Category Archives: Educators / Providers

Encouraging Independence Through Visual Systems

I have been an educator for over 10 years and I believe children learn best when being taught new skills with a hands-on approach. A reoccurring question I have asked myself during my years as an educator is, “how can I best help children to become more independent?”

I have worked with a variety of age groups and at each stage of the children’s development fostering independence is a critical part of the job of an educator. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to work with many other professionals who also held the same belief and attended many workshops that have inspired me and taught me new techniques to use in my programs.

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Annavale Headstart Working During a Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic closed childcare and schools back in March, we could not have understood the scope of what the following months would bring. The decision to reopen the economy, thrust RECE’s and childcare staff onto the frontlines, and childcare centers needed to make hard decisions about reopening their programs. Childcare professionals needed to return to work safely, and still provide nurturing, joyful, healthy and high quality environments to welcome children during a time that was confusing and wrought with fear and uncertainty. Annavale Headstart was no exception, and the reopening process was undertaken with caution, care and teamwork. One thing was certain, the team approached the decision to reopen with pride, determination and with a solution focused mindset, so that our families and children would be supported.

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Create durable reusable easy to clean sensory bags for all ages using FREE wine bags!

Follow 3 simple steps.

Step # 1 – Call ahead to any wine making supply store and ask them to set aside some used wine bags with their lids. They come in two sizes, small and large.

Step # 2 – Clean the wine bags using soap and water then hang the bags upside down with the lid off for a few days or until dry.

Step # 3 – Fill them with desired materials and offer them to the children to explore!

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From the CISS Equipment Library: The Benefits of Fidget Tools

One of the ways your Resource Consultant can support your program, is by providing adaptive equipment to support inclusion. Fidget tools are commonly used items to support children during transitions, group time or times of waiting. Transitions are hard for all children and can be especially challenging for children who may have trouble staying still, have a limited ability to wait, or difficulties changing from one activity to another. They may also have challenges processing sensory input and require tools to support self-regulation.

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Strategies to Help Your Child Speak Clearly

By Roxane Bélanger, M.O.A., SLP-C, Reg. CALSPO
Speech Language Pathologist,
First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program of Ottawa and Renfrew County

During the pandemic, many parents and educators are wondering how to support children who are learning to speak and use new sounds. Wearing a mask and accessing therapy services can cause concerns for parents with a child presenting with speech sounds difficulty. Many tools and strategies are at your fingertips.

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Mindfulness

Nowadays, life can be hard, hectic and stressful. Moreover, everyday life during a pandemic increases our stress levels which can impact our well-being. Right now, we are facing constant distractions, such as social media, and we are worried about what the future holds.

We feel our mind jumping from one idea to another without stopping. So I asked myself a question … How can we regain our balance and catch our breath to calm our mind?

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Big Feelings Come and Go Storybook

This storybook teaches kids about freeze, flight and fight and helps them learn some basic self-regulation skills. Understanding freeze, flight and fight can allow for new conversations about how your child feels and what to do to help them manage their big feelings.

Borrow this book from our CISS Resource Library

Download the Free PDF
(available in 6 languages)

View 4-part videos series
(Freeze, Flight, Fight, Settle)