Children With Special Needs: Transitions

 

When we keep these things in mind we will see greater success for children in our setting. They will feel a sense of security and predictability that brings calm to their day. This allows them to explore and learn without anxiety about what is happening next.

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Supporting Friendships for Children with Special Needs

 

Our focus during this conversation is on the ways we as those caring for and teaching young children can help them build positive friendships. We discuss the importance of friendships and the ways we can set up the environment to support quality play connections for children with special needs.

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Does Autism Affect Potty Training? Understanding Challenges and Strategies

This article explores how autism can influence the process of potty training and why children on the autism spectrum may experience unique challenges with toileting. It discusses contributing factors such as sensory sensitivities, communication delays, rigid routines, and anxiety, and provides practical, compassionate strategies for caregivers to support successful potty learning. The resource emphasizes individualized pacing, visual supports, positive reinforcement, and collaboration between families and professionals.

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Food Texture Hypersensitivity in Children With Autism

This article explains food texture hypersensitivity in children with autism and how sensory processing differences can impact eating habits. It outlines common signs such as gagging, refusal of certain foods, and strong reactions to textures, while emphasizing that these responses are sensory-based rather than behavioral. The resource offers practical, developmentally appropriate strategies for caregivers and educators, including gradual exposure, respecting sensory boundaries, and creating positive mealtime experiences to support children with sensory sensitivities

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Classroom Design for Emotional Regulation

 

When designed with intention, the classroom environment supports emotional regulation, safety, and independence. Intentional classroom design is the silent teacher that shapes behavior and nurtures every aspect of learning.

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Crear Un Lugar Acogedor y Tranquilo

 

Ofrecer un rincón o área acogedora de su aula es una forma maravillosa de proporcionar a los niños un espacio para descomprimirse, tomarse un descanso, y expresar sus emociones de manera efectiva.

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Why Letting Your Kids Play Outside in Winter is the Right Move

 

The arguments for heading to the backyard or the local playground or park in cold weather range from improved cardiovascular health to enhanced cognitive function to resilience building to mood enhancement and beyond.

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Child Psychologist Reveals The 5 Signs Your Kids Will Be Successful Adults

 

A parenting expert shares five key behaviors that may signal future success in children. While no single trait determines a child’s path, certain skills formed in early childhood can set a strong foundation for thriving academically, socially and eventually in the workplace. 

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For Early Years Educators: Physical Literacy Can Be Easy

 

There can be challenges with implementing physical literacy in early years settings. Everyone can take comfort: there are growing resources available that make it easy to introduce physical literacy programming and get yourself up to speed on how to lead a program.

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Improving Mental Health Through Independent Play

 

Psychologist Peter Gray discusses how encouraging independent play fosters resilient, self-reliant, and mentally fit young people.

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10 Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Love Moving

If you want your child to lead an active and healthy life and aren’t sure how to get them on the right path, then these 10 can’t-fail ways to encourage them are for you.

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Creative Opportunities for Infants and Toddlers

 

This conversation about creative activities that foster discovery, exploration, and delight in our youngest learners shares examples of activities and processes that provide experiences for joy and learning, reminding us that infants and toddlers are more interested in DOING art than MAKING a finished product.

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Get Moving! 12 Books Designed to Make Kids Move

 

Reading doesn’t have to be a quiet, couch-centered activity. For a little one who is bursting with energy and can barely sit still for a page or two, these twelve books are ideal they practically insist that kids get up and move around.

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A Loud Winter’s Nap: Winter Read Aloud Book for Kids

 

Turtle is ready to rest for the winter, but everywhere he tries to nap, there is just too much noise! Can he find a place to hibernate for the winter without being bothered?