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Community Resources for Professionals 

Teacher and Class

Center on the Developing Child 

The Center on the Developing Child’s diverse activities aligns around building an R&D (research and development) platform for science-based innovation and transforming the policy and practice landscape that supports and even demands change. We do this because society pays a huge price when children do not reach their potential, because half a century of policies and programs have not produced breakthrough outcomes, and because dramatic advances in science are ready to be used to achieve a promising future for every child.

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Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
50 Church Street, 4th Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138

https://developingchild.harvard.edu

1-855-239-3415, Opt. 1

Cost - FREE 

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CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Understanding Natural Child Development

As a natural part of development, children experience typical milestones – such as mastery of age-appropriate skills and abilities; and challenges – such as biting, nightmares, toilet training, or other developmental challenges.

Teachers spend a substantial length of time each day caring for children and are uniquely trained to understand natural child development and identify situations where potential developmental delays or challenges may exist.

These resources from respected experts in the field may be used during family teacher conferences, can be helpful as a discussion starter, or to answer a question or concern raised by a parent. Always be sure to check with the Director or Supervisor regarding policy or procedure before sharing these resources or having these types of discussions.

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BITING

Handouts for Families

RESPONDING TO YOUR CHILD'S BITE

This is a 4-page article from Vanderbilt University Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL). The article focuses on helping parents with their child’s problem biting behavior. It explains why children bite and offer practical suggestions to curtail the behavior. It also offers a specific 4-step process of what to do in the moment a child bites. This article would be helpful if a parent asked, “Why is my child biting?” and/or “How can I get my child to stop biting?”

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CRYING, SOOTHING & SELF-REGULATION

Soothe and Calm a Crying Baby

Crying is a natural response for a baby. Crying is a baby’s way of communicating their needs. But, at times, even once all of the baby’s needs are met, they may still cry. Below are some resources that may help with soothing and comforting a crying baby.

SELF REGULATION

Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions and behavior. It includes being able to calm yourself down when you get upset, adjust to a change in expectations, and handle frustration. It is a set of skills that begins to develop in infancy with guidance from parents and caregivers. Learn more with the following resources:

The following resources were created by and are available from the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) at ChallengingBehavior.org.

  • Teachable Moments: How to Help Your Child Avoid Meltdowns (English)  (Español)
    Author(s): Brooke Brogle, Alyson Jiron & Jill Giacomini

  • How to Help Your Child Recognize and Understand Fear (English)  (Español)
    Author(s): Brooke Brogle, Alyson Jiron & Jill Giacomini

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DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES

Child Development Fact Sheets

These fact sheets from the Centers for Disease Control can help you identify developmental challenges and provide guidance for addressing them. Before communicating with parents, be sure to check with your supervisor about your concerns and your program’s policy regarding speaking with parents on this topic. Policies differ from program to program; some programs, for example, prefer to have a health professional involved in the conversation.

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DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

Handouts for Families

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

The following documents list Developmental Milestones for each of the age groups below as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most of the milestones contain these sections:

  • Social and Emotional (e.g. smiling; taking turns in a game)

  • Cognitive (e.g. finds a hidden object; understands the concept of two)

  • Language (e.g. responds to no; can say a sentence)

  • Movement (e.g. lifts head; jumps)

  • Hand and Finger Skills (e.g. puts objects in a container; draws a person with a body)

The following documents will be helpful if a parent asks, “Is my child developing at a normal rate?”

Provide a copy of the age-appropriate milestones along with the Developmental Screening Fact Sheet (below).

Age-Appropriate Milestones

MILESTONES MATTER!

This app, available in iOS and Android, was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the “Learn the Signs. Act Early” program. Using the app, parents can track developmental milestones in children age 2 months to 5 years.

