When it comes to caregiving, whether children are being cared for in a group setting (such as childcare, preschool, etc.), relationships are formed. Children of all ages form relationships and attach to their caregivers when their needs are met. This is oftentimes referred to as “The Caregiving Cycle” or “The Secure Base Model.” When a child has an immediate need and that child is unable to help themselves achieve the end goal, they seek support from other sources such as a parent, teacher, sibling, etc.

Why is this important information? Why does it matter? When children are provided the opportunity to create and maintain positive relationships with their parents and teachers, they are offered a, “…safe haven for reassurance when there are difficulties. Thus, a secure base promotes security, confidence, competence and resilience,” (Secure Base Model). In other words, children learn to trust. They learn that when they have a need, it will get met by someone trustworthy that cares for them. For an infant, the need may resemble something as simple as a diaper change. For a toddler, the need may be help regulating ones emotions during a difficult transitional period. No matter the situation or how dire the need is, children rely on adults to assist them. When the adults in a child’s life are meeting need after need, a healthy and secure relationship is created. When that relationship is established, children know that they will be helped. They know that when they are hungry, tired, etc. someone will be there for them. This allows children to focus on other things – rather than the constant worry or fear that they won’t be helped. When their needs are met, this gives children the chance to not only learn, but to also thrive in an environment such as an early childhood learning center.

The cycle looks like this:

1. The child has a need that build in intensity over time.
2. The caregiver intervenes and meets the need of the child.
3. The child is then able to relax.
4. A relaxed child is able to learn and actively participate in activities – learning time!
5. The cycle starts over and begins again at number one.

The Caregiving Cycle is simple, really. Meet the needs of children in a timely and kind manner and the secure base that each child is longing for is created. Parents and teachers can help by offering a predictable pattern of behavior to create happy babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Ms. Morgan

Kids Coach (Infant/Toddlers)
Lead Infant Teacher

Sources:
“Secure Base Model.” University of East Anglia, https://www.uea.ac.uk/…/centre-for…/secure-base-model.

There is a pretty common misconception in society that teachers in early childhood settings are “daycare workers” or “babysitters.” This couldn’t be further from the truth, and is quite frustrating for those of us working in the field. What we know and what we do far exceeds just taking care of children and meeting their basic needs. In this blog, I’ll break early childhood education and educators down and define them.

What is it?

There are four main stages of education: early childhood, elementary, secondary, and post secondary. Early Childhood Education is typically a group setting that is designed to affect developmental changes in children from birth to the age of 5, by using developmentally appropriate practices to create purposeful and meaningful curriculum. Early experiences and interactions in warm and nurturing environments are essential to healthy brain development. The brain develops more rapidly in the first three years than in any other time of life. In the first year alone, it doubles in size, and will be 90% of it’s full size by the age of 5. ECE makes sure the brain and body is supported during this stage of life.

The cool ”science-y” stuff

A newborn baby is born with every neuron (brain cell) they’ll ever have in their life. The connections between these brain cells (synapses) help us to do everything, thinking, communicating, moving, etc. In the early years, at least a million new connections are formed every second, more than any other time in our lives. These connections are needed for important, higher-level abilities like motivation, self-regulation, problem solving, and communicating. During the first years these connections are formed – or not formed, and affect our lives moving forward.

What is an Early Childhood Educator?

Quality Early Childhood Educators are highly experienced and educated. This is an actual profession with college degree programs available. We have degrees, certifications, and lots of ongoing continuing education. We know the developmental stages children go through, how their brains grow and learn, what their bodies are capable of, and how to teach and facilitate learning in all developmental areas. We are definitely not “just” daycare providers or babysitters. More than all of that, teachers in this field must be compassionate, loving, creative, flexible, and willing to adapt. This field and the science behind it are constantly evolving and we all know the dispositions of children are ever changing as well.

Ms. Amy
Onboarding Specialist
Infant Nursery Supervisor

Kindergarten is an exciting and emotionally charged milestone for children and their family.

It’s a whole new ballpark from childcare and an even whole new world if your child has never been in a school setting ever.

Here are a few things you can do to ease everyone in and feel good about moving forward.

