UNDERSTANDING THE CHILD

Brain development, attachment, communication, behaviour, emotional regulation, executive functioning, developmental milestones, mental health and the effects of stress on learning.

 

NEURODIVERGENCE AND INCLUSIVE CHILDHOODS

Understanding neurodivergence in early childhood, including autism, ADHD, sensory processing, communication differences and inclusive environments that support different strengths and needs.

Topics may include supporting children while families wait for assessment or services, reducing stigma, recognizing strengths, communicating concerns respectfully and building inclusive environments.

 

SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION

Speech and language development, early signs that additional support may be helpful, multilingual development, language-rich environments and working with speech-language pathologists.

 

NUTRITION, HEALTH AND LEARNING

The connection between nutrition, sleep, movement, physical health, regulation, attention, behaviour and learning.

 

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORTS

Sensory processing, fine- and gross-motor development, feeding, self-help skills, independence, environmental adaptations and translating therapy recommendations into daily routines.

 

SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Helping families and childcare professionals understand the roles of:

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• Speech-language pathologists

• Occupational therapists

• Physiotherapists

• Psychologists and mental-health professionals

• Behavioural consultants

• Early-intervention professionals

• Developmental-assessment services

• Dietitians and nutrition professionals

• Public-health services

• Family-resource and parenting programs

• Inclusion and accessibility supports

• Community-based family services

 

This content should acknowledge that access, eligibility, terminology and service-delivery systems differ across provinces and territories.

 

UNDERSTANDING CANADA’S CHILDCARE SYSTEM

An accessible look at the policies, funding decisions and regulatory frameworks that shape childcare across Canada.

Topics may include:

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• Federal, provincial and territorial responsibilities

• Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreements

• How public funding reaches families and childcare programs

• Affordability, accessibility and availability

• Waitlists and regional differences

• Provincial and territorial regulatory frameworks

• Staffing, ratio and qualification requirements

• Inclusion funding

• Workforce funding and wage enhancements

• Parental choice and program flexibility

• How policy decisions affect access and quality

• How families, educators and operators can participate in policy conversations

 

Please use national language and do not suggest that all provinces and territories have the same funding model or regulatory system.

 

FAMILIES AND EDUCATORS AS PARTNERS

Trust, respectful communication, shared expectations, difficult conversations, healthy boundaries and supporting children consistently across home, childcare and community services.

 

THE POWER OF PLAY

Risky play, outdoor play, creativity, movement, exploration, independence, problem-solving and protecting play in increasingly academic environments.

 

RAISING CAPABLE CHILDREN

Confidence, resilience, responsibility, leadership, self-advocacy, healthy struggle, readiness for school and readiness for life.