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As we wrap up our first month of Core Concepts in Early Childhood Development, let’s recap the irreplaceable value of the parent/primary caregiver as a child’s first and most important teacher! Missed the posts? Check out our Instagram feed and look for the posts with this tagline (and don't forget to follow us for more). When a baby opens their eyes for the first time, the world around them is big and unknown. They can see, but they do not understand the faces, images, and voices surrounding them. Slowly, with the help of their parents or caregivers, they start making sense of the world. A child learns their first life lesson when they cry and somebody responds to make them feel better. They learn that their needs matter. When a baby smiles or babbles and their caregiver responds with smiles and coos and little words, the baby starts to understand that a caregiver is watching and listening. This is called ‘Serve and Return’ and it is a cornerstone of healthy child development. Serve and return works like a game of tennis or volleyball between child and parent/caregiver: the child “serves” by reaching out for interaction—eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, babbling, touch—and the caregiver “returns the serve” by looking over, smiling, speaking back, playing peekaboo, or sharing a toy. Children develop best when they have consistent, supportive, and loving adult influences throughout their lives. When a consistent and supportive caregiver sends similar messages over and over, they help their young child understand what is happening around them and who is there to support and help them. When children realize they always have support and love, they start to feel safe in the world. When children feel safe, they will bravely explore their world and learn much faster. Everything you and your child do together teaches important lessons that help them grow and learn about their world. Every day, every moment children are trying to make sense of the world around them. As they get older, their world expands as well. They start meeting new people, going to new places, and seeing new things—and they rely on you to help them sort out what they are experiencing. This is a dog For example, when you are out for a walk and see a dog, you can support your child’s learning by pointing at the dog and saying, “This is a dog. A dog says ‘ruff, ruff.’” Your child learns that this this four-legged thing is a dog, and it can talk—the way it talks might be loud and strange, but this is how dogs talk. The next time your child hears barking and sees a dog, they will recognize and understand what it is. Children under five learn fast and remember well because this is the time their brains are rapidly building connections. This has four legs too, but is not a dog Later on, your child might see another four-legged animal, a cow for example, and think, “this is a dog.” You take this opportunity to teach your child about more four legged animals by adding on that this is a cow, and cows say “mooo”. You have started teaching that many things have four legs, but they are different from each other, and they make different sounds. "Why, why, why?" Once children get older and their language skills develop, they will start asking questions. The question “why?” becomes a powerful one. Adults take the world for granted, but children do not! To them, everything is interesting because everything is new. As a parent, you want to encourage that curiosity and critical thinking. If your tone is warm and welcoming, your child will learn to come to you with any thoughts and worries because you’ve made it clear that you’re always there to listen. That is the type of relationship we want to develop with our children. Parents don't have to know everything! Sometimes, parents get worried if they don’t have an answer but that is okay! In fact, it creates a wonderful opportunity to start teaching your child about problem-solving. Looking for answers together will encourage your child to explore, and exploring the world, exploring people, and exploring feelings brings many discoveries. The positive relationship you build with your child is their foundation for future social and emotional wellbeing Think about those precious moments when you cuddle and read a book with your child or play a simple game of hide and seek or tell jokes together. All those seemingly simple things build trust and attachment between parents and children, and healthy parent-child attachment is another cornerstone of child development. Teaching your child to value person-to-person interactions is setting a template for their future relationships. For every negative experience, a child needs four positive experiences to make up for it. The most important part of being your child’s parent and first teacher is showing your children they are loved and lovable. When you accept your children as they are, when you show interest in what they do and what they like, they become confident and self-assured. When you notice your child is working hard on something and praise them for it, you let them know that you are noticing and approving of what they are doing. Focusing on the process rather than a product (the end result) encourages children to try and do even more new things. Showing your delight in what you see your child doing helps them know when they are on the right path. Make sure you find many opportunities to let your children know you like what they are doing, what they are saying, and how they are interacting with others, because small and frequent praising can change your child’s life. Their first relationships with you and their other significant caregivers will build their personality and develop the self-esteem they will carry into the future. Next month’s core concept is “Play, the Work of Children." Learn more about how you can be your child’s best teacher and give them a leg up in the world simply by learning more about the fine art of PLAY! Sound like fun? Remember to subscribe to our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram!

