‘We Have Nothing To Do’
Day-care providers are supposed to do more than just baby-sit children, the state warns.
They are expected to educate youngsters, not just turn on the television.
Some providers were stumped when inspectors asked what activities they had planned for the day.
“The old way of doing things isn’t acceptable. Television isn’t appropriate,” said Tim Nelson, director of the Office of Child Care Policy.
Not even Big Bird and Barney?
Nelson hesitated, then said those shows are fine at home, but a day care is paid to offer interactive education.
This is a scene one inspector described in her report:
The oldest boy, who appeared thoughtful and polite, said, “We have nothing to do.”
The provider replied, “Why don’t you read a book?”
The boy responded, “Can we do a puzzle?”
No response. No puzzle was given.
Another child asked, “Can I have a pencil?”
Response: “Where are you going to draw?”
“On the table.”
No answer.
It really appeared the older boy was right: There’s nothing to do.
The situation began to deteriorate as the boy in the wheelchair began crying. The others milled around aimlessly - no one involved in doing or playing with anything. Nothing to do!
, DataTimes