News
Looking for activity ideas?
HiMama has curated a variety of arts and crafts activity ideas that support children's development and enhance their motor skills. Just provide the materials and let the children explore shapes, colors, textures… all while having fun!
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
Multilingual stories for children
StoryWeaver and Reads have lovely digital collections of multilingual stories for you to share!
Six Key Elements of Meaningful Play
Play supports the development of the whole child, including cognitive, social, physical, and emotional skills. So it's important to actively protect and encourage playtime for children - and to understand the key elements that can help you better foster quality play.
A Case for Self-Care
Caregivers need down time to re-energize, refuel and regroup. In this article, experts share suggestions and ideas for making self-care part of your usual routine - so that you can be better rested and ready to support the children in your care!
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.
Multicultural and Social Justice Children’s Book Lists
Teaching for Change has more than 60 carefully selected lists full of multicultural and social justice books for children and educators.
Webinar: Diversity & Inclusion In Early Childhood
This webinar offers activity suggestions, books, songs, and practical tips to create a diverse and inclusive early years classroom. Participants will discuss race, gender and ability, the importance of knowing personal biases and promoting inclusion, as well as how to include parents in the conversation!