Place Matters: What Surrounds Us Shapes Us
The environment we create shapes the foundations of early childhood development. Every environment is infused with a combination of influences, which can have positive and negative impacts on health and development. This
infographic illustrates how the influences from a child’s social, built, and natural environments—as well as the systemic factors that shape those environments—interact with each other to shape early childhood development and lifelong health.
7 Critical Components of Empathy
Empathy isn't something we are either born with or without, but a more complex way of being that is shaped by our experiences and relationships. Here are
seven ways we can nurture empathy for the little ones in our lives everyday - both at home and in the classroom. After all, the magic of connection and learning happens when we are present for the little moments of everyday life.
Supporting Diversity In The Early Years: Resources
In Canada today, families come from many different backgrounds and reflect a wide variety of cultures, languages, life experiences and lifestyles. Diversity is a key dimension of our past, present and future. Given this reality, children are likely to live and learn with people who may be very different from them. To prepare children for life in a diverse society, and to help protect them from bias and discrimination, it's important to encourage children’s positive feelings about themselves while fostering understanding and acceptance of differing beliefs, values and traditions. The
Canadian Child Care Federation has a variety of resources to support caregivers in this important work.
A New Set of Parent Resources – Now Available in 11 Languages!
Almost 30
Nobody's Perfect parenting program tip sheets are now available in 11 languages to better support parents in the communities you serve. These tip sheets cover topics like bullying, taking care of yourself, helping your child eat well, and more!
ONLINE WORKSHOP: Supporting Newcomer Children and Families
In this
one-hour online workshop, participants will be encouraged to think with a pedagogy of humility to better support the immigrant and refugee children and families they work with.
10 Facts to Share with Parents About Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies can start at almost any age, though they usually do not develop before a child is 2 years old. The symptoms happen during certain times of the year, usually when trees, grasses, and weeds release tiny pollen particles into the air to fertilize other plants. Even kids who have never had seasonal allergies in years past can develop them. Find out more about the
signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies and share this
infographic and 10 facts with parents this spring.
Regulation Activities for Kids During Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and to set the tone for the season and beyond, we can focus on an important part of our own mental health and well-being and the mental health and well-being of children:
emotional regulation. Many children are currently navigating emotional meltdowns, social conflicts, chaotic transitions, and difficulty focusing or paying attention at school. But how do we meet children where they are now and support children’s mental health through emotional regulation? Why is it so important to do this? What strategies can we use? Here are the answers to these questions and some fun
emotional regulation activities you can start doing with children right away!
How to Promote Diversity in CNC
It's never too early to teach children the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In CNC, fostering a culture that prioritizes these values is essential. Try some of these
tips for encouraging discussion, and helping children understand the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in CNC.
Ontario CECE Practice Guidelines: Diversity and Culture
The Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) has developed a set of
diversity and culture practice guidelines that highlight expectations and helpful recommendations. It's also a useful tool for CNC staff across the country to use as an opportunity for self-reflection and professional learning!
WEBINAR: The Healing Power of Play and Optimism
Optimism is powerful. When human beings strengthen their ability to see and focus on the goodness and value in themselves, others, and the world around them, their social, emotional and cognitive superpowers emerge. Optimism, however, is fragile. Chronic stress, fear and overwhelming adversity can weaken and destroy our capacity for optimism. This
inspiring webinar helps Early Childhood Professionals discover the power of optimism to create safe, loving, joyful, and engaging environments where kids can heal, grow and thrive. Using research, humor and personal stories, it shares how practicing optimism can bring out the best in ourselves, our colleagues and our children.
