Some children have not been to an early learning program or school for possibly over 18 months and are returning from the pandemic for the first time. Other children are returning after the summer off. Some are continuing to attend and have not missed a day. There are many different perspectives to embrace during this time of transition.
As we return to in-person care and learning after a challenging year and a half, we will need to have many supports available to smooth and soothe the transition! Below are some tips, tricks, and reminders to support early childhood professionals, children, and families. Here are some tips and tricks that can assist in ensuring social-emotional wellness:
- Focusing on yourself:
Give time for mindfulness, mediation, reflection, give time to focus on your own beliefs, values, biases, and emotional wellness - Center your relationships and care:
Focus on the relationship between you and your children and other adults with whom you share a workspace, thinking about connectedness, predictability, routines, flexibility, and empowerment (including children in decision-making and choices) - Incorporating personal reflection and self-care into your emotional wellness practice:
Make room for people and things that bring you joy to help you recharge, so you can be emotionally available to the children and your loved ones.
Resources for Early Childhood Professionals
Colorado’s Masking in Child Care Guidebook . This Guidebook is a compilation of key resources and tips for supporting children, staff, and families with mask-wearing. It also includes sample program policies, activities to engage children, and materials you can download or print and share broadly.
- Self-Care for Teachers
- Supporting our Youngest Learners: Addressing Trauma, Mental Health Concerns, & Social Emotional Wellness
- Back to School: Promoting Social-Emotional Skills and Preventing Challenging Behavior
- Rebuilding the Pyramid: Reconnecting After a Break
Resources for Families
The following resources offer tips for families including age-appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care, and activities for young children experiencing social distancing.
- Talking about the Coronavirus
- Self-Care & Time at Home
- Staying Connected
- Sesame Street Resources
- Visual Solutions for Routines, Schedules, and Transitions
- Helping Children Understand Emotions When Wearing Masks
- Helping Your Child During the Pandemic
- Help Us Have a Good Day! Positive Strategies for Families (PDF)
By Robin Levy, MA & Sierra Hansen, M.ED, I-MHE