Halifax Early Childhood School
5498 Inglis Street B3H 1J8 Halifax, NS, Canada

We CARE for and EDUCATE children

A system that was designed to label a child as "ahead" or "behind" is not a system that was designed with the best interest and knowledge of children in mind. O...ur children are all unique individuals with curious, imaginative, creative minds. Each one fully capable of learning exactly what they need when they need it. Any parent with multiple children will tell you that no two children are the same. So how could we ever expect to create an effective system that treats every child as if they were exactly that? It's impossible. When we take away the individuality of our children, we essentially take away their humanity. Along with it, we take their drive and passion for learning that they are born with, which is the biggest travesty of all. Parents, no matter what anyone says, do not ever believe the lie that your child should be somewhere or someone other than exactly who they are right in this moment. Do not waste thoughts about where your child "should" be - and focus instead on the unique beauty of where they ARE. If you're feeling that pressure right now, pause all other thoughts and just watch your child for a day or two. Pay attention to their unique talents, the special ways they communicate with you and others, the amazing things they are so very capable of doing already. I promise you will feel comfort and relief in seeing the truly incredible human that stands in front of you.

Ko te mea nui ko Te Aroha. The greatest thing is Love. The greatest gift you can give someone is the gift of Love. https://drjonicewebb.com/love-and-wealth-are-...not-enough-2/ #kotemeanuikotearoha #aroha #nurtureandcare #nurtureislove #careislove #jonicewebb #feelingloved #feelingnurtured #feelingnurturedandloved

Many people have kids with Sensory Processing Disorder and don't know there's a reason for their behaviors (and believe it or not, many adults have it and don't... know... that was me a few years ago! ) So... here's a post explaining it a little bit. ***Note that SPD is complicated and can look different in every person who has it. This is a list of POSSIBLE ways it can manifest... and it's important to note that many who have it exhibit a mix of responses from both sides.*** You can download a printable version of this and find some more SPD resources at nicolefilipponeauthor.com #sensorystories #sensorysupport #sensorylife #sensoryavoider #sensorysensitive #sensoryseeker #sensoryseeking #sensoryanxiety #spdawareness #sensoryprocessingdisorder #sensoryprocessingdisorderparentsupport #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismsupport #autismeducation #autismspectrum #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #neurodiversityacceptance #occupationaltherapy #otforkids #occupationaltherapist

Breaking: Six new COVID-19 cases today, Nov 14. Release: As of today, Nov. 14, Nova Scotia has 21 active cases of COVID-19. Six new cases were identified Friday..., Nov. 13. The new cases are in the Central Zone. All cases are all contacts of previously reported cases. One of the cases is related to the Bitter End in Halifax. The cases at the Bitter End appear to be linked to the Clayton Park cluster. The other cases are part of an emerging cluster that is being investigated by public health. "I am concerned that people are not taking the virus seriously and putting others in jeopardy," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "It is imperative that everyone follow public health protocols - wear a mask, limit social contacts, practice social distancing, stay home when feeling unwell and wash your hands." Nova Scotia Health Authority's labs completed 1,062 Nova Scotia tests on Nov. 13. "We are starting to see more cases of COVID-19 in our province" said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health. "I can't stress this enough, if you are feeling unwell, stay home, even you are experiencing mild symptoms, and do the online COVID assessment. It is also time for everyone to reduce social activities and limit our number of close social contacts. We all have a responsibility to limit the spread of COVID-19." To date, Nova Scotia has 121,531 negative test results, 1,142 positive COVID-19 cases and 65 deaths. No one is currently in hospital. Cases range in age from under 10 to over 90. One thousand and fifty-six cases are now resolved. Cases have been identified in all parts of the province. Cumulative cases by zone may change as data is updated in Panorama.

Booking a COVID-19 test has never been easier. It only takes minutes to complete the online self-assessment and book an appointment. Getting tested when you hav...e COVID-19 symptoms is an important part of our healthcare system's response to potential outbreaks. We all must do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For more information, go to https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/ . -- Il n'a jamais été aussi facile de prendre rendez-vous pour un test de dépistage de la COVID-19. Il faut seulement quelques minutes pour faire l'auto-évaluation en ligne et fixer un rendez-vous. Subir un test lorsque vous présentez des symptômes de la COVID-19 est une mesure importante de l'intervention du système de soins de santé en cas d'éclosion. Nous avons tous un rôle à jouer dans la prévention de la propagation de la COVID-19. Pour plus d'information, consultez le https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/fr .

