Resources
Active Supervision: Fostering Joy, Safety, and Connection in Early Childhood
As early childhood educators, we often find ourselves juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities throughout the day. In the midst of this busyness, it’s easy to fall into autopilot, going through the motions without truly engaging with the children in our care. One of the core aspects of our role, and one which is often on autopilot is supervision – but what if we could transform our approach to supervision from a mindless task to a mindful practice? What if supervision could become a tool for safety, joy, connection and personal growth?
What Surrounds Us Shapes Us
Children's development is significantly influenced by their surroundings, encompassing both positive and negative experiences within their living, growing, playing, and learning environments. This includes factors such as access to safe housing, clean water, and green spaces, which not only provide play areas but also support the mental health of children and caregivers.These environmental influences directly and indirectly shape a child's development from birth, impacting their caregivers, communities, and broader relationships. Centre on the Developing Child, Harvard University has developed this Expanded Story of Early Child Development. At the bottom of this brief, you can also find explanations of key concept and resource guides on topics like: Developmental Environments, Toxic Stress, Brain Architecture, and Serve and Return.
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!
Ooey Gooey Messy Fun! Designing Sensational Sensory Experiences
Have you watched Ooey Gooey Messy Fun! Designing Sensational Sensory Experiences yet? It was one of our top-rated sessions! Here’s what participants had to say: I have participated in a lot of sensory workshops in the past and this had to be the most informative one ever... I thought that the presenter was really knowledgeable and very upbeat. She kept me super engaged!
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.
Exploring Intersectionality, Race, and Developing of Self
Have you watched Exploring Intersectionality, Race, and Developing of Self yet? It was one of our top-rated sessions! Here’s what participants had to say: Brilliant session! I certainly would be interested in hearing more from Tonja Armstrong-MacInnis! I didn’t know much about the factors that contribute to Intersectionality. Thank you so much!
Activities for anxious kids: How to Help Children Cope with Anxiety Through Play
Lots of children deal with anxiety these days. As caretakers and educators, we can help! Play is one way to help relieve anxiety and regulate emotions. Try these 50 activities in your CNC program today to help children cope with anxiety!
Strengthening Language Development and Cultural Understanding in CNC
Have you signed up for your free account yet at The Source for Learning - ECE? They have a great selection of free training and resources, including this Multilingual Toolkit - a comprehensive starter-kit, guidance and tools to strengthen language development and cultural understanding for all your young learners!