Resources

Taking Steps Toward Cultural Competence Through Meaningful Conversations

When we think about representing diversity in classrooms, we often think about including community helper accessories with disabilities in block areas, cloth dolls with various skin tones in the housekeeping areas, and plastic chop suey and pizza in the pretend kitchens. But do these efforts to add diverse materials to classrooms qualify as “adding diversity” to the curriculum? Because ways of caring for and interacting with children are culturally determined, exploring staff beliefs about teaching and caring for children is an important part of developing cultural competence. So, how can busy CNC leaders engage more meaningfully with the experiences and stories of staff, families, and children to understand the way culture and language influence ways of thinking, being, and learning?


Trauma-Informed Practice Workbook

At the root, trauma-informed care, approach and practice is about relationships.The intention behind this workbook is to introduce the concept of trauma- informed practice to caregivers, families, allies, and anyone dedicated to the well-being of children. It's a useful tool that can be used independently, or with your CNC team. It's full of ideas, strategies, and resources to support your work and extend your learning.


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.


12 Spring Traditions Around the World

Spring is a time of rebirth, renewal, and warm-weather activities. Baby animals are born, flowers bloom, and families around the world welcome spring with their own traditions. Through food, festivals, and various activities, the spring celebrations are endless. Here’s a list of how 12 different countries welcome spring.


Rocking and Rolling. Nurturing Infants and Toddlers with Diverse Language Experiences

Recent research has provided a lot more information about the ways infants and toddlers experience two or more languages. When it comes to processing speech sounds and language, infant brains are surprisingly sophisticated! It is important to support all languages in an infant or toddler’s life to build relationships with them and help them learn. Even if you are not fluent in a child’s home language, there are many ways to provide linguistically responsive support and care. It’s helpful to partner with families from the moment they enroll in a program. 


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.


WEBINAR: Using Learning Stories to Make Learning Visible to Children and Families

Be reinspired and energized to document children’s learning! Early Childhood Educators around the world use learning stories to find out about and document what children know and can do, what interests them, how they are progressing, and where additional support may be required. Learning stories can also inform future planning and enhance learning opportunities to extend children’s thinking, learning, and development. This webinar will show you how to use documentation and learning stories to strengthen your communication with families and enhance your CNC program.


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.