Barnyard Bulletin | June 2026

☀️ June at The Little Red Barn ☀️
“Summer brings sunshine, growth, and new beginnings—and the work you do helps our children thrive through it all.”🌿

>> ✨Monthly Expectations Refresher:

🚻 Bathroom Cleaning Expectations
All staff members are expected to participate in the bathroom cleaning schedule that is posted in the staff room.

• One staff member is assigned to clean both bathrooms every other week.
• After completing your cleaning, please initial and check off the cleaning checklist located in the staff room.
• Stay consistent—this is a shared responsibility that keeps our center running smoothly.

🧻Wipe Usage
Please limit wipes to diaper changes only. We are going through a high volume due to wipes being used for cleaning surfaces and children’s faces.

• Use appropriate cleaning materials for surfaces (Wash, rinse, sanitize)
• Use alternative methods (paper towels, tissues etc.) for faces when possible

🧤 Glove Usage
Gloves should ALWAYS be worn when:
• Changing diapers
• Handling or serving food
• Cleaning bodily fluids
• Assisting with messy clean-ups

Please remember to change gloves between tasks and wash hands immediately after glove removal. Thank you for continuing to prioritize the health and safety of our classrooms! 💛

>> 🛒 Storage Room Expectations

DO NOT place any items on the storage room supply shelves unless they have been approved by administration first. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Toys
• Books
• Restricted play equipment
• Classroom miscellaneous items

The storage room is intended to remain organized and accessible for all classrooms, and unapproved items can quickly create clutter and confusion. If you are unsure whether something belongs in the storage room, please check with admin first!

>> 🪀 Rotating Toys vs. Removing Toys

Rotating toys and classroom materials is a great way to keep children and teachers engaged with fresh learning opportunities throughout the day. As teachers, it is encouraged to intentionally rotate toys and supplies to support classroom interest and developmentally appropriate play. 🌟

However, classroom toys and materials should not be taken away or withheld from children as a form of punishment or convenience. Our goal is to create engaging environments where children feel supported, curious, and encouraged to explore.

If a toy or material is becoming unsafe, overstimulating, or is being used inappropriately, teachers should redirect children appropriately and provide alternative options rather than simply removing access altogether. 💛

>> 📵 Phone Usage
We have observed an increase in personal cell phone usage within the classrooms recently. Our focus should always remain on active supervision, engagement, and interaction with the kiddos throughout the day. Personal phones should only be used for Playground documentation or emergencies ONLY.

>> 📲 Name-to-Face & Sunscreen REMINDER

Sunscreen:
Every application must be logged in Playground | We should be putting sunscreen on kiddos every time they go outside.

Name-to-Face:
ANY time you transition infants:

• Leaving the classroom to go to play area
• Returning from outside

You must log Name-to-Face in Playground!
This is not optional and ensures safety and accurate ratios.

>> 🍎 Daily Classroom Expectations

• 📱Playground Photos and Captions: Aim for 2-3 photos per child daily! One of these pictures needs to be curriculum! Add a short learning caption (doesn’t need to be long, just meaningful!)
• 📚 Don’t fall behind on Portfolios: Remember to start completing anecdotal observations and developmental checklists for Conferences!
• 🎨ART: Make sure you are doing an art project once a day! You should be saving art for portfolios and hanging some in your classrooms – this looks great for incoming parents! Product art is ok, process art is HIGHLY encouraged!!!

>> Outdoor Play🌻 : Please prioritize taking kiddos outside!

• Make sure infants are dressed appropriately for weather!
• Piglets | REQUIRED that you go outside AT LEAST once a day, weather permitting
• Cuddly Calves | REQUIRED that you go outside 2-3 times a week | daily if possible – weather permitting