Podcast: Working with Children with Developmental Delays and Autism
In this podcast, HiMama chats with Dr. Cara Goodwin about the different ways educators and parents can not only support children with developmental delays and autism but how to recognize the signs early. Dr. Goodwin mentions that early intervention is the most effective thing we can do to help children reach their highest potential, and why it’s important to take action quickly to help support these children!
New Special Needs Tutorial Series: How to Write an IPP
Have you ever wondered about how an Individual Program Plan (IPP) works? Do you know how to write long- and short-term goals? The first tutorial in the two-part special needs series provides a step-by-step guide to writing an IPP, and an opportunity for CNC staff to learn about the different parts of an IPP, why they’re important, and how they work together to support a child. The second tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to writing an IPP – including long- and short-term goals that really support their programming and provide a clear direction for helping a child and family! Resources, references, a facilitator guide, and group discussion questions are also available for each tutorial in the learning centre.
Supporting Special Needs in Your Program
Envisioning a preschool environment that meets the needs of all students seems like a challenge, but it’s actually simpler than you may think. Find out more about
how to create a program where every child thrives with good communication, a team effort, and some educational tools.
VIDEO: What is “Self-Reg”?
Have you ever wondered what it means when someone talks about "Self-Reg"? Here's a 1-minute video that explains
Self-Reg: A 5-step method for reducing stress.
The ndds Celebrates 25 Years with Rebrand: Now Called “Looksee Checklist”!
In celebration of their 25th anniversary, The Nipissing District Developmental Screening Tool (ndds) has announced a new parent-friendly name and look for their signature developmental checklist. The new Looksee Checklist—reflects the simple, approachable quality of the product to appeal to even more parents and child care professionals. The series of checklists follow a child from 1 month to 6 years of age and provides a short list of yes or no questions about the child’s abilities along with tips to help them grow. The
checklists are available in a variety of languages and formats including a redesigned, user-friendly website.
Sensory Processing Fact Sheet
What is
sensory processing? Children with sensory processing issues can be oversensitive to sights, sounds, textures, flavours, smells and other sensory input. Here's a
one-page fact sheet that provides essential information about why some kids struggle so much with sensory input, and how we can help!
Webinar- Engaging Families of Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: Strategies to Enhance Your Practice
Engaging families can be a challenge, particularly if their infant or toddler has a disability or may show signs of developmental delay. Families of children with disabilities are often deluged by service providers and advice from early intervention teams, therapists, doctors, and other professionals. Join
this session to learn strategies for enhancing family engagement practices for your program as well as your staff’s confidence in building culturally responsive partnerships with families of the infants and toddlers with disabilities included in your program.
Online Training: Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
This
online training is divided into eight modules on topics like: Introduction to Autism, Setting the Stage for Learning, Observing and Understanding Behaviour, Setting Goals, Developing Functional Play, Enhancing Social Skills and more... if you're working with a child with ASD, it's a great way to learn the basics and find excellent articles, tutorials and websites to further explore!
Breaking the Stigma: Can Children with Special Needs Learn a Second Language?
Some families and professionals believe that it’s too difficult for a child with special needs to learn a second language, but
research shows that children with special needs can become bilingual. In a study of children with language impairment, Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder, researchers confirmed that children’s ability to learn is based on their age, the degree of their disability, their intellectual capacity and their proficiency in their first language.
CNC in Action: Special Needs
When ‘Sarah’* joined the Toronto District School Board Rexdale CNC program, she did not engage with either the children or the toys in the room. Diagnosed with autism, Sarah needed different supports. The child care staff welcomed her with open arms and wanted to help her integrate into the program. They started off with keen observation, hard work, and a request for funding.
In the end, they improved the CNC experience for not only Sarah, but the other newcomer children as well.
