Why is observation, documentation and reflection important in infant care?
Observation, documentation, and reflection are important skills for any quality infant and toddler care. Developing these skills can help educators
get to know children better, make informed decisions, share observations with parents, encourage children's development, competence and success, find ways to improve routines, and more...
CNC in Action: Five Great Practices in a Child Centred Program
Red River College’s CNC program in Steinbach, a rural area one hour outside of Winnipeg, serves a growing local immigrant population. Located in a Mennonite Church, increased enrolment keeps the site running at or near its capacity of 25 children, who range in age from 18 months to five years old. Not only is the program filling a need within the community, but the staff is showing strength in child-centred care and explorative play, according to their CMAS consultant, Jackie Cunningham.
CMAS spoke with the Childcare Supervisor, Nalini Ranganath, to explore
five of their practices that really benefit the newcomer children.
We’re going on a Goopy Bear Hunt…..Fine Motor Sensory Fun!
If you have children showing interest in the concepts of big and small, counting and grouping colours, try this
fun activity that encourages them to explore and expand on those concepts during sensory play!
Playful Learning Spaces for Babies and Toddlers
Creating engaging , welcoming and playful learning spaces for babies and toddlers is just as important as setting up environments for older children. Yet sometimes this is easier said than done and we struggle to find the right balance between offering an environment that is developmentally appropriate and yet still allows for both security and basic caregiving needs to be met alongside the freedom of exploration as they challenge and extend upon new skills. Find out more about
why designing a playful learning space for babies and toddler is so important here!
Block play can support early literacy?
Block play is a popular activity for children in many of our CNC programs, but have you ever thought about using it to support early literacy?
BLOCK BUILDERS: Growing literacy skills through play is full of fun block play activity ideas. Which ones will you try in your program this week?
15 Tips for Creating Invitations To Play
Invitations to play are really just a collection of materials set up with some thought and creativity to
invite children to explore, investigate, and PLAY. The goal is to create invitations that allow children to direct their own play - by giving them access to open ended materials that encourage investigation, further exploration of current interests, curiosity and imagination. It's about being intentional in your teaching but keeping it simple, hands on, child led and above all fun!
Child Guidance Video Series
As you get into the swing of things this fall, here's a fantastic video series that's full of important information and reminders for your team on
Children's Behaviour,
Prevention,
Intervention and
Limits
How to Plan & Observe: Play Ideas for Babies & Toddlers
To plan effectively for the 0-2 Years age group takes a little thinking outside the box. Here, you'll find
ideas for planning play experiences and programming for babies and toddlers that are not only easier and faster, but also more meaningful and effective for the children and educators.
WEBINAR: “The Difference We Make”- How Simple, Everyday Interactions in Early Childhood are Critical
This webinar is a reflection and discussion of what it means to make a difference in today’s early care and education contexts. It's an opportunity for participants to explore what enhances or limits our ability to recognize the impact we make, and how we can support our team in making a positive impact on children and families.
Resilience Building Strategies for Everyone!
Devereux Centre for Resilient Children has created these simple infographics with some of their favourite resilience-building strategies for
infants,
toddlers,
preschoolers and
adults. They're full of important reminders, easy to print and post for everyone to see!
