Special Needs CMAS Resources

CMAS Webinar- Communication: Looking Through the Lens of Behaviour

In this new CMAS webinar, Shanda Burnett discusses how behaviour and communication are linked. She also explains the importance of relationships and observation, and how an ABC chart can help us understand the function of behaviour in our programs.

CMAS in Action: A Team Effort– Supporting Special Needs in CNC

Children arrive in your CNC programs and may exhibit concerning behaviours or delays. Sometimes, these issues disappear as they settle into the routine. Other times, additional professional assistance is needed. Even if a child does not have a special needs diagnosis, CMAS can help.

The Importance of Early Identification for Newcomer Children with Special Needs: Helping you Manage CNC Webinar

In this webinar, presented by Macaulay Child Development Centre, CNC Administrators will have the opportunity to learn about why early identification and support for newcomer children with special needs is so important, and discuss strategies for how SPOs can help better children with special needs and their families. Watch the webinar recording or download the ppt here now!

How to Connect Families with Special Needs Support

Your CNC team’s support can play an essential role in connecting newcomer children with special needs and their families to life-changing support and early intervention. Families are often more likely to talk to another professional if they are introduced by someone they know and trust; but haring concerns can still be challenging. Because your team already has the connection and relationship with the families, it’s important to learn about resources, supports and services that are available in your community and to develop connections. Find out how in this tip sheet, which is available in English and French.

Helping You Meet the Requirements: Supporting Newcomer Children With Special Needs

It is important to meet the needs of all children, but early intervention is particularly critical for a child with special needs. This article will explain how you can support these families…and meet CNC requirements.

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...

Incorporating Diversity – Julie Dotsch

Diversity refers to all the ways that humans are unique. It influences many things, including how we judge others, how society values individuals and the outcomes individuals will have in life. Julie Dotsch, an ECE Diversity consultant for One World, explores ways to incorporate diversity in your program. Read More

Special Needs Quick Tip Videos

Do you care for newcomer children with special needs? Do you ever wonder how you can better support them? Read More

How to Talk to Parents When a Child Needs Extra Support

Newcomer families are experiencing the difficult transition of starting life in a new country after leaving friends, family and their support network behind. As one of the first points of contact, your program’s support is vital to all newcomer families, but this can be especially true when a child needs extra support. Some children come to our programs with a diagnosed special need, while others come into our care with unidentified needs that require additional support. And, sometimes, after spending time observing and interacting with a child, we have concerns about their development that we need to discuss with parents. This tip sheet, available in English and French, will offer strategies on how to talk to parents when their child needs support.

Inclusion: What Does It Mean in Care for Newcomer Children?

In Care for Newcomer Children (CNC), inclusion means that children can attend and benefit from the same program regardless of their diverse abilities. Inclusion removes barriers in order to allow all children—regardless of race, background or special needs—to fully participate. It requires full collaboration between administrators, CNC staff, families and specialists to ensure that the needs of all children are met. Find out more in this tip sheet, available in English and French.