COVID-19

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. 


Child care not associated with spread of COVID-19, Yale study finds

Yale researchers conducted the first-ever large-scale assessment of the risk of working in child care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their findings show child care programs that remained open throughout the pandemic did not contribute to the spread of the virus to providers, lending valuable insight to parents, policymakers, and providers alike.


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).


From In Class to Online Preschool: Our Virtual Journey

Like many other programs across the country, the LINC preschool team at ISS of BC in Vancouver found themselves re-imagining their roles and having to figure out how to continue supporting newcomer families with young children during the pandemic. In this online course, the team will be taking participants through their journey from in-person preschool to online programming. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others, learn, share and talk about how we are all continually re-imagining our work as Early Childhood Educators. The cost of this 4-hour, certificate course is $65.


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.


Multilingual Resources for Diverse Communities During COVID-19

Looking for resources in different languages? Ottawa Public Health has a library of accurate, reliable and up-to-date COVID-19 resources, including videos, posters and factsheets that have been translated into multiple languages. WorkSafeBC also has three helpful posters that are available in multiple languages to help prevent the spread of COVID-19; Cover coughs and sneezesHandwashingHow to use a mask.


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!


HiMama Helps Webinar: Anxiety & Early Learning During COVID-19

Join experts to talk about the reality of teaching early education during a global pandemic. In this webinar, participants will discuss different models of early learning, how to identify anxiety in young children, and well as strategies to support families with young children with special needs.


WEBINAR: Engage Staff and Families about COVID-19 Protocols Using Media Literacy

As we adjust to the new realities of providing child care in the midst of a pandemic, staff and families may question choices and strategies based on things they’ve heard or seen on television or social media. Even administrators might be confused about conflicting messages! This webinar is presented by an early childhood media literacy expert who offers strategies for using media literacy skills to address concerns and improve understanding.