Child Development External Resources
WEBINAR – Frustrating Temperament Traits: Strengths-Based Approaches To Ensure Young Children Thrive
Some children are naturally predisposed to intense emotional reactions, feeling resistant to new routines and experiences, and have trouble moving on. As a result, these young humans sometimes experience emotional outbursts, have difficulty calming, reject new experiences, or resist transitions in group settings. The reality is, some traits can prove more difficult to work with, depending on the mix of adult and child temperaments. When a mismatch occurs, this can rattle the resolve of even the calmest most self-assured caregivers! The good news? Early Educators can ensure every child flourishes by teaching the skills needed and providing a “good fit” in their caregiving environment. Join this insightful session to discover the nine temperament traits that are present from birth, and explore helpful strategies and methods to support all children to flourish in your caregiving setting.
Kaleidoscope: Where Every Child’s Colours Shine
In our programs, each child brings their own unique colours to our collective story. Like the ever-changing patterns in a kaleidoscope, children bring diverse interests, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences that create a rich tapestry of learning opportunities. CNC staff have the privilege of witnessing this beautiful diversity every day, but with this privilege comes the responsibility of ensuring every child’s pattern can shine brightly. These articles explore how to create learning environments that amplify every child’s potential, including topics like: The power of hands-on learning and STEM education, Supporting neurodiverse learners, and Building advocacy skills for an inclusive future
Babies need humans, not screens
Did you know that the negative effects of too much screen time for babies and toddlers range from shorter attention span to lower empathy? Here's why too much screen time can harm babies and the importance of ensuring children enjoy off-screen experiences.
Fred Rogers’ Six Fundamentals of Learning
Have you ever wondered, what may help or hinder a child in their development? The Fred Rogers Institute says that these six fundamentals come immediately to my mind: self-worth, trust, curiosity, the capacity to look and listen, the ability to play, and have times of quiet solitude. To learn more about the six fundamentals, and particularly what educators have learned about what the six fundamentals look like in practice, check out the Fundamentals of Learning and Growing.
18-month Looksee Checklist – Now Available as a FREE Download!
The Looksee Checklist is an easy-to-use developmental tool that features a short list of “yes” or “no” questions about a child’s abilities with tips to help them grow. And now, LookSee has made the 18-month checklist available as a FREE download! It's a great opportunity to download the checklist, use it with the toddlers in your CNC program, and identify potential areas where they may need additional challenge and support.
Physical Development 101: A Guide to Motor Skills in Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Through daily play and movement, babies and toddlers begin to develop fundamental motor skills: gross motor skills (big movements like crawling, walking, and jumping) and fine motor skills (smaller actions, like grasping and picking up tiny objects). These skills grow naturally over time, but no two children develop them at exactly the same pace. That being said, there are so many fun activities you can do to help encourage physical development in engaging and healthy ways - and you can find them here in the Active for Life Physical Development 101 guide!
Activities for Infants
There are many great activities we can do with infants to support their development. This article explains four stages of infancy, major developmental milestones for each stage, and fun activities you can do with babies to help them meet those milestones!
7 Wonderful Things ECEs Can Do For Children
Early childhood educators (ECEs) are incredibly valuable in supporting and guiding the educational, social, behavioural, and emotional development of children in their early years. Through their work, they provide a strong foundation for kids’ future learning and functioning. This article highlights 7 wonderful things ECEs can do for children.
WEBINAR: Calming Toddlers to Promote Self-Regulation
Despite the best efforts of early childhood educators, some older infants and toddlers naturally hit, bite, and otherwise display aggressive behaviors. These common tiny-tot behaviors challenge caregivers and parents and are among the biggest stressors they encounter. Because it is so complicated to understand what drives toddler behavior and redirect it, it’s hard to know what to do to support them in learning self-regulation. In this webinar, join toddler expert, Raelene Ostberg to learn and a four-step “HELP” model to transform unwanted behaviors and support toddlers’ prosocial 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.