Child Development

Connecting Children with Nature Action Kit

We know that finding ways to inspire children's love for the earth today will help them become tomorrow's generation of caring environmental stewards. The World Forum Foundation made a commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative to connect two million young children with nature in the next two years.  In order to attain this goal, they created this online Connecting Children with Nature Environmental Action Kit

Culture and Learning

Ensuring "the development of the child ... to the maximum extent possible" is part of every child’s rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. But to what extent is "development" a cultural process that varies between societies, or a natural process that is the same for all children? This edition of Early Childhood in Focus addresses the major policy questions surrounding the place of culture in early childhood programmes, and how to promote development and learning while respecting cultural diversities. Read More

Welcoming Newcomer Children with Judith Colbert

Judith A. Colbert, PhD is an experienced writer, researcher and training specialist. She is the principle author of both the National LINC Childminding Requirements and Occasional Child Care Requirements. As an early care and education consultant with an international perspective, her goal is to build bridges between research and practice, mainstream and newcomer experiences. Read More

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