What does it mean for a child to feel they matter to others? According to researchers at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, “from the earliest years, children’s sense of mattering is shaped both by feeling valued and by adding value to others. Feeling valued fulfills a deep psychological need for both … Read more
Summer offers plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun, but high-heat days can quickly become unsafe for our most vulnerable learners- indoors and out. Who is vulnerable? All children’s bodies are still developing the ability to regulate temperature, and caregivers should monitor them closely. Children who may be at particular risk include: Whether you … Read more
A new book by Gillian Sandstrom, Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How “Small” Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life, explores how adults benefit from stepping outside their comfort zones to talk to unfamiliar people. In the article The Hidden Power of Talking to Strangers, an interview with Sandstrom highlights some of … Read more
Nurturing the next generation starts with taking care of yourself. We’ve gathered a collection of resources and tools designed to help you recharge, reduce stress, and find a sustainable balance. Explore our curated selection of wellness strategies and self-care opportunities tailored to the unique demands of running a home-based program. Whether you are looking for … Read more
“Helping children understand what they’re feeling and how to express those feelings safely is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give them.” The Devereux Center for Resilient Children shares multiple ways you can “nurture emotional awareness and regulation” for children in “Helping Young Children Recognize and Express Strong Emotions in Safe Ways.” True … Read more
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
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
“In ECE [early childhood education], this means respecting the unique experiences and identities of every child and family, creating an environment where all voices are heard and valued.” Children then feel they belong and have self-worth. Cultivating cultural humility is one crucial way you can support identity development in young children. This resource is featured … Read more
“A basic premise in anti-bias education is ‘We are all the same. We are all different. Isn’t that wonderful!’” The featured NAEYC article explores the four core goals of anti-bias education, which help you create a supportive learning environment that “supports children’s development of a confident sense of identity without needing to feel superior to … Read more
From the Children’s Book Council: Multilingual board books introduce young readers to the sounds and rhythms of more than one language from the very start, helping to build early literacy skills, expand vocabulary, and strengthen cognitive development. These books also celebrate diversity, offering children a window into different traditions and perspectives. By sharing stories in … Read more
DELAWARE INSTITUTE FOR
EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
