Child Development Quick Tip Sheets

Newcomer Parent Resource Series: Available in 16 Languages

Refugee parents come to Canada with unique settlement needs, and language barriers that make it challenging to get information to support their parenting, children’s development, and the health and safety of their family here in Canada. We’ve developed a series of 14 parent resources to help - and they’re available in the 16 languages most commonly spoken by refugee families here in Canada!

Tips for helping refugee children understand and manage big feelings and challenging behaviours

English: Tips for helping refugee children understand and manage big feelings and challenging behaviours
French: Conseils pour aider les enfants réfugiés à comprendre et à gérer leurs émotions fortes et leurs comportements difficiles

Creating a Welcoming Program for Newcomer Children

After the trauma of fleeing their home country, refugee families need safe and stable environments. To create this kind of “safe haven”, programs can develop a space where children can hear English but are not pushed to use it, and where they can observe activities and are encouraged to join in but are not required to. Learn about the many other things you can do to reduce stress and help ease this difficult transition for families.

Helping children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

You know about the five senses—sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell—but you may not be aware that most of us have two additional sensory systems that help us to control and integrate the information we gather. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) find it difficult to process and act on information received through these senses. 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 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.