Resources
Supporting Children in Developing a Practice of Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with kindness and acceptance. When introduced early, it helps children build habits that support calm, confidence, and resilience throughout life. Mindfulness can reduce anxiety, promote well-being, and give children practical tools to manage stress and approach challenges with self-awareness.
Ginette Wilson of ECCDC will share resources and hands-on experiences to highlight the benefits of mindfulness and support curriculum planning for children of all ages.✨
Handouts:
Introducing Yoga in Preschool
Mindfulness Exercises for Kids
Reflection Journal
Why Mindfulness Belongs in the Classroom
Conversations with Families: Neurodiversity
When new to Canada, many parents are experiencing the expected overwhelm that can often accompany change; new physical spaces, languages, cultures, support networks, and routines. Additionally, parents are navigating new frameworks of childcare and support. They are learning through potentially a new lens, Canada’s model and approach to disability–through both the social and medical models. As a first point of contact, the importance of how we approach conversations regarding children with support needs, disability, or neurodiversity cannot be overstated. Monica Maddison guides participants through an understanding of neurodiversity, the social model of disability, and strategies to come alongside parents in conversation that feels both connected and collaborative.
Designing for Redirection: Supporting Behaviour Guidance in Early Childhood Spaces
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Kerry Drake of KD Talks explores how thoughtfully designed early childhood spaces can support positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and connection. Rather than managing challenges, this session focuses on creating environments that help children feel safe, capable, and understood. Participants will discover practical redirection strategies, learn how design choices can support big feelings and self-awareness, and gain tools to create calm, responsive spaces that encourage social-emotional development. This session is ideal for caregivers seeking respectful, strengths-based approaches to behaviour guidance.
Handout: Workbook
Digital Well-Being for Families
Raising kids in today’s digital world isn’t easy. Caregivers all agree that young children’s digital use is spinning out of control, and nearly three-quarters of parents are concerned about the amount of screen time their children have. Technology isn’t inherently good or bad, though — it’s how we use it that matters. But it’s hard to know how to make informed tech choices for little ones. Sesame has developed some wonderful resources to help families navigate a digital world. From screen-time transitions to mindful media use, they’ve created simple, kid-friendly, research-tested strategies that help families build healthy digital habits. Check out these new videos, storybooks, and more here!
WEBINAR: The Power of Pretend Play
What if children’s pretend play is the key to building real-world power and regulation? Join author and play advocate Mike Huber for a transformative session that explores how imaginative play helps children practice executive function skills, navigate emotions, and develop a strong sense of agency. You’ll learn why even play that feels chaotic or uncomfortable to adults—like play fighting—can be essential for regulation and connection. Discover practical ways to support rich, empowering pretend play in your classroom every day.
Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project – FREE Training
Did you know that the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) - through the Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project - offers free, self-paced online courses for settlement/social-service and health providers? These courses cover topics such as the social determinants of immigrant and refugee mental health, trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and supporting children and families — which are all relevant to our CNC work. It's a great opportunity for anyone looking to deepen your knowledge, get practical tools and resources, and connect with other providers across Canada.
6 Mood-Boosting Yoga Poses to Try With Kids
Kids aren’t immune to stress and anxiety. There are a number of yoga postures (asana) and breathing techniques (pranayama) that can benefit children’s mental health and well-being and are easy to do with kids of all ages.Here are six wonderful poses that can help reduce stress and enhance well-being for children.
Teaching Early Childhood Multilingual Learners: Podcast
In this episode of Lifting Language, three early childhood leaders gather to talk about teaching early childhood multilingual learners. It's a great opportunity to reflect on the principles of early childhood education and the role languages play, families as resources, and best instructional practices.
Toy Safety
Health Canada offers a wide range of resources to help you keep your CNC program safe for children and families. From guidelines on magnets and children’s jewellery to safety tips for soft vinyl toys and small toy parts, you’ll find valuable information to support a safe play environment.
Ages & Stages: Caregiver’s Guide to Supporting Children’s Racial Learning
Every child is learning about race, starting in their earliest months of life. What they learn, when, and how they make sense of it, depends on the messages they get from caregivers, communities, and the world around them. The Ages & Stages Guide brings together the latest research on children’s racial development from infancy through early adolescence, when caregivers have the most impact. It outlines: What kids notice at different ages; how racial learning unfolds over time; and practical steps caregivers can take to support healthy, affirming conversations and action.