Brookline Sprouts Screen Time Policy

"Screen time" is a term used for activities done in front of a screen, such as watching TV, working on a computer, or playing video games. Screen time is sedentary activity, meaning you are being physically inactive while sitting down. Very little energy is used during screen time.

The amount of time children spend on screens impacts their health in many ways. Too much screen time can keep children from being physically active and playing with peers. We are committed to limiting screen time in our program. We believe that limiting screen time helps children be more physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. By limiting screen time, we help children get more physical activity, develop social skills, and learn school-readiness skills through active play and hands-on learning.

Availability & Daily Practices

We offer 0-20 minutes of screen time each week for children when it is not directly related to lessons and interaction to supplement learning.
- There may be special “movie” days and other event related times that screen time is used. This is done rarely and only with the approval of the Administration to prevent overuse.
- All movies or shows will be G-rated. Children will always be given other options and not forced to watch movies or other videos.
While videos and recorded songs may be used to enhance learning times, screen time will never be used as a substitute for staff instruction.
- If screen time is being used, teachers are talking to children about what they are seeing and learning. Screen time is never unsupervised and always accompanied by live interaction, which may include pausing the video at times to ask questions and reflect on the content.. (“Look at all of the animals!” “Can we count how many kids have ice cream cones right now?”)
- Music videos of various types can be utilized for Music and Movement times to provide an option of guided dance. Following the movements of the video is never required, but general movement and physical interaction is greatly encouraged. (“Let me see your dance moves!” “Let’s get our wiggles out!”)
- We utilize Cognitive Toybox, an evidence-based assessment tool to evaluate the children throughout the year. This includes both student and Teacher led “mini games” on a tablet that are less than 5 minutes total per week.
- Our rooms may include tablets or desktop computers with interactive, educational activities as outlined by Head Start and ECERS requirements as a Technology Interest Center.
When we use television shows or videos in our program, they are always educational and commercial free. Educational shows and videos are age appropriate and support the children’s learning goals.
When screen time is being used outside of interactive/lesson times, teachers always give children the option to participate in another activity, such as extended free play, instead of watching a program.

Screen time is never used as a reward, or to manage challenging behavior unless outlined in a child’s IEP or IFSP.