COVID-19
CNC Pandemic Response: The Importance of Connecting with Parents
This tutorial has been developed in response to challenges faced by CNC programs during the pandemic. Public health directives that limit face-to-face interactions between CNC staff and parents during drop-off and pick-up each day may have a serious impact on our ability to have important conversations and moments of connection with families. Many parents are feeling anxious, so it’s more important than ever to find ways to connect and share important information.
In the CNC Pandemic Response: The Importance of Connecting with Parents tutorial, you have an opportunity to explore why it is so important to connect with parents each day, and strategies to build relationships, connect and share information with parents - even when face-to-face interactions are limited. At the end of the tutorial, you’ll also find resources, a facilitator guide and added group discussion questions so that you can easily facilitate your own team training.
Are you using WhatsApp to connect with families?
Many CNC programs have been using WhatsApp to connect with newcomer parents and children throughout the pandemic. No matter what virtual platform you're using, it's important to use the technology responsibly and understand best practices when it comes to safety and security. Here's a helpful article on how to use WhatsApp responsibly.
Are you using Zoom to connect with children and families?
COVID-19 is forcing everyone to change how they function, and CNC is no exception. If your program is using Zoom to offer online sessions for families during the pandemic, here are two articles with some tips and tricks that might help: How to use Zoom as an early childhood educator and How to Do Zoom Sessions for Little Tiny Squirmy Kids
Using Psychological First Aid to Support Children During the Pandemic
Many of the children we work with will be affected by the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 in some way, so we can anticipate many young ones will need additional support during these times. Psychological First Aid is something that non-mental health clinicians can use when mental health practitioners may not be available. PFA is not therapy. It is a system that focuses on providing a supportive and compassionate presence during and immediately following stressful events.
Feeling anxious? These tips from two mental health experts might help
As many of you have made or are about to make the transition back into the CNC program, you may be experiencing stress or anxiety. Here are some tips and strategies to help you “find your calm” so that you're able to keep supporting the children in your care.
Cold & Flu Season During COVID-19: The Child Care Director’s Guide (With Printables)
Cold & flu season generally occurs during the colder months of the year, between approximately October and May, making it less of a ‘season’ and more something that needs to be top-of-mind for most of the year. While it is impossible to stop people from getting sick, it is up to administrators and SDRs to make illness prevention a priority and equip your program with what it needs to keep everyone as healthy as possible. This guide is full of helpful ideas and resources to help you prevent the spread of illnesses during cold and flu season (and beyond).
8 Tips for Helping Children with Pandemic Anxiety
The stress caused by the pandemic has impacted everyone, but can be especially difficult for children who are especially vulnerable. Here are 8 tips from Canadian Immigrant on how we can be there for children and help them manage anxiety during this challenging time.
CMAS Webinar: Managing Separation Anxiety When Children Return
For some parents and children, the idea of returning to CNC after pandemic closures is stressful. Many families will be experiencing separation anxiety and find the transition back to care challenging. In this webinar, CMAS consultant Jackie Cunningham provides CNC staff with 9 Tips for managing separation anxiety when children return and a printable tip sheet you can share with your team!
Wearing Masks: Downloadable PDF Story
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is important to reassure children and help them understand why the people around them are wearing face masks. Here's a little story that uses lots of visuals and provides simple explanations for children - and it's available in English and Spanish!
Safe & Unsafe Toys for CNC During COVID-19
While planning for CNC reopening, it’s important to think about what the children can and cannot play with. Since early childhood education is based on hands-on play, you want to find ways to stay true to that philosophy but in a safe way. Here is a list of appropriate toys for use and inappropriate toys for use according to safety and health guidelines.