News
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.
CMAS Webinar: The Importance of Play in Challenging Times
The transition back to CNC after pandemic closures can be stressful for everyone, and for some, it’s hard to imagine how to plan play-based learning and still meet provincial directives. In this webinar, CMAS consultant Jackie Cunningham provides CNC staff with 10 tips for keeping the focus on play during these challenging times, activity ideas to try, and a simple tip sheet you can share with your team!
20 Developmentally-Appropriate Activities for 6-9 Month Olds
Play is a powerful part of childhood development, and there are so many important developmental milestones during infancy. But it can sometimes be difficult to come up with ways to play with babies. Here are some play ideas for 6-9 month olds.
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).
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.
Choosing your words carefully…
Changing the way we speak to children is the first step in changing behaviour. When we teach children what to do instead of telling them what NOT to do, behaviour changes and relationships grow. Here's a list of common phrases used with children - along with suggestions for alternatives!
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!
WEBINAR: Virtual Learning and Loose Parts to Create Meaning for Young Children
In this webinar, participants will discuss creative ways to design, develop and deliver useful and engaging virtual education for young children based on integrating loose parts (ordinary objects from home) to promote active play. We will also talk about ideas to limit screen time, and instead create a virtual balanced schedule that promotes equity.
12 Indigenous Picture Books To Add To Your Collection
Diversity in children’s literature is important for two big reasons. First, children need to see themselves in books, and second, children need to see others in books. And in Canada, both aspects are important when it comes to Indigenous picture books. We need to teach all our children the history of our First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples but also have their faces and voices regularly included in our literature, along with those of the many other backgrounds that make up our country. With that in mind, here are 12 wonderful picture books to add to your collection.