Infants and toddlers learn and develop through repeated interactions and ever-evolving relationships with trusted adults. Parents and caregivers alike play a vital role. Interactions with other babies and toddlers also significantly impact a young child's development.

Read more in Developing Trust in the World: Supporting Young Children's Social and Emotional Health, by CCRR's Jenny Spampinato, Infant/Toddler Quality Enhancement Specialist.

Many know Child Care Resources of Rockland as the place to call about UPK. But did you also know we provide professional development and technical assistance to those PreK teachers? In particular, CCRR’S Quality Enhancement Specialists help guide teachers in their work with the  Creative Curriculum for Preschool , particularly the concept of “studies,” hands-on, project-based investigations of topics that are relevant to children’s everyday experiences. Rachel Ambroziak, a CCRR Quality Enhancement Specialist, worked with The Goddard School on the  Study of Balls  and had this share:

 

"This study included learning about a variety of balls and their purposes. The teacher introduced wrecking balls while the children observed how wrecking balls could destroy building structures. The children continued with the study on all types of balls. Through the guidance of their teacher, all areas of age appropriate learning were applied to this study, which allowed for creativity, collaboration, and problem solving.  As the technical assistant, I totally enjoyed observing the children throughout the  Study of Balls  as much as I enjoyed collaborating with teachers   as   they learned the amount of time it takes to fully understand a subject and apply what is learned through their investigations - a process that has prepared the students to apply the study approach to all learning."

 

FUN ACTIVITIES Plan some fun activities to do with your child that will promote skills in all areas of their development (physical, cognitive, motor and social emotional skills).



Let’s Put on a Play! Work with your child to find a cast of characters – dolls, toy figures, and stuffed animals. Split them up between the two of you and make up a play. As you “perform” use different voices for each character. Get silly and have some fun. Record it and send it to the grandparents!

Let’s Go Camping! What better place to camp than in your living room, with its close proximity to the kitchen and the bathroom! Set up a small pup tent if you have one or make your own tent by draping blankets over some furniture. Get out the pillows, sleeping bags and flashlights. Don’t forget to pack a snack!

Some Days You Just Gotta Dance! Turn on some music and let loose, the more active the better!

Sometimes a Box is Not Just a Box It can become a fort, part of an obstacle course (see below!), an alone space, or a cozy corner to read in!

Build an Obstacle Course! Fun physical activity can be had inside or your backyard. Set up a challenge course by encouraging your child to crawl under a broomstick stretched between two chairs, then walk on a straight or curvy line of masking tape on the floor, jump in and out of a hula hoop 7 times, crawl through a box and throw crumbled up pieces of paper into a laundry basket. Ask your child what else could be added.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact Debbie Silver, Director of Professional Development and Quality Enhancement Services: debbies@rocklandchildcare.org

In an effort to help you ensure your program is taking all the necessary steps required to remain safe for the children and for all staff and parents, our nurse, Kristin G. Saunders, RN, BSN, has created a list of important procedures for you to follow daily.

Please read !

Help shape the future of your communty. CENSUS 2020 is here! The federal funding we receive impacts education, healthcare, housing, food assistance, roads, and more. To support our communities EVERYONE must counted.