Author Archives: cissnewsletter

The Benefits of the ChoiceWorks App

The Choiceworks app is an excellent app that can be used for establishing visual schedules for children who struggle with transitions and multi-step tasks. It can also be a great visual tool helping children calm down when they are upset. Users can create an unlimited number of schedules from a large collection of images. The app also allows users to create a visual wait screen and offers the child choices regarding what they can do while they wait. The app is perfect for children who need help adapting to a schedule, managing time or improving patience. It is easy to use and relatively inexpensive. It has been my “go to” app when I worked as an Educational Assistant and I continue to use it as an ECE. Recommended for ages 3+.

Jennifer Johnson, RECE
Carleton Memorial Daycare

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Routines: Get Kids Ready for Language Learning and for School

As the back-to-school preparations are ramping up, parents are thinking on how to best prepare their child for school. Parents all wonder how their little one will fair off. We secretly hope that everything we have done for them since birth will have given them the tools needed to continue to grow, learn and be ready for school. 

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A letter from CISS Director:

Letter - Child Care Partner - June 2020Dear Child Care Partner,

As you prepare to re-open your program, CISS is here to support you. We were pleased to note that the Child Care Reopening Guide (page 7) excluded Special Needs support staff from the cohort maximums. This will allow for the possibility of re-integrating children with special needs as part of the first group back while ratios and numbers are lower.

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Communication: The Best Strategy to Head Back to Daycare with (almost) no Tears

ZPN0013 fwds First Words logo redesign v06Preparing for the new “post-pandemic” return will be a challenge for all of us, kids and grownups included.  Imagine for a second the additional challenge it poses for a preschool child learning English as a second language or presenting with a speech and language delay. Help preschoolers better understand the new routine, respect the physical distancing measures and, facilitate this transition by adopting key communication strategies:

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Social Stories for Going back to Childcare or School

As parents and educators, you might be wondering “How can I support and prepare my child or the children in my program to go back to childcare or school in a COVID-19 climate?”. A social story could be used to teach and familiarize children with new routines and expectations which could reduce anxiety and help keep everyone safe and healthy while at childcare or school. Continue reading →