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Child Development

20 Developmentally-Appropriate Activities for 6-9 Month Olds

Play is a powerful part of childhood development, and there are so many important developmental milestones during infancy. But it can sometimes be difficult to come up with ways to play with babies. Here are some play ideas for 6-9 month olds.

Choosing your words carefully…

Changing the way we speak to children is the first step in changing behaviour. When we teach children what to do instead of telling them what NOT to do, behaviour changes and relationships grow. Here's a list of common phrases used with children - along with suggestions for alternatives!

Managing Separation Anxiety When Children Return Webinar

For some parents and children, the idea of returning to CNC after pandemic closures is stressful. Many families will be experiencing separation anxiety and find the transition back to care challenging. In this webinar, CMAS consultant Jackie Cunningham provides CNC staff with 9 Tips for managing separation anxiety when children return and a printable tip sheet you can share with your team!

CMAS Webinar: Managing Separation Anxiety When Children Return

For some parents and children, the idea of returning to CNC after pandemic closures is stressful. Many families will be experiencing separation anxiety and find the transition back to care challenging. In this webinar, CMAS consultant Jackie Cunningham provides CNC staff with 9 Tips for managing separation anxiety when children return and a printable tip sheet you can share with your team!

How does COVID-19 Relate to Child Development?

Centre on the Developing Child has developed a helpful infographic that explains COVID-19 and how it relates to child development. They've also compiled a variety of resources on stress, resilience, and responding to the coronovirus.

Webinar: Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Behaviour

Trauma in young children is much more pervasive—and much more destructive—than we ever thought. The research on trauma has made it clear that children’s challenging behavior is not intentional, but is instead driven by fear and a protective strategy for coping with their experience. This webinar helps participants develop an understanding of trauma and how it affects behavior, learn ways to support children, and develop strategies to promote your own resilience

Webinar Series: Early Childhood Development in a Time of Pandemic

In response to the current COVID-19 climate, Families Canada (FC) and the Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development (CEECD) is launching a weekly webinar series called Early Childhood Development in a Time of Pandemic. The weekly webinars will highlight some possible effects of the pandemic on young children’s behaviours and emotions and discuss ways to support children, families and service providers. View the recordings now!

Now available in Simplified Chinese: 10 Tips for Encouraging Language

In response to program requests, the 10 Tips for Encouraging Language tipsheet has been translated into Simplified Chinese for you to share with parents.

Why is observation so important?

Most CNC staff understand the role of observation in early childhood education. But do they understand why it’s important? And more importantly, do they have the best systems and techniques in place to accurately assess toddler development? Early childhood education is not about teaching; it’s about exploration and learning, and observations play an important role in meeting the developmental needs of the newcomer children in your program.This important article and free ebook explain why observation is important, what it impacts, and how you can make it easier.

Online CMAS Tutorial: Consistent Care and Relationship Building in CNC

The evidence is clear: successful attachments with primary caregivers in the early years have a profound impact on children in almost all areas of development! In fact, a child's growth and development depends on the capacity of their caregivers to understand, perceive and respond to the child needs. So developing relationships and trust with the newcomer children in your care is key to supporting their settlement and early development. In CMAS' new Consistent Care and Relationship Building in CNC tutorial, you'll have an opportunity to consider how relationships impact children's development and health, what is consistent care and why it is so important, which children might need a little more attention and care, and strategies for improving consistency and relationships for everyone. At the end of the tutorial, you'll also find resources, references, a facilitator guide, and added group discussion questions so that you can easily facilitate your own team training.