Well-Being Resources for Educators

January 29, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

Hello,

The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board recognizes that this is a challenging time for all of our educators working front-line in programs. We really appreciate the hard work that you do. We have attached two resources that may be helpful for educators who are experiencing stress.

Both resources come from the Cognitive Behavioural Interpersonal Skills Manual (CBIS). This is a Canadian resource published in 2015. The first resource is titled Wellness Activities. This can help anyone incorporate more activities to support good mental health and well-being. The second resource we are sharing is called Stress Busters, which offers some simple and quick activities that can be done to relieve stress.

Wellness Activities

Stress Busters

We encourage you to print and share these resources with your staff. Additionally, educators can perform these stress busters alongside the children and demonstrate ways that children can also relieve stress.

We will continue to support operators and educators to foster a sense of well-being among programs. Thank you for all that you do for children and families! If you have suggestions for content, please email us at early.years@tbdssab.ca

Reference:
CBIS_Manual_0409.indd (gpscbc.ca)

Coronaphobia Virtual Talk

January 27, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

Hello everyone,

We apologize that this is last minute, but we came across a webinar that we thought may be of interest to some. We know that the pandemic has been very hard on our mental health and well-being so we are hoping to find more ways to support you through these tough times.

Northern Hearts is offering a free webinar at 7pm TONIGHT titled “Coronaphobia”. Dr. Meaghan Labine, MD, MSC, PhD, CCFP from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine will be speaking about how the fear of contracting COVID-19 impacts our daily lives and will offer recommendations on how individuals can protect their mental health during the pandemic.

Click HERE for more information.

RESCHEDULED Web Cafe featuring special guest Karen Longridge – Wednesday October 7th, 2020 9AM-10AM

September 18, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

Join us for the next Web Cafe, where we will enjoy an open discussion on supporting children’s mental health in child care with Karen Longridge, MSW RSW, Social Worker with the Preschool Assessment Consultation Program at the Children’s Centre Thunder Bay. Please email early.years@tbdssab.ca to register.

Returning to Child Care: Preparing ourselves and our children

September 8, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

Children’s Centre Thunder Bay has created a video called Returning to Child Care; Preparing ourselves and our children. This video has been uploaded to the CCTB website and can be accessed using the link below:

http://www.childrenscentre.ca/en/developmental-services/preschool-assessment-consultation-program

The video is a 30 minute presentation for families when introducing a child to the early learning environment in the age of COVID-19. It focuses on building new life-skills with children and encouraging open and respectful communication between caregivers and staff in the context of a constantly changing situation.

Please feel free to share this link with families.

Engaging with Families

September 4, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

A Child Care program who was able to provide Emergency Child Care services in Kingston writes, “We were apprehensive about parents not being permitted to come into into the centre, however, the staff found effective ways to use electronic communication with families (notes/photos etc.) so not seeing their child’s teacher face to face was not an issue at all; in fact we have received so much positive feedback from families that they feel very involved and informed about what is happening at the centre even though they have not set foot indoors” (Ontario, 2020, p.3)!

What are some ways that you can invite feedback from and engage with families while maintaining physical distancing?

Valuing Educators as Child Care Re-Opens

August 8, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

The Building on How Does Learning Happen? document states that “Involving educators in planning for reopening right from the beginning, values their expertise and ideas and is critical for a successful reopening.” It further goes on to say that “Educators who experience being valued contributors will be better able to support children and their families during the re-opening transition” (Ontario, 2020, p. 3).

We want to know how you feel educators can be involved at your centre! Share your ideas below!

New Ministry Document: Building on How Does Learning Happen?

July 30, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

The Ministry of Education has released a new document to extend on How Does Learning Happen? titled Building on How Does Learning Happen?.

Click the link below for access:

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/building-on-how-does-learning-happen-child-care.pdf

This PDF highlights the ways programs can continue to foster the Four Foundations during these times of change and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This document contains reflective questions, stories, and suggestions for programs of ways to continue to align with How Does Learning Happen? during these unprecedented times.

Please review the document and share it widely with your colleagues in the early years profession, and stay tuned as we will continue to post on our portal about Building on How Does Learning Happen? and offer some opportunities for our community to engage and share ideas and stories about pedagogy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Face Masks in Enclosed Spaces

July 20, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

Please note the following from the TBDHU website:

https://www.tbdhu.com/mandatorymasksFAQs

“Enclosed public space” means indoor public spaces of businesses and organizations that are accessed by the public. For example, restaurants, retail establishments, churches, libraries, sports facilities, gyms, common areas and waiting rooms, public transportation and personal service settings are all “enclosed public spaces”. Schools, child care centres, day camps, and other indoor spaces not accessible to the public are not considered an enclosed public space.

Throwback Thursday!

July 9, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

What an interesting year 2020 has been so far. We thought we were in for a 3 week March Break, and look where we are today. The Emergency Order continues to be extended, and we are all navigating this new normal of living with COVID-19. Since March, the TBDSSAB has supported the operation of three Emergency Child Care programs within our District, and we are now into Phase 2 where some child care centres are beginning to reopen under rigorous guidelines.

At this time, even with the re-opening of child care programs, we are unable to visit all of you like we have in the past. This opportunity to slow down and reflect on our work, our lives and our values implores us to consider what changes we want to make as we move forward and how we might reframe a “new normal”. We will come out of this time changed, and hopefully for the better.

As we look back at the memories we’ve shared together, we want you to know that we are thinking of all of you, missing you dearly, and wishing you the utmost safety and well-being at this time. We look forward to what the future holds for our work together and a time where we can be reunited.

COVID-19

July 7, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

Visit our new COVID-19 page under the Resources section! We will continue to post documents and information related to COVID-19 and the early years on this page.