Tip Sheets
Encouraging Positive Behaviours; The importance of routines and rules
Operating a school age program brings with it many varied responsibilities, one of which is to operate a safe program. Routines and rules help to reduce risks for both children and staff. Read more
Fun and Easy Snacks
In occasional care snacks may or may not be served, since children attend sessions for varied lengths of time. However, it is important to always make water available to the children. If you decide to serve food, be sure to provide the children in your care with simple, easy-to-prepare snacks. Read more
Managing Separation Anxiety – Helping Parents and Infants Say Goodbye
Having to say goodbye can often be difficult at the best of times. It can be particularly difficult for families adjusting to life in a new country. Both the parents and the infants have been through many changes and challenges already. This may be the first time the parent(s) and their child will be separated from one another. Read more
Program Planning For Infants Creating a Positive Play Environment
There many considerations to planning a successful program for newcomer infants. One important aspect of the planning is to create the right environment. This is a key aspect of having your infant care program stand out as a positive experience for both the infant and the family. Read more
Inclusion in Newcomer Children’s Programs
Inclusion in child care means that all children can attend and benefit from the same child care programs regardless of their diverse abilities. Inclusion removes barriers in order to allow all children, regardless of race, colour or special needs, to fully participate in all aspects of a child care program. Read more
Communication Strategies When Working With Children With Special Needs
For many children with special needs, communication can be an area of challenge. Successful communication may be particularly challenging in your programs, where you are also responding to the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of newcomer children and their families. Read more
Building on Every Child’s Abilities
We all have things that we are good at and challenges that we need to work on. Too often, the strengths and abilities of newcomer children with special needs are overlooked or overshadowed by their special needs. By focusing on the strengths that newcomer children bring to your program, you are encouraging the development of healthy self-esteem that will be the foundation for their successful transition to life here in Canada. Read more
Modifying Space and Equipment for Success
Making the transition into child care can be a stressful experience for any child, but for a child with special needs, and particularly for the newcomer children in your programs, the experience can be intimidating. Some children may have never seen such an array of materials and equipment so may find it overwhelming. Read more
Planning for Successful Transitions
A transition is the change or movement from one activity or space to the next activity or space. Newcomer children have experienced a variety of major transitions even before arriving in your program, such as leaving friends and family behind and learning to adapt to a new country and environment. Read more
Building the Caregiver Infant Relationship
You and your team are the most important adults in the infants’ lives while they are in care at the program. Your role is even more significant because you are caring for newcomer infants. As you know, newcomer infants have been through a great deal of change in their young lives. Read more