, so they can be out all the time.

4. Montessori philosophy

Alfred’s centre is “Montessori-based”. None of the teachers or educators have Montessori training, and the new owners don’t send them to workshops as much as they used to. They do have materials in the 3-6 age and they have had some teaching on how to present the materials.

The philosophy seems to embody the culture of the centre, which is very important. Supporting independent learners, speaking gently and respectfully, freedom within limits, few boundaries on learning, clear and sensible expectations, giving children time to focus and concentrate – some of the things looked for.

Some of the other stuff that is fairly obvious that I looked for;

Anti-racist and anti-bias

How do the staff approach this? Are they educated in this area? This (education in this area) is not very common in Australia that I’m aware of but out of all the centres I went to this was the only one where the majority of the staff are not white, and had a range of ages employed. To me, this is a good sign that they would be having these conversations with each other and the children, but this is still not a given.

Toys, books and materials

Passive toys for active play, active toys for passive play. The toys and materials were passive, which meant the children were actively playing with them – there wasn’t sounds and lights. I was looked for less plastic and more natural materials, like wood and fabric. But, if a great toy is passive and plastic then I don’t mind. I would hope most of the books would be based in reality, but this is something I compromised on and something I could suggest to the Director.

Food and hygiene

Healthy food options are important. I looked at their menu and checked what they ate. Alfred’s centre prepares all food in house. The children are involved in some of the processes. Children wash their hands at their own level/height before meals. When they have runny noses they are assisted to wipe them immediately.

Staff stability

Alfred’s educator has been there 15 years. This is a sign that she enjoys where she works and will be consistent in Alfred’s time there.

Convenience

The centre provides all of Alfred’s nappies, sunscreen, bibs, bed sheets, food, water bottles and crockery/cutlery. All I had to send were spare clothes, a hat and a bottle of milk for his nap.

Areas I compromised in

• Water stations. They have water stations but they are up high! I asked the Director about this and she said they should be at child height so she would look into it…I can see why it’s easier to leave them up high as even at home Alfred constantly spills and tips out water, so I don’t have one out.

• Fake turf. I don’t like fake turf as it can be a urban heat island and isn’t great for the environment. I understand that it’s much easier to use fake turf…

• Montessori materials. The materials they have are quite worn but I understand how expensive they are.

• Montessori training. Numbers 1-3 are so much more important to me than Montessori training. If it was an official Montessori Children’s House I would expect it.

Australia specific information

In Australia the government pays a large chunk of childcare subsidies depending on how active (hours) you are in your work, volunteering or studying. My paperwork is still being processed but out of the $114 per day I will probably only pay $25-40 of that. Even if unemployed, the government will pay for at least one day per week. This is in an effort to encourage women to return to work and also support gender equality.