[Amber]

One way to get children engaged is to connect the learning activities with things already happening in the children’s lives. If the majority of the daycare celebrates Christmas, connecting activities done around that time, to the holiday, can give children a personal connection. This also opens up the door to bringing in other cultures, by talking about how different places celebrate Christmas, or what other holidays are celebrated during that time.

[Amber]

I think that the most important party of a welcoming early learning environment is things that children have contributed to. For example, displaying children’s artwork on the walls, so they can feel as though they have helped to decorate their space.

[Amber]

One good way to approach a parent about developmental screening is to start by asking if they observe similar challenges at home, in an environment where the child is possibly more comfortable. If the challenges are observed at both home, and in the center, it would be important to discuss with the parent what the next steps would be.

[Amber]

Early learning providers, when properly observing and documenting a child’s development, can be helped by having documentation to refer to when planning lessons for a whole class. By knowing where each child is at, providers can plan activities that will guide the development of as many of the children in the classroom as possible.