Features of the app include:

  • Add a Child – enter personalized information about your child or multiple children

  • Milestone Tracker – track your child’s developmental progress by looking for important milestones using an interactive, illustrated checklist

  • Milestone Photos and Videos– know what each milestone looks like so that you can better identify them in your own child

  • Tips and Activities– support your child’s development at every age

  • When to Act Early– know when it’s time to “act early” and talk with your child’s doctor about developmental concerns

  • Appointments – keep track of your child’s doctors’ appointments and get reminders about recommended developmental screenings

  • Milestone Summary– get a summary of your child’s milestones to view, and share with or email to your child’s doctor and other important care providers

Share with parents to get tips for encouraging their child’s development and find out what to do if they are ever concerned about how their child is developing.

Available on Google Play and the App Store.

Printable handouts for parents:

DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING FACT SHEET

This one-page guide from the CDC works in tandem with the Developmental Milestones. It helps parents understand the basics of developmental delays and where to go for help. It should be handed out with the age-appropriate Developmental Milestones.

TIPS FOR TALKING TO PARENTS

This one-page document from the CDC provides advice for speaking with parents regarding a child’s developmental issues. If you suspect a child has a developmental issue:

  1. Refer to the age-appropriate developmental milestones.

  2. Check with your supervisor about your concerns and your program’s policy regarding communicating with parents on this topic.

DEVELOPMENTAL RESOURCES

Parenting Support & Guidance

Open communication with families is a key to success in strengthening relationships to ensure positive outcomes for children in your care.

These resources on developmental concerns can be used as a discussion starter or to answer a question or concern.

PARENTING TIPS

These 2-page documents from the CDC offer brief milestones and tips for parenting specific age groups. In addition, practical safety tips of a common-sense nature are provided. We have included adolescent and teen information for siblings and after-school programs.

These handouts would be appropriate if a parent asked, “Can you please give me some tips on how to parent a [two] year old?”


ALL ABOUT YOUNG CHILDREN

Information for Families on Children’s Early Development from the California Department of Education provides situational videos and handouts about child social and emotional, language and literacy, physical development, and more. While these resources were developed by the California DOE, they are relevant to child care across the United States. These resources provide information on “how” children develop and practical suggestions for caregivers and families on how they can help children develop these essential life skills. A wealth of resources is organized by developmental age group and is available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Explore by age:

PENN STATE BETTER KID CARE RESOURCES

Penn State’s Better Kid Care program website includes tip sheets for families on a variety of topics, including building good consumers, what “time” means to children, strategies for managing anger, success in school and life, and much more. All resources can be printed and used as handouts.

NAEYC FOR FAMILIES

NAEYC's "For Families" webpage provides guidance on children's learning and development and a free newsletter subscription

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DISABILITIES

Handouts for Families

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Family Engagement and Children with Disabilities: A Resource Guide for Educators and Parents is provided by the Harvard Family Research Project. The eleven-page document includes several links to practical resources in the following areas:

  • Families as advocates

  • Family roles in assessment and intervention

  • Families as partners in student learning

GUIDE

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NIGHTMARES

Nighttime Troubles

Nighttime sleep disorders, such as nightmares and night terrors can have a harmful impact on how children grow, learn, and develop during the day.

Help parents understand common sleep disorders and how to help their child overcome them with this resource from healthychildren.org.

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PUBERTY

Developmental Changes

Puberty is a part of a child’s development that many parents have questions about. Puberty can begin in girls after age 8 and boys after age 9 or 10.

Understanding the stages of puberty and precocious puberty (puberty beginning before age 8) can help families prepare for this important developmental stage.

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SLEEP & NAPPING

Positive Sleep Practices

Sleep is essential to a child’s health and growth. Children who get enough sleep are more likely to function better and are less prone to behavioral problems and moodiness.

Help parents and caregivers understand the importance of establishing a consistent and enjoyable bedtime routine with these handouts, videos, and resources:

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TOILET TRAINING / TOILETING

Handouts for Families

TOILET TRAINING

All of the sources below have been selected for their credibility, relevance, and approach to the topic for parent communications. You can feel confident providing parents with any of these communications.

This article from KidsHealth.org provides a fairly comprehensive overview of toilet training - from timing to types of potties, training pants, and problems. Click on “print” in the upper right and the article transforms to a 4-page layout for printing.

This short article in HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics, written for parents, is more clinical in nature. It focuses on readiness. Scroll down to the print icon past the bottom of the article.

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