March 21 marks the global celebration of World Down Syndrome Day. One of the vibrant traditions of this movement is the “Rock Your Socks” campaign. By wearing your brightest, boldest, or most mismatched socks, you help spark conversations about the beauty of human diversity. Why Socks? The choice of mismatched socks is a visual nod … Read more
It may be hard to believe since many of us still have snow on the ground, but spring is just around the corner! Spring represents a time for new beginnings and an opportunity to let go of things that no longer serve us. As we embark on spring cleaning adventures in our homes and programs, … Read more
The Delaware Literacy Alliance has provided a quick reference guide to community-based organizations in Delaware that offer early literacy tools and support.
“You’re so lame.” “So-and-so is crazy.” “You’re so articulate,” as a compliment to a person of color. “I don’t see color.”These comments can be characterized as microaggressions: subtle, often unintentional slights that communicate a negative message to people based on their identity. Comments like the ones above are just a few examples among many that … Read more
How do you know what each child needs? By building a strong relationship and really knowing each child individually. This 2-minute video is a wonderful example of individualizing to build fine motor skills, while the child takes the the lead through play. This resource is featured in our March 2025 REACH newsletter.
Reading with young children and giving them access to a variety of books is essential for early literacy and helps spark a lifelong love of reading. As we choose books, it’s also important to consider the messages they send. The images and words children see strongly shape how they view themselves and others. For example, … Read more
During the month of December, amidst the craziness ofthe holidays, many people begin thinking about the newyear that is approaching. The pressure to start the newyear off right by changing habits or making resolutions iseverywhere, from TV commercials to social media. It’stempting to see January 1st as the start of a new chapter.This can lead … Read more
The month of January can be tough in early childhoodeducation. Many children are adjusting back into aroutine after lots of fun over the holidays, and outdoortime may be limited due to weather conditions. It’s agreat time to pull out some new activities.If you don’t already know, cardboard boxes provideendless possibilities for play! Many people seem … Read more
The Devereux Center for Resilient Children strives to “foster resilience in and promote the social and emotional development of young children (birth to age 5), so that they can be successful in both school and life.” In a recent blog post, the Devereux Center shared helpful ideas for weaving social-emotional learning into everyday classroom activities. … Read more
We all know that moving our bodies is essential to goodhealth. The tricky part can be finding moments in the dayto fit in that movement! For early childhood programs, itcan be especially difficult in the winter months, when wemay get less outdoor time, where much of the movementtypically occurs. This pushes us to be more … Read more
DELAWARE INSTITUTE FOR
EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
