YMCA of the USA’s Post

When it comes to searching for a summer care program for your child, we know that you want to find the best fit for your family. Read our tips for determining which summer camp is the right choice for your child. #primroseschools #summercamp2024

Earlybrite 10 days Challenge #Earlychildhoodeducation #Day4 Importance of #earlychildhoodeducation Self-Regulation: Early childhood education encourages children to manage their emotions, impulses, and behaviors, helping them learn patience, delayed gratification, and how to handle frustration in a healthy way. Independence and Initiative: Through guided activities and play, children develop a sense of independence. They learn to make decisions, take initiative in tasks, and explore their interests, fostering a sense of independence. Like 👍 and share your thoughts

Thrive at Five is helping children to reach a good level of development at age five by strengthening and coordinating early years systems, practice, and pathways of support from pregnancy to the end of the first year at school in the UK’s disadvantaged local communities. We know many children are not ready to start at nursery and school, and that transitioning into their first education environment can be difficult. A challenging start can both impact a child’s ability to start learning in their new environment and cause additional stress for parents who want a happy transition into school. Ready, Steady, Stoke (RSS) is an initiative to improve the transition of children into primary school, developed with local schools and parents after they identified that many children were struggling to adjust to the school environment. Ready Steady Stoke is a critical component of the broader pathway of better services and support that Thrive at Five are creating with our partners for parents and children.   Following on from the success of Ready Steady Stoke in 2022 and with Thrive at Five’s continued support, the second year of the project saw all seven partner schools in Bentilee and Abbey Hulton supporting parents of children due to join nursery or reception in September.     We are pleased the second-year evaluation shows that it is possible to improve the transition into nursery for parents, children and practitioners by putting in place a range of support including transitions events, stay and plays and summer holiday sessions for children and families that spans the period before children start school in September. Ready, Steady, Stoke helped nearly 500 children with their transition into nursery and reception and the the effect was stronger for children that attended sessions regularly.    In future years, thanks to recommendations from local parents as part of this second-year evaluation, we will be working to make sure even more children and families can access this full range of transition support.   When we work together and involve parents and carers, we can help children have the very best start in their education journey and develop strong foundations for life and learning.   Learn more about we can collectively support children’s transitions in the full evaluation report here: https://lnkd.in/ehG3QVuY #readyforschool #parentengagement #earlychildhooddevelopment #transition #thrivingtogether Stoke-on-Trent City Council Alpha Academies Trust

🌟 The realization that homeschooling could offer my child the freedom to truly be herself was profound. In traditional schools, creativity is often stifled, but at home, she can explore, create, and grow without constraints. 🚀 Here’s the approach we’ve taken: 1️⃣ Flexible Scheduling: We tailor our days to fit her natural rhythm. 2️⃣ Encouragement: We provide opportunities for her to explore her interests deeply. 3️⃣ Safe Environment: We’ve created a space where she can express herself without fear. This has resulted in a love for learning that goes beyond textbooks. 🌱 She’s not just absorbing information—she’s thriving. If you’re exploring alternative education options, consider the freedom homeschooling offers. What could your child achieve in an environment tailored to their needs? 🤔 #Homeschooling, #CreativeLearning, #ParentingTips, #ChildDevelopment, #EducationFreedom, #LearningAtHome, #HomeschoolLife, #AlternativeEducation, #ParentingHacks, #HomeschoolCommunity, #CreativeKids, #FamilyFirst, #Unschooling, #RaisingKids, #ParentingAdvice, #HomeEducation, #KidsEducation, #HandsOnLearning, #EmpoweredParents, #LearningThroughPlay

What can we do to help? Statistics across North America reveal a concerning trend – increased rates of chronic school absences since the pandemic. While reasons vary, it's clear that many students are struggling. Anxiety is a major factor contributing to this issue. There is a strong link between regular school attendance and positive outcomes. Students who attend consistently experience: - Improved emotional well-being - Stronger relationships with teachers and peers - Enhanced social connections - Increased academic success Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort, which is why the team at REil Learning is so passionate about helping teachers, educators, recreation leaders, out-of-school facilitators, parents and anyone who works with children. We are dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to support children who experience anxiety. With summer and summer camps just around the corner (and before we know it, back to school), it's the perfect time to schedule a session with us so we can support your community and team to nurture our youth as best we can. Here are some topics we discuss in our "Supporting Children Who Experience Anxiety" workshop: - What is anxiety? - Anxiety's buddies - The practices: Flexibility, Calm, Physical activity, Caring for our anxiety - Strategies to support learners - Recommended resources Do you believe any person or group should be knowledgeable about these things if they work with children & youth?

