News
Developmental delays and Autism in the Early Years
Children with autism and developmental disabilities benefit from increased visual aids and structure. It is so important to have a schedule in their classroom and home environment to minimize distractions. This article is a great place to start for more information about developmental delays and autism in the early years, and ideas for how you can help set children up for success in your program and at home.Brain-Building Through Play: Activities for Infants, Toddlers and Children
From infancy on, play is an important part of a child’s life. Through games and playful activities, children can practice and strengthen important skills that will help them throughout their lives, including learning to focus their attention, strengthening their working memory, and developing basic self-control. This series of handouts provide suggestions for games and play-based activities based on a child’s age, so they are perfect for inspiring educators and sharing with parents!Podcast: The Magic of Loose Parts
Whether you’re an experienced ECE or new to the field, this podcast takes what we know about loose parts to the next level. Listen in to learn more about loose parts, how to get started, personal mindset and reflection, and so much more!Webinar: Trauma-Sensitive Care for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos
This webinar helps caregivers and advocates of young children recognize the many types of stress and maltreatment that infants, toddlers, and twos may experience, and know how to create positive caregiving environments that set children on a positive developmental trajectory. In it, you'll learn about the role of rhythm and movement in building healthy brains, the importance of predictable, consistent interactions, the key elements of an emotionally safe environment, and more!16 Resources for Finding Diverse Books and Classroom Materials
These 16 helpful resources can help you ensure that your bookshelves reflect the diversity of the world around us. Some focus more on school-age programming, but there are lots of great resources to support the early years too!A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching Young Children
It’s estimated that over half of all children aged 2–5 have already experienced a severe stressor. However, early childhood educators and other support staff don’t necessarily need the details of what happened, as long as they are being faithful to the concept of trauma-informed care. This includes developing an awareness of the impact of preverbal trauma and how it may present in early childhood.VIDEO: How Early Childhood Experiences Affect Lifelong Health and Learning
How is ongoing, severe stress and adversity in early childhood connected to chronic disease in adults? And, what can we do about it? In this animated video, learn what the latest science tells us about how early experiences affect not only early learning and school readiness, but also lifelong health. Challenge yourself to think about how we can address the sources of these problems. And, consider how integrating primary care into every aspect of early childhood programming may be an important part of the solution.Family Literacy Day 2023: Celebrate Your Heritage
Family Literacy Day takes place every January 27th. The theme this year is “Celebrate your Heritage”. You can check out ABC Life Literacy Canada’s website, join the celebration virtually, find community events, and download free resources to share with parents!
WEBINAR: Reimagine Documentation to Support the Quest for Program Quality
The last two years have been challenging in terms of holding on to our values and intentions for our programs and for ourselves as professionals. This inspiring webinar explores how you can support the use of documentation to help educators refresh their thinking about practice, gain insight into children’s actions, and continue to learn. Participants will uncover how documentation can become a form of professional learning, and how raw documentation is possible – despite the challenges!!