Programs in Action

CMAS in Action: CNC Serves as a Model for Supporting Refugee Children Abroad

As Syrian refugee families find homes in countries across the globe, an international perspective on settlement strategies is valuable. Canadian initiatives are part of that conversation, with Europe taking notice of CNC support for refugee children.

Great Activity Ideas from JIAS

JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services) shared some great activity ideas for both inside and outside of the classroom. Read about their latest get together with the local seniors and creative projects with the toddler group.

CNC in Action: Experience Matters When Creating a New CNC Space

When a program needed to open a new CNC space to meet demand, it presented an exciting opportunity for the child care team. However, the process was not without its challenges. Equipped with a vision for the project and lots of experience—not to mention a little help from CMAS—everything came together to create a beautiful and functional space.

CNC in Action: The Value of Storytelling

All cultures share stories. They are passed from generation to generation, allowing the listener to imagine the characters, scenes and details. Storytelling doesn't cost anything, or require books or toys, but it can often fuel creativity better than anything you buy from the store. It is flexible, and allows you to adapt a tale to the situation, interests, and developmental level of the children with whom you spend time. It’s these personal and cultural connections that make storytelling so valuable! Find out how one CNC program supervisor has been spreading this message and practice through the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program.

CNC Program Brings Holiday Spirit to SickKids Hospital

Each year, many children spend the holidays at SickKids Hospital. The children in the Afghan Women’s Organization (AWO) CNC program wanted to send these patients some cheer and hope for the New Year. With the help of their caregivers, they handcrafted 500 cards. One card will go to each child spending the holidays in a hospital bed. Thank you to the staff and families at AWO for making the season brighter. Click here to see photos of some of the completed cards.

CMAS in Action: CNC Programs in the Global Spotlight

Every day our CNC programs help immigrant and refugee children settle into their new life in Canada. While we know that our work is valuable, it’s also nice to have others acknowledge and reach out to learn from us. Over the last few months we have had the privilege of sharing ideas on practices that make a difference to care of newcomer children and refugees.

CMAS in Action: Targeted Learning

Since the introduction of CNC in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, sites have been growing…and thriving. As they become increasingly familiar and compliant with CNC requirements, staff are looking for new ways to build the quality of services and broaden their knowledge. CMAS is supporting these goals with the launch of two new workshops created to meet the needs of the programs in these provinces.

CNC in Action: Bringing CNC into the Community

With the JIAS Toronto (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services) LINC School’s CNC Program and the B’nai Brith seniors’ program located under one roof, it is common for the young and old to pass each other in the hallway. There are smiles and waves shared between the groups. Kelly Wood, supervisor of the CNC site, often wondered how she could bring the two generations together in a more meaningful way. As it turns out, Robin Grossman, the Seniors’ Outreach Program Coordinator at B’nai Brith Canada, had the same thought. She reached out to Kelly about an introductory activity.

CNC in Action: Making Connections

Six months ago, when Mariana Schenkel started working with the preschool group, she noticed they couldn’t sit still for five minutes during circle time. The children were not connecting with the planned activities and were restless. By creating handmade activities and storyboards filled with pictures, children and parents are making the connections to help them thrive.

CMAS in Action: Celebrate Children’s Book Week with Anna Humphrey, CMAS Editor and Children’s Book Author

CMAS is eager to spread the news about TD Canadian Children’s Book Week, an annual nationwide event being held from May 5-12 to celebrate Canadian children’s books and the importance of reading. Adding to the excitement? Our very own editor, Anna Humphrey, is one of only 30 authors selected to speak this year. Read about her involvement and find out how your families can attend events.