Maybe you’re looking down at your first newborn in your arms or maybe you’re sending your third child off to kindergarten. In either case you may be thinking “Am I doing enough?” Science shows that the most crucial relationships in a person's life are those with their “primary caregivers,” whether that’s mom, dad, grandma, uncle, or nanny. The people a child spends the most time with in their early years will undeniably shape the person they become as they grow. So how can we make sure that we’re having a positive effect? Serve and Return “Serve and Return” is the conversational tennis match between two or more people and it is the driving force in healthy brain development. When a baby cries and their caregiver picks them up, they learn that they can affect the world around them, that they have a voice, and that the people that they love and rely on are listening! Serve and return doesn’t mean agreeing or giving your child everything they ask for. It just means letting them know that you hear and understand them. It may seem incredibly simple, and that’s because it is. The simple act of acknowledging and responding to your child’s bids for attention actually makes their brain stronger! Modeling It may be cliché, but “monkey see, monkey do” is a well-documented phenomenon in child behaviour. Though our children are listening to what we tell them to do, they are much more likely to copy ways of being, thinking, and problem-solving that they get to witness first hand. Trying to get your toddler to stay seated at the dinner table? Make a point to sit down and enjoy the meal yourself. Preschooler tosses their jacket, shoes and backpack across the living room on the way in from daycare? Take a moment to notice where your coat and bag ended up. Attachment Children and adults are shaped by their attachments to other people. A strong secure attachment for a newborn looks like being responded to quickly when upset, having diapers changed and feedings regularly, and having an emotionally open and supportive caregiver. For a preschooler, it may look like a parent waiting at the bus stop, a snack packed for later, or a genuine curiosity about their day. For an adult, it may be trusting that your partner will pick up dinner on the way home or counting on a friend to carpool to work. We all need each other in different ways as we age. The ways that we express affection and care towards our children will be translated into how they give and receive those things in all areas of their lives. The truth about the early years is that our children have a lot to learn about their world every single day! Let the ABCs and 123s come a little later, because it is you that is teaching them about how to think and feel in the world around them. A child’s first and most important teacher is YOU!

Taking great care of our children and families by minimizing the spread of COVID-19 is a priority at Norwood. We are monitoring and following all measures announced by the provincial government. You can find full information here > How current programs are affected: Our fall programs will proceed as outlined in our most recent Program Guide, with reduced numbers in some instances:​ Head Start, Parent Respite and Home Visitation/Family Support programs remain unchanged In-Person Parent Education Groups and Parent and Child Groups will proceed, but with reduced numbers Online groups will be unaffected How we are keeping families safe: all staff are fully vaccinated masking is mandatory for all adults in Norwood Centre's public spaces such as entrances, hallways, washrooms children are not expected to mask there are hand-sanitizing stations in all entrances and at several points in hallways staff wear masks when working with adults out in the community We strongly encourage all parents/caregivers to get their COVID-19 vaccinations! Learn more >

Only vaccination records with QR codes can be accepted for entry to Norwood Centre as of November 15. Get your record > _____________________________________ To serve our families as effectively as possible through the continuing COVID pandemic, Norwood Centre will be implementing the Government of Alberta Restrictions Exemption Program effective September 22, 2021. We thank you for your patience as we sort out new procedures for our families and staff members. What does this mean to you? In short, it means you must provide proof of vaccination per the current requirements provided by the Government of Alberta before entering Norwood Centre. Every person eligible to receive the vaccine, including staff, contractors and volunteers, must be fully vaccinated in order to enter. To facilitate implementation of the Restrictions Exemption Program, the front door of Norwood will be locked. Ring the doorbell when you arrive and a staff member will come out to meet you and check your vaccination record. If you are bringing a child to their program and are unvaccinated or don't wish to show proof of vaccination, the staff member can walk your child to their room. Previously announced safety measures still apply: Masking and physical distancing (remaining 6 feet apart) are mandatory while in the building, even for those who are vaccinated. Children are required to wear masks on school buses. Children are not required to wear masks while in their classrooms Programs delivered virtually or via telephone: Adult program participants who are unvaccinated or choose not to provide proof of vaccination will be invited to attend programs and services virtually or by telephone. Vaccine support: If you need support in getting your COVID-19 vaccination, call us at 780-471-3737. September 16 COVID-19 Measures Due to rising COVID rates, the Government of Alberta has announced new measures to reduce the spread of the virus. In response, Norwood Centre will be temporarily changing some in-person programs and services to online and/or telephone delivery. Head Start and Parent Respite programs will run as usual onsite at Norwood Centre. Parent education groups and parent/child groups will be delivered online, usually via Zoom. In-home family support services will be delivered online or via telephone. For participants still attending Norwood Centre in person, the following rules apply: Masking and physical distancing (remaining 6 feet apart) are mandatory while in the building. Children are required to wear masks on school buses. Children are not required to wear masks while in their classrooms. Staff will be in touch with individuals and families currently registered in programs or groups to provide full details. We encourage program participants over 12 years old to become vaccinated—please connect with Norwood staff for resources or referrals. Please also contact Norwood reception at 780-471-3737 if you have questions or concerns, and watch for updates here on our website or on our Facebook page. Thank you everyone for your patience and cooperation!