• If your child has never been away from you regularly, try to get them into a Summer program to get them used to more independence.
• Practice with meals you plan to pack your child so you know what they can and cannot open on their own. Also practice reminding them to focus on eating (unfortunately, they probably aren’t going to get a long lunch time)
• Do they know the basics? (Full alphabet, counting to at least 20, shapes, ability to listen to and follow through with directions, dressing and using the bathroom independently)
• Work on fine motor skills like tying shoes, using scissors, pencils, or glue sticks
• Read together. Do different forms of talking about the story, retelling, following along the words, talk about letters and their sounds. This will set them up for independent reading. But never stop reading together! That’s special time for a multitude of reasons

Praise is a wonderful way to pump up our children however, encouraging over direct praise helps your child to become independent and overcome challenges. Ultimately it is more effective for a child’s self-esteem and helps motivate kids to want to learn, grow and reach their goals vs. expecting someone to always fix or help them with their problem.

There are many ways you can encourage your child and have them take accountability for their actions at the same time.

One example is encouraging them to get ready for school themselves (in an age-appropriate way.) You can lay out 2 sets of clothes that are you-approved and they can pick out which one they would like to wear. Yes, it may be backwards, or it may be mixed matched between the two outfits, but they will be so proud of their decision. (Psst this also teaches confidence in their own decision-making!) This takes out the argument of “I don’t want to wear that” since they are the decision makers in what they would like to wear to school. In theory, this could make your morning routine easier!

Mealtime is also a great way to encourage your child to try new things and help with the daily running of the house. Eating the same thing as your child can also help them try new things.
Some phrases to use during mealtime are:

“Do you know how it tastes?” “Can you tell me if you like it?”

“We can do it together, what would you like to try first?” (You do a countdown and taste it together.) Ask them if they like it or if they don’t but also let them explain why they do or don’t.

Also give them praise for trying something they didn’t want to try!

Children ultimately love to do a lot on their own and encouragement helps their overall development. Encouraging phrases become something they look forward to even if they say that they can’t do it. It’s okay to let them problem solve because once they do it on their own it will be a victory moment for them! When the “I can’t” phrases come up, be sure to respond with “You can!” or “I believe you can do it!” or “ You are very capable!” When they finally do it remind and say “Hey you said you couldn’t do it and I see that you did it all by yourself! Nice work keep trying and never give up!”

Encouragement is great motivation at home, school, and life tool for young children.

Ms. Jaswane
Resident Kids Coach
Lead Preschool Teacher

When you raise your child to be a reader, you open them up to exciting possibilities. Reading provides core academic benefits, like improved language and writing skills. It also cultivates creative thinking and mental agility. Reading is a fantastic way for children to escape and explore worlds that otherwise remain beyond their reach. Books help foster empathy by allowing readers to see the world from another’s perspective. They help practice problem-solving as they take in stories with complex characters, storylines, or plot devices. They can also find comfort in knowing that, oftentimes, people encounter similar life events as presented in books. Raising a reader will unlock lifelong learning opportunities for your children. It will ultimately set them up for success down the road where glorious life awaits! But what does it take exactly to raise a reader?

Raising a child who has developed an affinity for books and reading, in general, requires some effort and commitment on your part as a parent. However, it doesn’t have to be daunting. There are plenty of fun and easy ways to get your children enamored with reading. Here are ten things you can do to raise a reader:

Create a special place devoted solely to reading

Creating a special space dedicated to reading is a great way to motivate your child to read more. Creating a comfortable, cozy environment can set the stage for reading. It should be stocked with lots of fun and interesting books, magazines, and other reading materials that your child will love.

Additionally, ensure the area has good lighting so it’s easier for your child’s eyes when they are going through those books! By providing resources and a comfortable environment, you’ll be able to foster enthusiasm in your child for this most worthwhile hobby — one that they can keep up with even as they grow up. Give it a try; you may be surprised by how efficiently and effectively it can raise a reader!

