News

E-Learning: Trauma-Informed Approaches to Supporting Overwhelmed Children – Available in English and French

Last fall, AMSSA hosted a 1-hour virtual workshop on Trauma-Informed Approaches to Supporting Overwhelmed Children for IRCC-funded early childhood educators in B.C. For those who were unable to attend, the presentation recordings and shared materials are now available. This e-learning module provides practical strategies to better support children in moments of crisis as well as resources to extend your learning (e.g., caregiving for healthy attachment, healing after trauma, and resilience). This e-learning is available in both English and French, and a certificate of completion is available upon completion.

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.

Families in Canada to Benefit From Innovative Early Learning and Child Care Practices

The early learning and child care (ELCC) sector continues to evolve in increasingly complex and challenging environments. Identifying innovative practices and solutions that better address the essential needs of children, families, and caregivers is key to continuing to improve early learning and child care services across Canada. This summer, funding for two projects through the Early Learning and Child Care Innovation Program have been announced. One is a project titled Professional Development for ELCC Workers Through an Indigenous-ECE Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). This project focuses on providing early childhood educators with professional development opportunities to receive training on incorporating Indigenous perspectives, worldviews and pedagogies into early learning and child care environments through the development of an online course. The goal is that by widely offering this free online training across Canada, more ELCC professionals will have these critical skills.  


Social Emotional Learning Language Tips For Emotional Intelligence

Children experience big emotions daily and need supportive caregivers to help them develop the four quadrants of emotional intelligence to better manage and regulate emotions effectively, work with peers, and empathize with others. This article explains the four quadrants, and provides us with the language we need to support this important development in our CNC programs. This may seem like a lot, but you may be surprised to find that you're already promoting these quadrants and skills in your everyday conversations without even realizing it!

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.

Happy Canada Day!

On Canada Day 2023, let's celebrate our people, diversity, and youth. Wherever you are, enjoy the festivities and celebrate what makes you proud!

SUMMER WATER SAFETY RULES

For many Canadian families, summer includes activities such as boating and swimming. But each year, tragic and avoidable water-related fatalities occur across Canada. Here are some helpful summer water safety guidelines, and our multilingual Learn about Swimming Safety "New in Canada" brochure that you can share with parents. For more information about water, boating and backyard pool safety, you can also visit the Canadian Red Cross.

National Indigenous Peoples Day 2023

Each year, on June 21st, Canadians celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day that celebrates and recognizes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures. It is observed on the 21st of June to recognize the summer solstice, the day of maximum daylight, and its importance to Indigenous Peoples.

World Refugee Day

Each year on June 20 the world celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an opportunity to build empathy and understanding, and to recognize the resilience of refugee families everywhere.

Manitoba Métis Federation Child Care Centres Hire 25 Ukrainian Refugees

The Manitoba Métis Federation says it has struck a deal to train and hire 25 displaced Ukrainians to work at its child-care centres. People hired through the program will have their education subsidized and be guaranteed a full-time job after they're trained, Chartrand said at a news conference that featured performances from Métis and Ukrainian cultures.