We know that chronic absenteeism is an emergency, with nearly 16 million students missing almost 4 weeks of school. My recent op-ed in The 74 Media uncovers the challenges youth and families face, and highlights some creative solutions.   The 20 community schools in the Children's Aid network are on the frontlines of this educational emergency. In the 2022-23 school year, these schools saw a 4% average decrease in chronic absence. How exactly are community schools keeping students in school?   Starting success mentors programs  Forming social-emotional support groups Prioritizing accountability We must continue to work together to keep students learning; lessons from community schools are just the first step. Read my full op-ed to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dvMpfuua

The Power of Seeing the Light in the Little Things: Why It Matters in Early Childhood Education In the world of Early Childhood Education (ECE), every day is filled with new challenges and endless possibilities, there exists a profound truth: the importance of seeing the light in the little things. This is not just a cliché; it's a guiding principle that can transform the way educators, parents, and children experience the world around them. In ECE, every moment is an opportunity for growth, learning, and discovery. Children are naturally curious, and their minds are like sponges, soaking up information from their environment. As educators and caregivers, it is our responsibility to nurture this curiosity and help children make sense of the world around them. This is where the power of seeing the light in the little things comes into play. When we see the light in the little things, we are acknowledging and celebrating the small victories and moments of joy that often go unnoticed. It could be the look of wonder on a child's face as they discover a new insect in the garden, the excitement in their voice as they recount a story from home, or the sense of accomplishment they feel when they complete a puzzle. By taking the time to notice and appreciate these small moments, we are sending a powerful message to children: that their experiences, no matter how small, are valuable and worthy of attention. This not only boosts their self-esteem and confidence but also encourages them to continue exploring and learning about the world around them. Moreover, seeing the light in the little things helps us, as educators and caregivers, stay present and mindful in our interactions with children. It reminds us to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the beauty and wonder that surround us every day. In doing so, we not only enhance our own well-being but also create a positive and nurturing environment for children to thrive in. In conclusion, the importance of seeing the light in the little things cannot be overstated, especially in the field of Early Childhood Education. By cultivating a mindset of appreciation and gratitude for the small moments of joy and wonder that fill our days, we can create a more enriching and fulfilling experience for both ourselves and the children in our care. So let us always be the person who sees the light in the little things, for in doing so, we illuminate the path to a brighter future for all. #LaughLearnPlay #BuildingBlocks

"Successful kindergarten transitions do not happen by accident. They are the result of a quality, productive community partnership and planning process that involves a wide range of stakeholders who support young children and their families. To make this collaborative process easier, the Kansas Early Childhood Recommendations Panel has created a Kindergarten Transitions Toolkit to support communities in their efforts to develop effective, satisfying, and sustainable plans and practices." Read more in this article from Natalie McClane, Early Childhood Education Program Consultant with the Kansas State Department of Education. https://lnkd.in/g4WmsjNA

Beyond Paying School Fees: As parents, we strive to provide the best for our children, but sometimes our busy schedules can get in the way. In today's fast - paced world, many parents juggle demanding jobs and businesses, often sidelining their involvement in their children's education. While paying school fees is crucial , it's only a part of the equation. Parent attending school meetings and events may seem like a small thing, but it speaks volumes to our children about our interest in their education and well-being( see attached video) The child feels happy , supported and valued leading to highest self- esteem and improved performance in school. When we show up, we: 1) Demonstrate our commitment to their success 2)Build relationships with teachers and staff 3)Stay informed about their progress and challenges 4)Send a powerful message that their education matters. 5) It also boost our child's confidence and motivation 6)Improve their academic performance . 7) Enhance our understanding of their strengths and weaknesses . Some Practical Tips For Busy Parents To Stay Connected : 1)Set Regular Check -Ins : Weekly ask about their day , assignments and social interactions .Even a weekly 15 mins charts can make a difference. 2)Use technology: Use Apps or school portals to track grades and assignments. Stay informed. 3) Support their Extracurricular Activities : attend sports games , PTA (parents teachers meetings).This shows your child that their interests matters. Volunteer When Possible : If you can't attend school events ,find small ways to contribute like ,helping with homework, providing snacks for celebrating child's birthday in class. It boosts the child's ego. Every small effort counts ! Your active involvement doesn't just enhance your child's educational journey ,it fosters a stronger bond between you. Let's open the discussion : What creative ways do you engage with your child's education despite your busy schedule ? PS: Share with us in the comment section. I am Ebele Obijiofor Follow or Connect for better parenting skill. #ParentingCoachForBusyParents #HarmoniousFamilyLifeUnityRaisingGodlyChildren #PublicSpeaking

Getting back into the school routine after a fun summer can be tough, but with the right support, our children can thrive! Let's make this transition smooth and stress-free. 🌟 Why Transitioning from Summer Holidays is Challenging for Children? The shift from the relaxed vibe of summer holidays to the structured routine of school can be tough for children. Here's why: Change in Routine: During summer, children often have more freedom with their time, so getting back to a strict schedule can be jarring. Less Sleep and Play: Summer is usually filled with late nights and long play days. Transitioning back to early mornings and less free time can be challenging. Social Anxiety: After weeks of being away from classmates and teachers, children might feel nervous about reconnecting or fitting in again. Academic Pressure: The thought of homework, tests, and academic expectations can be overwhelming after a break. Understanding these challenges helps us ease the transition and make the return to school smoother for our children. #backtoschool #transition #childdevelopment #children #school #teachers #parents