NMCAA Child and Family Development Screen Time Guidance

Purpose: To define and clarify what types of screens will be used, how screens can be used, what the teacher’s role is in facilitating experiences with screens, and in what ways we will NOT use screens in our classrooms.

Meaningful interaction with technology and media can offer opportunities for children to experience and see things they might not otherwise be able to experience, especially when a teacher is facilitating the activity through interactions with the children. However, child development experts agree that too much, or the wrong kind, of screen time, can be detrimental in a variety of ways. While the Creative Curriculum does include Science and Technology Objectives, including Objective 28: Uses tools and technology to perform tasks, the majority of the examples listed in the objective are tools like funnels, hammers, tape measures, etc. rather than screens.

Types of screens we can use in a large group setting: Agency-provided iPad or laptop linked to a smart board or projector to allow viewing by all children. Teachers can also use webcams linked to a smart board or projector to allow viewing of a book or other objects by all children. We will not use the iPad or laptop by itself in a large group setting, as all children will not be able to view the screen. Screen use during large groups will be kept minimal and will always be facilitated by a teacher who is modeling actions for children, interacting with children to facilitate learning, and having the activity prepared in advance to minimize any wait time. Whenever possible for music and movement activities teachers will use their own voices, movements, and connections with children in place of using a video. Teachers will not use videos of books in place of read-aloud.

Types of screens we can use in a small group: Teachers may use iPads, their laptops, or children’s desktop computer (where available) during small groups to look up information regarding a study, show children brief videos regarding a topic of interest while facilitating the conversation with children regarding the video, watch live feeds of zoo animals or other appropriate subjects, and guide children in the use of pre-approved apps.

Types of screens children can use independently: Agency-provided iPad or child desktop computer with pre-approved apps. iPad will be on screen-lock if a child is using an app independently. Discuss with Education Coach before allowing independent use of screens. Children will be limited to no more than 15 minutes per day of independent screen time and will be monitored closely by staff.

What we will NOT do:

Show movies or television shows.

Allow videos or images of any kind to be left on projectors or smart boards during meals, free choice, or any other time of the day when a teacher has not planned the activity with a purpose or is unable to facilitate the activity through meaningful interactions with the children.

Use screens exclusively for music and movement activities. Children want to hear you sing and watch you move and will benefit so much more from that type of activity versus a video of a music and movement activity.

Have televisions in the classroom.

Show videos or content that a teacher has not previewed first to determine relevance and appropriateness.

Use videos or screen time as a reward, nor restrict children’s use of screens as a consequence for unrelated behaviors.

Allow children to use non-agency electronics in the classroom