Parents
Battery Safety: Resources
Lithium-ion battery fires are becoming increasingly common in Canada. These fires are often caused by improper charging or mishandling of batteries and are notoriously difficult to extinguish. To help raise awareness and promote safe battery use, Health Canada in collaboration with Transport Canada, has developed a toolkit of educational materials that include posters, factsheets and postcards. You can find all of their battery safety information and resources here.
There’s plenty to acknowledge and celebrate in October!
Are you busy collecting ideas and planning for your CNC program this month? If so, there are a few important days this month that you might want to incorporate and honour to raise awareness in your CNC program and community! October is Canada Library and Fire Prevention month, and there are harvest festivals around the world! Thanksgiving is celebrated on October 9th, and International Day of the Girl Child on the 11th. Diwali is October 20th, Make a Difference Day is October 23rd, and Hallowe'en is on October 31st.
WEBINAR: Encouraging Families to Embrace Child-led Play
As early childhood professionals, it is our role to educate families on the importance of child-led play and how it is vital for laying the groundwork for early literacy. Join this webinar to gain confidence in explaining how child-led play develops early literacy foundations and prepares children for school. Learn effective ways to engage parents and families in conversations about the importance of child-led play both at school and home. Explore talking points when addressing any concerns families may have, reassuring them that child-led play is more than sufficient for future reading and writing.
Let’s Get Kids Active Every Day!
Canadian kids aged four and under are spending too much time in front of screens. To encourage healthy growth and development, young children need parents and caregivers to encourage an active lifestyle with a healthy balance of rest and physical activity. Children should be participating in a variety of safe, fun, developmentally appropriate, play-based physical activities in different environments every day! Following these Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines through the early years is associated with better growth, health and well-being.
The Best Kids’ Books on Mental Health
Each year, it seems that there are new children’s books that address every emotional or learning challenge. But how appropriate and helpful is the messaging? Experts at the Child Mind Institute reviewed over 60 books to choose this top 20 list of kids' books on mental health.
WEBINAR: How To Talk with Infants and Toddlers
How do babies turn your words into meaning, connection, and learning? In this webinar, participants will learn 10 intentional communication strategies and script starters to strengthen relationships, promote emotional regulation, and spark early learning—all through meaningful, developmentally rich conversations.
Summer Safety
Here are some important reminders for keeping children safe during the hot summer months, while promoting the healthy benefits of outdoor play!
8 Activities that Teach Young Children Social-Emotional Skills
We know how important healthy social-emotional development is, especially in a child’s formative first years. This article shares some fun and easy activities for you to try in your CNC program to help boost emotional regulation, turn-taking skills, communication, interpersonal skills, and more!
Keep Children Cool! How to Protect Children from Extreme Heat
Extreme heat, and heat related illnesses, are especially dangerous for infants and young children. Children most at risk include those with breathing difficulties (asthma), heart conditions, kidney problems, mental and physical disabilities, developmental disorders, diarrhea, and those who take certain medications. Health Canada has these tips to keep kids cool this summer.
Insect Repellents: Info for Parents
Here's some information you can share with the newcomer families in your program about how to choose and insect-repellents safely and protect children from insect bites in Canada.