Invisible Child: A Spotlight on Life in the Shadows
Dasani wakes up before dawn each day at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, New York. After slipping out from under the covers, she goes to the window. On a clear day, she can see all...
Parents, early childhood educators and other adults share the responsibility to promote children’s physical, mental and oral health, as well as nutrition to fit their rapidly changing needs, body rhythms and individual abilities. These significant adults also need to help children learn self-help skills appropriate to their ages and cultures.
The Council for Professional Recognition promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in the early childhood education of children ages birth to 5 years old and presents these tips and insights for parents and other responsible adults who participate in very young children’s lives. The Council offers the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ and has issued over 800,000 CDA credentials around the world.
But, as adults, our capacity to promote and ensure healthy habits in our home depends on our own health.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has presented us with new challenges. Many adults are home every day, and, in many cases, there are more people in your home right now. There are things parents can do to stay healthy in the home and make sure they eliminate the spreading of germs to young children and other family members.
Wash hands thoroughly with available soap and water before each diaper change and before each feeding. Teach and practice with children handwashing before eating and after toileting, and brushing teeth following proper hand washing sequence: wet hands, add liquid soap, wash for 20 seconds (or sing the Happy Birthday song twice), rinse, dry hands, and turn off water using paper towel.
Surfaces like doorknobs and kitchen countertops, or the refrigerator door handle should be cleaned daily with a solution that has a high level of bleach, or at least 70% alcohol. The good news is most disinfectants in the store have this level of bleach or alcohol. Another way to make sure germs are not being spread in the home is to wear gloves when cleaning and if possible, dispose of the gloves every day.
This is a stressful time, but there are steps adults can take to remain mentally strong. Remember, adults are role models for children. How parents handle this stressful health crisis can affect how children manage their concerns. Research shows just being in the presence of a compassionate, safe adult can help children calm down. At home, try to be “that person” for them.
That means getting up at the same time every day, taking a shower, getting dressed and eating on a regular schedule. It is also very important, with children at home, to maintain not only a sense of calm, but also a sense of control during this very uncertain and challenging time. A great idea is to wake up every morning and while still in bed think about three things to be grateful for and take five slow, deep breaths. It helps to keep the family engaged in fun and meaningful activities consistent with family and cultural values. Be sure to include young children as participants. For example, reading, watching movies, listening to music, playing games, exercising, or engaging in religious activities. Keep your children and family’s schedule consistent when it comes to bedtimes, meals, and exercise.
There are fun ways to break the routine of life, such as holding a picnic on the living room floor or setting up a tent by using the living room or kitchen table and covering it with large sheets. It is also fun to, dress up and dance like lions, elephants, monkeys, etc. Making time to cuddle with young children while reading books or looking at pictures is a simple and meaningful activity for the entire family. Fun is the goal not perfection.
Maintaining physical activity during this time is important for everyone Exercise is transformational for the brain, cognition, focus and is known to be a mood booster. We also know exercise is great for the immune system and important for maintaining mental health. There are many dance and exercise videos available online through various platforms Dance to the songs your children love and introduce them to new ones. Be creative and try something new!
Many grocery stores may be overcrowded, depleted of supplies or are far away from home, so stocking up on food as much as possible is a great idea. Maintaining a healthy diet right now is more important than ever. We encourage you to eat immune-boosting foods such as fruits and vegetables that are also high in antioxidants and foods that have omega-3 fatty acids such as fish. We also encourage freezing food and looking for frozen food options.
These are just a few tips to help maintain a healthy, safe and fun routine during this unprecedented time.
Additional Resources:Dasani wakes up before dawn each day at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, New York. After slipping out from under the covers, she goes to the window. On a clear day, she can see all...
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There is no denying the academic and emotional impact of the pandemic on children. News websites and TV newscasts are full of stories about the unknown long-term effects of the past two years on kids....
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Each year I update my professional bio and pause at the part where it says, “Rachel Robertson has worked in the field for over X years”. Not because I can’t believe it or can’t remember,...
Chief Operations Officer
Andrew Davis serves as Chief Operating Officer at the Council. In this role, Andrew oversees the Programs Division, which includes the following operational functions: credentialing, growth and business development, marketing and communications, public policy and advocacy, research, innovation, and customer relations.
Andrew has over 20 years of experience in the early care and education field. Most recently, Andrew served as Senior Vice President of Partnership and Engagement with Acelero Learning and Shine Early Learning, where he led the expansion of state and community-based partnerships to produce more equitable systems of service delivery, improved programmatic quality, and greater outcomes for communities, children and families. Prior to that, he served as Director of Early Learning at Follett School Solutions.
Andrew earned his MBA from the University of Baltimore and Towson University and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland – University College.
Chief Financial Officer
Jan Bigelow serves as Chief Financial Officer at the Council and has been with the organization since February of 2022.
Jan has more than 30 years in accounting and finance experience, including public accounting, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. She has held management-level positions with BDO Seidman, Kiplinger Washington Editors, Pew Center for Global Climate Change, Communities In Schools, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and American Humane. Since 2003, Jan has worked exclusively in the non-profit sector where she has been a passionate advocate in improving business operations in order to further the mission of her employers.
Jan holds a CPA from the State of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lycoming College. She resides in Alexandria VA with her husband and dog.
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