Child Development
Heartwarming Video Shows How Kids See Differences
A heartwarming video from the BBC, is showing how children think about differences. In the video, pairs of young friends answer the question, “What makes you two different from each other?” And their responses reveal a simple and inspiring truth about acceptance and inclusion among kids.
WEBINAR: Building Blocks for Supporting All Children in Inclusive Settings
Are you thinking about how to meaningfully include ALL children in the routines and activities in your program? This webinar can help you determine which supports might be the most useful, identify modifications, and create plans to promote participation, engagement, and access for children who need additional support.
Trauma-Informed Practices Benefit All Children
Did you know that trauma-informed practices can benefit all children? In this newsletter, ChildCare Education Institute looks at traumatic events, adverse childhood events, and the impact these experiences have on young children. They also explore how to recognize the signs of trauma and traumatic stress in the children we care for, how to help children who have experienced trauma, and how we can help meet the needs of the families and children we serve.
WEBINAR: Co-Regulation or Compliance? Supporting the use of co-regulation strategies with children
Early childhood teachers are expert problem solvers. But often, they issue many instructions and demand compliance, missing the big opportunities to build regulation skills with children. This paradigm-shifting webinar will shed light on how you can play a pivotal role in shaping children's emotional well-being, and explore the transformative power of co-regulation.
Mental Health Skills for Preschool Children: Video Series
This series of 5 short videos introduces important ideas, taught the way young children learn best: through entertaining, relatable stories set in a vivid, imaginary world! The Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Pre-K Project video series is based on mental health research, created to make important mental health skills available to preschool children (age 3 to 5). Each video features a memorable song that reinforces the key messages. We invite you to watch the complete series with the children in your program. You can also download the free companion guides that summarize key ideas and include an activity that can use to help kids practice the skills they’re learning.
21 Learning Activities for Babies and Toddlers
Play is an important part of a baby's learning and growth – it's how they explore their environment, practice developing skills and bond with their caregivers (that’s you!). As babies grow, playtime evolves based on what developmental skills they are working on. Here are 21 activity ideas to share with parents and colleagues that will help them support baby and toddler development, all while having fun!
Multilingual Learners Need Materials With Intrinsic Meaning
When young children are new to the language spoken by their teacher, they depend on useful materials to provide content and comprehension for their learning. That’s why multilingual learners need materials with intrinsic meaning. When children understand the teacher’s language, they may benefit from spoken explanations. But, when a child does not understand what the teacher is saying, they may not guess what the purpose of the activity is… and that blocks both comprehension and skill development. Here are some examples and tips for making materials and activities meaningful.
30 Engaging Baby Activities for Cognitive & Physical Development
A baby’s brain is growing and forming new connections every day. And everything you do—from talking and reading to singing and dancing—is helping that process. Even if baby's movements seem random and uncoordinated, important development is taking place, and they're gradually building their strength, coordination, and neural connections. That’s why it’s important to give babies lots of time to explore freely through a variety of movements. Here are some ideas to help get you started.