Child Development

School Readiness: An Overview – Alka Burman

“School readiness” refers to a child’s ability to meet the demands of school. Often these abilities are broken down into key areas known as developmental domains. Alka Burman, Early Literacy Specialist, outlines these developmental domains.Read More

School Readiness: Communication Skills and General Knowledge – Alka Burman

"Communication skills and general knowledge” refers to the ability to communicate one’s own needs clearly and to understand others.Alka Burman, Early Literacy Specialist, discusses these concepts. Read More

School Readiness: Emotional Health and Maturity – Alka Burman

“Emotional health and maturity” refers to a child’s prosocial behaviour. It is the ability to recognize and express both positive and negative emotions in ways that are healthy, respectful and appropriate to the situation and to empathize with and comfort others.Alka Burman, Early Literacy Specialist, discusses these concepts.Read More

School Readiness: Language and Cognitive Development – Alka Burman

Language and cognitive development is one of the more well-known areas of school readiness. Alka Burman, Early Literacy Specialist, discusses these concepts. Read More

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

Positive Guidance Tools of the Trade: Encouragement vs. Judgment and Praise

It seems a simple thing to say that encouragement is one of the tools of positive guidance that will promote appropriate behaviour in children. But there are a few things to be mindful of. Read More

Children’s Mental Health

For help with understanding mental health issues, finding a directory of mental health services available in Ontario, or on line education and resources for a variety of mental health issues including resilience, the following websites offer a good overview. Children's Mental Health Ontario www.kidsmentalhealth.ca Mental Health First Aid www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca Parents for Children’s Mental Health www.pcmh.ca The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario www.onthepoint.ca

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.