The Heart of the Matter - Focus on the Human Heart We humans have three brains in our bodies and they are in communication with each other through the vagus ner...ve: the brain in the head - intellect the brain in the heart - intelligence and the brain in the gut - intuition Traditionally, our education has only focused on the intellect, not on our emotional intelligence, and not even on our wisdom which resides in the heart field. Even way back in Aristotle’s day (368 BC348 BC) there was recognition that the heart had to be included in education if education was going help the child realise his potentialities. Our greatest potential as human beings rests in the capacities of the awakened human heart. #educationfortheheart #hearteducation #theamazinghumanheart #thehumanheartisamazing #heartenergy #theawakenedheart

Focus on the Heart Journey Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind. Attribute...d to novelist Henry James #heartcoherence #heartcommunication #intendtobekind #intendtobekindtoday #unfoldingnature #respectourbabiestiming #whatcomesfromthehearttouchestheheart

So beautiful Children learn so much through play.

I dont know where the idea of adult-driven, perfectly planned and executed crafts for young children ever came from. I am here to tell you they are absolutely not necessary. Gift children with open ended materials and freedom. You will be amazed at what transforms.

Conservation and compassion starts at home with the parents. When I was young of course there was not much technology to partake of, and most of my toys were m...ade of either dust or stone or wood. We didnt have these devices with keyboards that you play with your thumbs. But the one thing that I do remember is the example my parents set, particularly with regard to the lives of other creatures. They really regarded every life as significant and precious and we were taught to protect even little insects, and to be careful when we were walking around so that we wouldnt squish them. I feel that that was a very positive influence. So regarding children today, I feel that one of the most important things is for the parents themselves to try to practice compassion, and to improve their compassion. And if theyre able to do that then this will definitely have a natural, strong and positive influence on their children. I think it is very important if those of us who are parents can take an attitude of responsibility for future generations as part of our reason for developing compassion. 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje speaking at Stanford University #ecoliteracyforchildren #ecoliteracybeginswithparents #compassionbeginswithyou #insectsareindanger #nomorepoisons #nomorepoisonsplease

If 811 has referred you for COVID-19 testing, you must immediately self-isolate from others in your home as best as possible. Other people in the home do not ...need to self-isolate unless they become unwell or are required to self-isolate for other reasons. If 811 has referred your child for COVID-19 testing, your child must immediately self-isolate from others in the home as best as possible. Other people in the home do not need to self-isolate (even if care is provided to the person awaiting test results) unless they become unwell or if they are required to self-isolate for other reasons. Everyone in the household should closely monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate if they start to feel unwell, and complete the online 811 assessment to determine if they need to call 811.

School communities and families are working together to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The new morning routine: parents and caregivers should screen childre...n against the COVID-19 Check-list before school or childcare https://novascotia.ca/corona//Daily-COVID-checklist-en.pdf If your child is unwell, take the online 811 assessment at https://when-to-call-about-covid19.novascotia.ca/en to determine if they need to be tested for COVID-19. If you cannot access the internet, please phone 811. If a COVID-19 test is not required, your child may return to school or childcare when they are feeling better with no fever medication for 24 hours. If a COVID-19 test is required, your child will need to stay home until the test results come back. If the test is positive, public health will follow up and provide support and will advise when your child can return to school. If the test is negative, your child may return when they are feeling better for 24 hours with no fever (without medications) and no symptoms (or only a mild clear runny nose) If public health tells you that your child is considered a close contact of someone with COVID-19, they will need to stay home for 14 days. Household contacts of that child dont need to stay home unless they are also a close contact of someone with COVID-19

Love this! It shouldn't matter how slowly a child learns as long as we are encouraging them not to stop. [via Sensory Friendly Ireland UK]

Love this! It shouldnt matter how slowly a child learns as long as we are encouraging them not to stop. [via Sensory Friendly Ireland UK]

Important to remember! See more inspirational quotes here: https://littlepinelearners.com/30-quotes-about-children-an/

There's no such thing as a gendered feeling. I'm sad that boys still get told that they shouldn't cry and girls who are assertive and who want to lead are "bossy". Teachers and parents, you can download and print here: http://elisegravel.com//all-feelings-are-for-everyone-fre/

Theres no such thing as a gendered feeling. Im sad that boys still get told that they shouldnt cry and girls who are assertive and who want to lead are "bossy". Teachers and parents, you can download and print here: http://elisegravel.com//all-feelings-are-for-everyone-fre/

In a time where were worried about missed school and lost academic time, remember reading opens up countless worlds, teaches, promotes imagination, wonderment, empathy and so much more. Read often even to those kiddos who can read themselves.

