Child Development CMAS Resources

Understanding Separation Anxiety – Julie Dotsch

It is important for children to form firm attachments with their parents; however, a child’s ability to gradually separate from their parent is an important milestone. When the separation is handled well, it builds the child’s confidence, helps them with future separations, assists them in forming trusting relationships and builds trust between the parent and child. Julie Dotsch, an ECE Diversity consultant for One World, shares signs of separation anxiety and how to deal with them.Read More

School Readiness: Social Knowledge and Competence – Alka Burman

“Social knowledge and competence” refers to a person’s ability to get along with others. A child’s social competence is displayed through their ability to interact appropriately with their peers, family members and other adults around them.Alka Burman, Early Literacy Specialist, discusses these concepts. Read More

Integrating Newcomer Children: A Compassionate Approach with Julie Dotsch

Anyone who participated in the “Culture Shock in Preschool Children” workshop at last year’s Ontario Professional Development Conference for LINC Caregivers could see that Julie Dotsch is a true visionary in the Caring for Newcomer Children field. Read More

Dual Language Learning or Speech Delay?

When a child in your program is taking longer than expected to speak English, or when a child is non-verbal even in their home language, it’s natural to feel concerned. Referring a child for help may be necessary, but before you do so there are some important things to keep in mind, and some strategies you can try. This tip sheet is available in English and French.

Encouraging Parents to Use the Child’s Home Language

While children are learning English in your Care for Newcomer Children program, it’s important that you encourage parents to continue using the child’s native language at home. There are many benefits to doing so, which include improved fluency in both the native language and in English, strengthened family bonds and more. This tip sheet is available in English and French.

Building a Permanent Collection – Ann Hutchings

Ann Hutchings has developed a presentation on Building a Permanent Collection, to showcase the flexible and collaborative environment that her team of caregivers at Graybridge Malkam has created to adapt to the diverse and changing needs of the children in their care. Read more

Building on Every Child’s Abilities

We all have things that we are good at and challenges that we need to work on. Too often, the strengths and abilities of newcomer children are overlooked or overshadowed by their needs. By focusing on the strengths that newcomer children bring to your program you will encourage the development of healthy self-esteem that will be the foundation for their successful transition to life in Canada. This tip sheet is available in English and French.

Planning for Successful Transitions

A transition is the change or movement from one activity or space to the next activity or space. Transitions can be challenging for all children, but they can be especially difficult when you don’t share a language with all the children in your care. If you were to take a step back and observe your program, you would find that transitions are often a source of behaviour disruptions. This is especially true when children don’t understand why the change in activity is happening or what is likely to happen next. This tip sheet, available in English and French, offers suggestions to help you plan ahead, minimize disruptions, and create a safe, predictable program.

Creating Language-Rich Environments For Infants

Speech is one of the most important and complex skills a child will learn. It seems to happen naturally but, in fact, as a caregiver, you have a very important role to play. The more you talk to an infant, the more you facilitate their language development—in both their home language and in any new language! This tip sheet is available in English and French.

Managing Separation Anxiety in Infant Care

One of the main goals in the infant program is to establish a sense of trust between one primary care staff and a maximum of three infants. Consequently, the way separation anxiety is handled is very important. A strong emotional bond is essential for early learning. This tip sheet is available in English and French.