Parents

Hazards in a Childcare Centre

Keeping children and caregivers safe is a key responsibility of any early years program. It involves education, supervision, and safe-proofing the environment! It is simply impossible to watch all children all the time, so hazard identification and elimination becomes a key part of the strategy. Here is a guide to help you identify the common and not so common hazards so you can make your program safer for everyone.


Emotional Wellbeing – Mental Health Support for Big Feelings

In challenging times, it’s important for children and adults alike to take care of themselves so that they can take care of each other. Sesame Workshop, the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street, is here to help. No matter your age, here are ten resources to help you get started on your emotional wellbeing journey.


Earth Day

Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! That’s why each year on April 22, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to raise awareness. Even small children can learn a little bit about the history of Earth Day, take part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees to help make our world a happier, healthier place to live. Here are 21 fun earth day activities you might want to try in your program this month!


Our Kids’ Health is a Website for Diverse Parents

Our Kids' Health shares evidence-based health information that is translated and adapted to help diverse parents and caregivers make the right decisions for the health of their families. It's a great resource for you to encourage newcomer parents to explore to support their children's well-being. Topics include nutrition, mental health, all in one place!


Prevent Bullying by Embracing Differences Through the Art of Storytelling

Starting from the earliest age, we can show children that everyone is different in some way and difference is a part of life. Everyone has things that make them unique — be it skin color, hair texture, body shape, gender, temperament, religious beliefs, ethnic or cultural background, and more. We do this in the early years by modeling an appreciation for individual differences through our attitudes, emotions, behaviors, and body language. Storytelling is also a great way to teach children about the importance of celebrating differences. 


March 21st is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognizes that the injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day. Here is an infographic that explains how racism can impact child development, and some ideas for how you can talk to young children about race and racism.


Free apps and websites to share with parents and get kids moving!

Managing screen time can be a real challenge for families with young children. Here are a few free digital apps and platforms families can try out for a more positive screen experience. Share them with parents and encourage them to choose apps and online activities that keep their kids active and engaged. 


Increase in Measles Cases

Amid an increase in cases of measles in Canada, here's what you should know about symptoms of measles and how it's spread.


Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment

The Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment (CPCHE, ‘kip-chee’) is a national collaboration of organizations with overlapping missions that have been working together since 2001 to improve children’s environmental health in Canada. With a variety of checklists, videos, tools and resources for parents and caregivers, their aim is to increase awareness, mobilize knowledge and catalyze action to ensure that all children in Canada have healthy environments in which to live, learn, play and grow.


Resources from Sesame Workshop for Afghan Parents and Children Affected by Crisis

Sesame Workshop has developed new resources in Dari and Pashto for children and families affected by the earthquakes in Afghanistan. They include videos and digital storybooks offering tips for caregivers to promote children's wellbeing, build their confidence, and to adapt to new environments amid challenging times. Global Initiative to Support Parents has compiled the Dari and Pashto resources here.