Inclusion Matters

In this podcast Cindy Croft, Dea Anderson and Priscilla Weigel discuss a common statement heard when caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. A child may choose to play alone often and because of the critical learning that takes place during play, providers need ideas of how to engage the child in more interactive play. Part 1 will discuss some play characteristics of children with play challenges. Discussion Question In the podcast there is discussion of some reasons why a child would choose to play alone. Are there some children in your care who choose solitary/parallel play? Discuss some clues you observe that may be reasons for their independent play. How can you engage a child in longer peer interactions?

In the final part of the series, Cindy Croft, Priscilla Weigel and Dea Anderson conclude their discussion on the benefits of inclusion when it comes to cognition as well as sensory-motor development for all kids, with and without disabilities.

In part one of this two part series, Cindy Croft, Priscilla Weigel and Dea Anderson discuss the benefits of inclusion to communication, language and social skills for children with and without disabilities.

In this podcast, Dea Anderson and Priscilla Weigel discuss some of the common phrases heard in child care programs like “bubble in your mouth” and offer alternative guidance strategies for achieving the same goals.

The transition from early childhood to elementary school is a common adjustment for young children to make. Creating a successful change of setting can occur when we support children and provide opportunities for them to experience change with confidence and excitement. Join the team at CICC as we discuss useful techniques and suggestions that help providers prepare children to move on to their next season of life with positive anticipation!

Change is inevitable in life. Young children experience many changes in their young lives. Join Priscilla Weigel and Dea Anderson as they share useful tips that provide stability for children transitioning to a new group setting within their child care environments.

Encouragement and Effective Praise (Part 2): Priscilla and Cindy take the message of Part 1 on why we praise children and broaden the discussion with specific examples of effective encouragement. How do we respond to children in ways that help them feel successful and competent? Why is this important to their social emotional development? Tune in to hear more.

In the first part of a two-part series on praise and effective encouragement for young children, Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel will examine why it is important to use words that encourage a sense of accomplishment and competence in children. Why do we praise children? What makes for effective interchanges? Please listen for tips and tools for talking with your children.

Promoting Attachment in the Child Care Program: Your Role Matters! (Part 3)

In Part 2 of our series on attachment, Dea Anderson speaks in more detail about how attachment can manifest in young children and some of the factor that influence attachment. When we understand influences like temperament or trauma, we can build stronger relationships with each child we care for.

The CICC begins a 3-part series on attachment of infants and toddlers and the role that early educators play in this important emotional milestone. Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel welcome Dea Anderson as a guest speaker on the topic of attachment as we discuss the responsive relationship between caregiver and child.

In this podcast, Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel discuss the IDEA Part C regulation which names ‘child care and early learning programs’ as primary referral sources for children in their care who may have developmental delays. Listen to Cindy and Priscilla explain what this regulation means to you as a child care provider and what your role now means when it comes to early intervention.

In Part 2 of the podcast on IDEA Part Primary Referral Source, Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel discuss the importance of working closely with families when a referral of a child in your program becomes necessary. How do you maintain a trusting relationship? How do you continue to support families? Tips will be shared on communicating with families.

Toddlers are wondrous little people whose typical behaviors that can also challenge child care providers! In this podcast, Cindy Croft, Priscilla Weigel, and Dea Anderson discuss some of the challenges like biting and potty training that are common with the age group and offer some suggestions for meeting everyone’s needs.

In this podcast, Cindy Croft, Priscilla Weigel, and Dea Anderson explore the foundations of toddler development. Using the lens of developmentally appropriate practice, we will look at expectations of these young ones and set the stage for discussing challenges from behaviors in Part Two.