What's New

How caregivers can help build children’s emerging language skills

Research shows that children’s early language skills have a long reach in affecting later life outcomes. Because when children develop the ability to understand language, as well as speak and communicate, it helps them to interact with others and learn about the world around them. Here are three simple ways that we can help build children’s emerging language skills in our programs and families.

CNC Virtual Tours

Each CNC program is unique, and at past conferences, participants have had an opportunity to visit local CNC programs to see how they set up their space and hear about their programming. Because the 2023 CNC conference was virtual, for the first time, we had a unique opportunity to virtually connect, “visit” and learn from quality CNC programs in different provinces. Instead of taking a bus to visit a program, conference participants were taken on four virtual tours through CNC programs in Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Our thanks fo out to all of the staff at ISANS, MAGMA, Regional Connections and Wortley YMCA CNC programs for making it possible. These virtual tours are available for everyone!

Have you seen the beautiful conference graphic?

It was great to have Emma Richard, a graphic recorder and visual storyteller, with us at the 2023 CNC Virtual Conference this year. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and it’s true! Emma has truly captured the conference experience every step of the way in her beautiful graphic - and now it’s available in both French and English!

Magic Moments: Active Problem Solving with Young Children

Every problem, large or small, is an opportunity for young children to learn and grow. From spilled glue to a conflict in the block corner, problems are an unlimited natural resource generated inside our own classrooms. This insight-building webinar will explore how early childhood educators can take the problems, mistakes, and accidents that inevitably occur in every early childhood program, and turn them into teachable moments.

WEBINAR – Art in the Trauma-Informed ECE Classroom: Process over Product

Open-ended art is a creative process of self-discovery that literally grows the brain. Why then, do many teachers deliver cookie-cutter crafts as art? Process art builds the brain in early childhood and serves to both calm the nervous system and release emotions. These calming and releasing functions have important implications for trauma-informed classrooms. Art is a safe way to experience choice and control, make our own decisions, take risks, and express our thoughts and feelings. In many ways, all art is self-discovery. This webinar will share key practices that to help reduce the use of cookie-cutter crafts in favor of true art that reflects children’s authentic thoughts and feelings.

57 Fun Physical Activities for Little Ones

Children between 2-4 years old don’t only need a lot of movement, they also need a lot of variety of movement. This age group is ready to move in new and exciting ways! So while it’s essential to make time for unstructured, active playtime, it’s also important to have access to plenty of fun, simple activities that you know will help them get active and develop skills in many different ways. Here's a list of 57 fun activities for kids that might help!

Sing & Sign Webinar: Supporting Emerging Language Through Music, Sign Language, and Play

Join this interactive and informative presentation to learn simple steps to start signing with young children, key benefits, and easy ways to incorporate signing across the environments and routines of your day with young children!

Ideas to Share with Parents: Cheap or Free At-Home Activities for Kids

How can parents encourage their children to live a healthy, active life while sticking to a budget? They can try these simple tasks and activities to see how simple it can be to get kids enjoying active play and moving daily at home!

Caring for a child with special needs: Strategies for newcomer families

Learning that your child is born with a chronic illness or has special needs can be devastating for all families. But it can be isolating and extremely challenging for newcomer families as they navigate an unfamiliar healthcare system, without their traditional sources of community support. The terminology, diagnosis, treatment options, hospital visits and assessment or therapy appointments can be overwhelming in a new country. Language and cultural barriers may also lead to limited involvement and contribution to decision making leading to helplessness and sometimes a lack of trust in health professionals. Remember, you are not alone and can find the support you need. To help navigate this situation in a new country and manage the family’s well-being, here are a few strategies that can be shared with families.

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