Day care offers instruction even with closed doors

Friday, May. 08, 2020

Jody Kearney 

Special to the Intermountain Catholic

DRAPER — Now more than ever, adults need to wear many hats, being parents, employees, teachers, playmates and caregivers for their children. Parents can be at a loss with what to do and how to keep their little ones busy. At Guardian Angel Daycare in Draper, their doors might be closed due to COVID-19 but their hearts are open to the many families they continue to serve. Knowing the importance of routine, schedule and structure for children, they have developed a new system to keep their students and families thriving during this unsettling time. 

 Guardian Angel Daycare wanted to continue to support and care for the families they serve despite being closed due to COVID-19, so they decided that what their teachers had planned for their students would be used, although, through a much different platform than originally expected. Each week, Guardian Angel teachers send out a curriculum full of simple lesson plans, crafts, links to stories, songs and interactive videos. Guardian Angel teachers have recorded themselves numerous times reading stories, doing a craft, simple experiments and even singing songs.  

“Those of us at Guardian Angel Daycare understand the importance of early childhood development and want to make sure that during this time we can support our families and children,” said Jody Kearney, the day care’s director of programs. “Parents have expressed that these lesson plans, links and videos have given them the support to balance and make the transition to having their little ones home very helpful.”  

The weekly plans and follow-up videos “have eased parents’ anxiety,” Kearney said. “Not only has it eased the parents, it has been great emotional, social and physical support to their children as well.” 

One parent said her child “gets so excited whenever she gets to see her teachers’ faces. She loves all the sing-along songs they send and loves all the activities they send her.” 

The staff at Guardian Angel Daycare determine what lesson plans will benefit the whole group. They also pay detailed attention to each child’s individual emotional and developmental needs to help them achieve personal milestones. Teachers encourage learning through play because play is a child’s work. 

The teachers at Guardian Angel Daycare continue to be a strong support team to students during this unprecedented time.  They expect that once they are able to open their doors again, their community will be even more connected than ever before.