This sign is a compound of two concepts: DAY and CHILDREN. First, sign DAY by holding your non-dominant arm horizontally across your body. Rest your dominant elbow on the back of your non-dominant hand with your dominant index finger pointing up, then pivot your dominant arm down in an arc. Next, sign CHILDREN by holding both hands flat with palms facing down, and making a couple of bouncing motions outward in front of you, as if patting the heads of several children.
Sign 'daycare' by combining DAY and CHILDREN, then follow it with the signs for 'morning' and 'drop off' to explain your daily routine.
Use the compound sign for 'daycare' (DAY plus CHILDREN) to describe her workplace, followed by the sign for 'work'.
Combine 'daycare' with the sign for 'cost' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a 'wh-' question about the price.
Sign 'daycare' by combining DAY and CHILDREN, then follow it with the signs for 'morning' and 'drop off' to explain your daily routine.
Use the compound sign for 'daycare' (DAY plus CHILDREN) to describe her workplace, followed by the sign for 'work'.
Combine 'daycare' with the sign for 'cost' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a 'wh-' question about the price.
No, ASL has a few variations for 'daycare'. While this video shows the DAY plus CHILDREN compound, another very common variation is DAY plus CARE (using stacked 'K' hands). Both are widely used and understood.
The bouncing motion with flat hands facing down is the standard sign for CHILDREN. It visually represents patting the heads of multiple kids standing in front of you.
You don't have to, but gently mouthing 'daycare' can help clarify your meaning. Because this concept is a compound sign with a few regional variations, mouthing can provide helpful context for the person you are signing with.
