President's Message
Dear Colleagues,
Transitioning to a new classroom or beginning an early learning center for the first time are big transitions in a child’s life. These transitions may set the tone for how a child processes change. Transitions can be stressful. The child may carry those memories, whether positive or negative, to future transitions.
We need to remember that parents are transitioning right along with their children. Early interactions and communication with the parent will create a partnership from the beginning. When parents feel secure and comfortable, the child will too. An anxious parent can pass the stress to their child. Additionally, having an open house to meet and get to know the child will help build this trust.
As children enter their new environment, it is important to remember that they are unfamiliar with new faces and new routines. The food that is served may be different then what is served at home. The schedule and routine will be new and possibly not the same as the previous classroom or home. It may take several weeks for the child to become adjusted to the new environment. Be patient with both the child and the family as this can be a huge transition.
Key reminders for an effective transition
1. Communicating with families – Find out from the child’s parents what they like or dislike. Ask about the child’s interests and family culture. Building a strong foundation with the family will assist the parents in making suggestions and making their child feel comfortable.
2. Preparing a child for the transition – Parents and teachers need to have conversations about the next transition. Preparing the child and family is important so that the transition is not overwhelming and stressful.
3. Visiting the classroom – Parents and children should be invited to explore their new environment. This exploration will allow children to become comfortable with their new surroundings.
Yours in service,
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LAAEYC Connects
Current and new members who visited the LAAEYC table in the Exhibitor area were able to meet the Executive Board, learn more about the benefits of LAAEYC membership and spin a wheel for prizes.
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Applications for the NAEYC Governing Board are now Open
Applications for the NAEYC Governing Board are open through August 15. NAEYC members in good standing are eligible for Board service. Any such member is welcome to apply for consideration by the Nominating Committee, which is responsible for constructing each year’s slate. More information on how to apply and eligibility requirements may be read here.
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Early Bird Registration for the NAEYC Annual Conference is Open through September 9
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NAEYC Works to Expand PSLF
Early educators working in nonprofit or public settings are currently eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Learn here how NAEYC and other early childhood advocacy groups are working to expand access for PSLF to educators working in for-profit settings & family child care.
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City of New Orleans, School Partners Launch Teacher Home Ownership Incentive Program
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, along with the Office of Youth and Families (OYF), Office of Housing Policy and Community Development (OCD), Tanya Bryant of ReNEW Schools, Alex Jarrell of New Schools New Orleans and Thelma French of Total Community Action launched in July a $1.5 million down payment program created to assist early childhood educators, teachers in grades K-12 and school behavioral health professionals within the Orleans Parish school system with home ownership. Read the full details here.
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LDOE Selects ECE Teacher and Leader of the Year
Annie Richardson, the inaugural Early Childhood Teacher of the Year, and Rochelle Wilcox, the Early Childhood Leader of the Year, demonstrated a myriad of skills, experiences, and philosophies that demonstrated their excellence in the field.
Both candidates have a passion for early childhood education, have committed their professional careers to the betterment of our youngest learners, and are actively working to make Louisiana a better place, through the lessons they impart upon the children in their classrooms.
The Louisiana Department of Education eagerly awaits what these two excellent educators do in their reign as Teacher and Leader of the Year. Learn more here.
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The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is a nonpartisan, independent source of data, research, and pertinent information for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public at large around issues related to children ages birth through four in Louisiana. LPIC serves as LAAEYC's advocacy partner.
At the state level, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) will vote to approve updates to the Louisiana Early Learning Developmental Standards at their next meeting on August 23. Louisiana has used Early Learning Development Standards for more than 10 years to give Louisiana children a better start in life. The Early Childhood Care and Education Advisory Council endorsed the updates, which align with Louisiana’s existing standards and reflect the best practices from a long-established field. For more information, check out LPIC's July monthly update.
Research
View LPIC's latest research here.
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What are you reading?
Media literacy is about wonder and imagination, questioning and learning, thinking and reflecting!
Media Literacy for Young Children: Teaching Beyond the Screen Time Debates is about all these things, and more importantly, it is about how early childhood educators and professionals can prepare children for their digital future.
This new book is available now through NAEYC's online store and is touted as a first-of-its-kind guide for pre-service and currently practicing teachers and child care professionals looking for pedagogically sound and developmentally appropriate ways to help today’s children navigate their media-rich world with confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking. Detailed descriptions of media literacy competencies, along with dozens of activities, strategies, and tips designed for children ages 2–7, demonstrate how to integrate foundational skills, knowledge, and dispositions into existing routines as well as experiment with new lessons.
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Classroom Ready Research
The LSU Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI) is an umbrella organization to promote research and dissemination of recommended practices in early childhood care and education. ECEI is the research, education and outreach initiative within the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education. Stay up-to-date on the latest in Early Childhood Education Research and how to incorporate best practices into your classroom.
Child-Sustained Attention in Two-Year-Olds
Kamille J. Watson and Dr. Cynthia DiCarlo, ECEI
Teachers spend the first few days of school teaching routines to children that will help transitions in the classroom between different activities. When children have difficulty, they move more slowly and/or require teacher prompting. Read how a picture activity schedule intervention increased independent completion. Published in the Early Childhood Education Journal, this study can be downloaded using the link below.
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Interested in Accreditation through NAEYC?
Empower your program's success! Equip your program with the tools to provide the best learning experiences for young children and provide the highest quality professional preparation of educators by meeting national standards of quality.
Watch this video to learn more about the benefits of accreditation for both your center and the children you serve!
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