In a time where we're worried about missed school and lost academic time, remember reading opens up countless worlds, teaches, promotes imagination, wonderment, empathy and so much more. Read often even to those kiddos who can read themselves.

Dont just reopen, rethink child care What our staff at HECS and all Early Child Educators have accomplished in reopening their centres is remarkable during COVID - 19. We are so appreciative of our educators. Take care of yourselves as our workload has reached a new high. We thank you all

Wishing all of our former students a great year as they head out to their new schools this year #newbeginnings #relationships #COVID19 #missyou

Relationships Are All There Is At any given time, we are either in relationship with our babies and children, or out of relationship. Most of us fall out of rel...ationship temporarily, but truly great parents set about to repair the glitch with empathy and compassion. Thats why the sign of a truly great parent is the behaviour of the parent, not the child. The parent realises they are the senior partner in the relationship, so they undertake to upgrade their relationship skills with which to mentor their young child. They take into account their child is just getting the hang of what it takes to stay in relationship with another, especially when overcome with BIG emotions. And lets face it, sometimes thats hard enough for us and we are the adults. In the English language we have the saying, The child is beside himself! and at one level he is. A child whose little body and brain is flooded by overwhelming emotion is a very long way from being in their calm centre. Great parents learn to stay calm for their toddler or child; they gently mentor their children within the power-dynamic of partnership - or Power Alongside (instead of Power Over). The parents who behave in these ways are the working model of healthy human relationships.

Celebrating Great Dads Every Day "The sign of great parenting is not the childs behaviour. The sign of truly great parenting is the parents behaviour." Andy Smithson

The list of symptoms being screened for #COVID19 is being updated to reflect the epidemiology in Nova Scotia. In the past 48 hours have you had, or are you curr...ently experiencing: Fever OR Cough (new or worsening) OR Two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening); Sore throat Runny nose Headache Shortness of breath If you answer yes to either of these questions, please call 811 for further assessment by a nurse. If you experience other symptoms that are a concern for you, call 811 to speak with a nurse. For details, go to novascotia.ca/coronavirus/symptoms-and-testing/

Celebrating Great Dads Every Day "The sign of great parenting is not the child's behaviour. The sign of truly great parenting is the parent's behaviour." Andy Smithson

Schools will look different when they reopen on Sept. 8 and we know students have questions about what they can expect. Dr. Strang recently took questions from ...students about what this school year will look like. This video is for elementary school students. To watch the Q&A for junior high students visit: https://youtu.be/My08OgR5xJg To watch the Q&A for high school students visit: https://youtu.be/8wE2N0bwpws -- Les écoles seront différentes quand elles vont rouvrir le 8 septembre et nous savons que les élèves ont des questions à ce sujet. Le Dr Strang a récemment répondu à des questions que des élèves ont posées au sujet de la nouvelle année scolaire qui commence bientôt. Pour regarder la vidéo sur les questions des élèves de lélémentaire : https://youtu.be/csPzyVUGGB0 Pour regarder la vidéo sur les questions des élèves du secondaire premier cycle : https://youtu.be/My08OgR5xJg Pour regarder la vidéo sur les questions des élèves du secondaire deuxième cycle : https://youtu.be/8wE2N0bwpws

Play matters!!

CUTEST back to school picture EVER!!

For many parents, families and caregivers the upcoming school year will be especially difficult due to the changes were all experiencing. We have partnered wit...h the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to develop mental wellness strategies that can be learned at-home, and at your own convenience. Intended for parents, caregivers and families of school-aged children, this series tackles common issues that must be prepared for in advance of the school year. Learn about achieving resilience and wellness, coping with change and uncertainty, and relationship-building through this three-video series. You can get started here: http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca//parents/road-resilience-webina

We are ready to welcome children to HECS #soexcited Thank you to our amazing educators for creating a beautiful and welcoming space