Set an example by reading yourself

If you want to raise a reader, your children must see you enjoying books, too! Make sure they witness firsthand how much pleasure and satisfaction you get from reading, whether fiction or nonfiction. Show them that there is something special about curling up with a good book — and tell them why. They will watch your behavior and naturally pick up on the joy you receive from reading. Setting a positive example of reading can help cement your child’s interest in books over time.

Plan regular trips to the library

One of the best things you can do to create a reader and fan of books is to take your child frequently to visit their local library or bookstore. It is important to build this habit early, while they’re young, so it becomes second nature to pick up books as children grow older. Not only will visiting the library or bookstore ensure easy access to many books at once, but it can also spark great conversations and stoke excitement among children when they see all the different stories around them. There’s nothing else like walking into a place teeming with books for a child to explore! So if you want your child to recognize their potential as a young reader, remember to pay regular visits to your local library or bookstore.

Skip television and video games in favor of reading

The more time your child spends watching TV or playing video games, the less likely they are to read. Instead of allowing them access to these devices, opt for reading instead! Make it fun by adding some elements of competition: create reading challenges, such as seeing who can finish a book first or who can answer questions about what was read most accurately. You could reward your little reader for completing a book or series.

Read aloud daily

Make it a daily habit to read aloud to your children. Think of it as snuggling up with a good book yourself — except you get the bonus of snuggling up with your little one. You’ll both benefit from this activity. Reading enhances kids’ development by introducing them to new vocabulary and providing enrichment for their imagination, and strengthening their bond with you.

When selecting books, pick ones that your children will be excited about! Let them join in the search process and guide you toward stories they’ll enjoy. Make reading time something they look forward to each day. It doesn’t take much — just 30 minutes — but it makes an invaluable contribution to their future success as readers.

Incorporate technology

Even if your child isn’t old enough for their device, there are plenty of ways you can use technology to foster an interest in reading. There are many different websites and apps available today that offer interactive stories as well as other activities related to raising a reader. Look for activities that help your child practice their phonics, learn new words, and explore the world of literature. You can also find books you can read together online. Reading aloud with technology makes the story more fun and engaging. It’s often less intimidating than putting a physical book in front of your child.

Make up stories together

You don’t need to be an expert storyteller to engage your child in reading! Create stories as a family, or have each person take turns adding one line at a time until you fill up an entire page. Ask questions about what might happen next in the story, come up with alternative endings or create characters for your children to relate to. This is great way to get creative together and instill an appreciation for books.

Start a book club

Who says book clubs are just for adults? Get the whole family involved in one! Set up a monthly or bi-monthly meeting where everyone can come together to talk about what they’ve read, discuss characters, share thoughts on plot twists, and of course, make snacks inspired by the books. It is a great way to turn reading into a social event — and encourage your children to connect with their peers who also love literature. Plus, it gives them something special to look forward to each month.

Let kids pick their own books

It’s important that your child have some autonomy when choosing which books they read. Studies have shown that giving children autonomy when picking out their books can increase the likelihood that they’ll take an interest in the stories and continue to turn pages. It’s a win-win because you still get to provide guidance and ensure that your child’s reading is age-appropriate and appropriate for your family values. Plus, by letting them make their own choice, chances are high that the book will spark their enthusiasm and capture enough of their attention to encouraging a love for reading that could last long into adulthood.

Make connections between books and real life

Help your children connect literature and everyday life. Discuss ways in which characters are similar to people they know or mention how events in stories can be applied to real-world situations. This encourages a deeper understanding of the material and helps kids think more critically about what they’re reading — all of which contribute towards raising a reader.

Reading exposes young children to new vocabulary, provides enrichment for their imagination, and strengthens their bond with you. With these eleven tips for raising a reader, parents can easily turn everyday moments into opportunities for discovering new worlds through literature. These tricks will surely get any young reader off on the right path toward becoming an avid learner!

Here at Young Scholars Academy, we aim to create an engaging learning environment, filled with meaningful fun activities that create such big memories, your kids will happily remember throughout the years! We pride ourselves in the quality of our establishment and maintain an environment that is clean, safe and loving for all. Our classrooms provide every child a place where they can explore, discover and enjoy learning through kinesthetic experiences. Visit us to learn more!