On November 24, leaders from the C5 agencies had the opportunity to meet with Minister of Children's Services, Rebecca Schulz, to learn more about the new federal/provincial agreement on affordable and accessible childcare in Alberta. The C5 is excited about the potential positive impacts this agreement will have for parents in our province and eagerly await upcoming details. The group also discussed the importance of Collaborative Service Delivery, which improves outcomes for children in care. Working together, agencies can ensure culture is embedded into practice, leading to better communication, decreased stress, and - ultimately - family reunifications. The C5 comprises Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society , Boyle Street Community Services , EMCN , Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre, and Terra Centre . Group photo, clockwise from left: Mohamed Elsaghir, C5; Lux, FRN; Jordan Reiniger, Boyle Street; Krysta Fitzgerald, Boyle Street; Cheryl Whiskeyjack, Bent Arrow; Meghan Klein, EMCN; Rebecca Schulz, Province of Alberta; Laurie Fagan, Norwood Centre; Karen Mottershead, Terra Centre

In 1989, world leaders made history by creating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is the most ratified treaty in history and has transformed children's lives around the world. Would you like to know more? Listen to some words from our children in the following three videos: CHILDREN have RIGHTS and they need to know about them. As responsible caregivers, it is our role to nurture children's full potential by acting in their best interest and ensuring that their rights are respected and uplifted. If you have questions, please connect with a Norwood Team Member 9516 114 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 0K7 (780) 471- 3731 #NorwoodNCD2021

Fruit toppings were chopped up and blue pancakes were made in preparation for our families arriving to celebrate National Child Day 2021. Those who could not attend in person received theirs packaged up and delivered, along with all the supplies needed to follow along with the day's activities via Zoom. The stories selected for Norwood Centre's National Child Day story time were Awasis and the World Famous Bannock and The Wonderful Things You Will Be. You can hear Staci read them below! Watch for more great photos of our celebrations and if you were there and have photos to share on Instagram or Facebook, please tag them with #NorwoodNCD2021 so we can all find them!

Drop-in Parent/Child Group Starts December 6 10:00 - 11:30 am Clareview Recreation Centre, 3804 139 Avenue, Edmonton It’s one thing to sign up for a course and listen to someone tell you about general good parenting. It all sounds so easy and obvious when they say it – so much easier than when you have to try and remember what to do while your child is melting down in public, biting another child on the playground, or throwing their dinner at your head. What if instead you could join a group of parents to discuss the actual parenting issues you are dealing with today, then practice with your child afterward in a parent-child play group? You will have a parenting coach right there to help you build positive interactions with your child and calmly resolve any behaviours that come up while you both play and socialize. At the same time, you will learn how to promote your child’s healthy brain development through play! For more information, call 780-471-3737

Tuesdays 5:30 - 7:00 pm November 2 - November 23, 2021 ​Norwood Gym and Multipurpose Room Sometimes fathers underestimate how important they are in their children’s lives. In fact, a father’s active involvement is critical to children’s healthy cognitive, emotional, and social development. This course will help fathers recognize the value of their parenting role and provide steps for becoming a more actively engaged father. Over the course of 4 sessions, this course will examine: • A father’s role • Communicating with children • Effective discipline • Managing emotions • Family life, role modeling and routines • The importance of fun! • Self-care for dads The course facilitator will provide concrete examples, tips and techniques to help you be the best dad you can be. Sign up today! Call 780-471-3737 Like all our parenting classes, this class is free of charge.

We at Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre were delighted to hear yesterday’s federal-provincial announcement on bringing affordable childcare to Alberta. As a community non-profit that works exclusively with families of young children, we know how critical this agreement is, particularly to low-income families. We are thrilled that the agreement includes funding for thousands of new licensed childcare spaces over the next few years, as well as funding for early childhood educators (ECEs). Well-qualified, educated ECEs are critical to the health, safety, and development of the babies and children entrusted to their care. We will be eagerly reading all we can on this agreement over the next days and months. Congratulations, Alberta and thank you to Prime Minister Trudeau, Premier Kenney and Minister Schulz, as well as all the tireless advocates who helped bring this agreement to fruition.

Norwood is hosting a free family picture day on November 16th!! 😊 We have a professional photographer coming in to take photos, as well as edit them. She will send these photos back to us when they are ready, and we will send them to each family. And guess what? We are able to open this day up to all of our families by providing outdoor timeslots for those who are not yet vaccinated. When: November 16th, 2021 – 2:00pm - 7:00pm Where: Norwood Multi-Purpose Room and outside, in the park beside the building Registration: With reception at 780-471-3737 by November 15, 2021 Each family will have a 15-minute time slot. Outdoor timeslots are available from 2:00pm - 3:45pm; indoor timeslots are available from 4:15pm - 6:45pm. Please arrive five minutes early for your family's photo shoot. We are excited to see you all there!

November is Financial Literacy Month, estabished by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), part of Canada's federal government. During this month, FCAC works with organizations across Canada - like Norwood - to host events and share resources aimed at helping Canadians understand their finances and empowering them to manage their money, save, and know their financial rights and responsibilities. In support of Financial Literacy Month, Norwood Centre is offering two free online workshops in November: Benefits and Credits for All Learn more about the benefits and programs available to help you build a solid financial foundation: Canada Child benefit, Child Disability Benefit, Disability Tax Credit, GST, Canada Workers Benefit, Climate Action Incentive, Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Tuesday, November 16 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Income Tax Basic Concepts This workshop will help you better understand Canada's tax system and what you need to file your taxes, walking through the different areas of a tax return like net income, taxable income, deductions, non-refundable tax credits, total payable, etc. Tuesday, November 23 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm To register for one or both of these free financial literacy workshops, call 780-471-3737.