At the ECC, we want to assure our children, parents, caregivers, practitioners, and the general public that the safety of everyone at early childhood institutions matters. The COVID-19 protocols for the reopening of early childhood institutions (ECIs) have been developed and will be implemented in all ECIs.
Over the coming months, we will be outlining the protocols from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Early Childhood Commission in a series of blogs so that the public is aware of what is required of your child’s institutions as they reopen for the new school year. In this blog, we will cover some of the mandatory protocols for ECI workers.
ECI staff members should stay home if they become ill or have been exposed to someone who is ill
Staff members should complete a standardized symptom and COVID-19 exposure interview before returning to work
Exposure interview conducted with staff before they return to work should assess the risk at their homes
ECIs should text and email new work protocols to all employees before they return to work
ECIs are to host face-to-face sensitization/orientation of new protocols before the ECIs resume services, discuss protocols and implementation at regular staff meetings at least once per month
ECIs should ensure:
All staff are aware of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in children
All staff are trained in Universal Precautions (managing body fluids) as required by the ECC Standards
All staff are familiar with the ECI Sanitization Plan required by the ECC; Sanitization Plans must be updated to include COVID-19 sanitation requirements
Sanitation Plan should include a regular cleaning schedule for indoor and outdoor furnishings, equipment, and learning resources, and adequate procedures for soap, hand sanitizers and cleaning agents
ECI Health Plan should be updated to include exclusion from school for staff/students for COVID-19 related symptoms
We advise parents to continue checking the for updates from the Ministry of Health and Wellness website https://www.moh.gov.jm/ on the status of COVID-19 in Jamaica and to check the ECC’s website https://ecc.gov.jm/ for updated information on ECIs.
Jamaica is 58! On August 6, 1962, the Union Jack was lowered and the colours of black, green and gold were hoisted in honour of our newly independent country. As a newly independent country, we have had to weather the storms, to come out stronger and more resilient on the other side. We have been through hurricanes, earthquakes, economic hardships, and political upheavals but we have persevered and kept up our representation of brand Jamaica, through our music, food, fashion, sports, and our role as leaders on the global stage. Jamaica was the first country to impose a trade embargo on the apartheid regime in South Africa[1], leading other nations through the United Nations to follow suit[2]. Following his release from prison, Nelson Mandela visited Jamaica in 1991[3], a symbolic recognition of Jamaica’s strength and leadership. Additionally, Jamaica stands as the leader in the Caribbean for early childhood development as the Early Childhood Commission was established by an Act of Parliament and through its mandate, the Commission has set globally recognised standards for the operation of early childhood institutions and the care and education of children 0 to 6 years old.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has reminded us of our resilience and strength. As a nation, we have rallied around and supported the government in its efforts to contain the spread of the disease, we have reached out to our families and friends to make sure they are doing well, our healthcare and frontline workers have made tremendous sacrifices to keep us safe and healthy, we have adjusted our lives and abided by the rules to maintain our social distance and wear our masks when we leave our homes, we have taken up the mantle of home-schooling our children while working from home, we have gone grocery shopping for our elders who had to stay home, and we have recognised that love conquers all, gratitude is a must and kindness goes a long way. We were also reminded that we cannot and should not take our health, lives and loved ones for granted. No doubt COVID-19 will pass but for the time being, we have to learn to live with it. As we have done in the past and will continue to do, as we celebrate 58 years of independence, we will remain resilient and strong!
Wherever you are in this world, as a Jamaican, join us as we celebrate Jamaica 58!
Summer is here but that does not mean learning stops! The beauty about learning is that it is lifelong, constant and it happens even when we are least aware of it. Children are naturally curious about the world around them and every interaction with your child is a learning opportunity. Why not take the opportunity this summer to continue your child’s learning in some fun and interesting ways.
Play-based Learning
You may think you’re just playing with your child but in fact, what you are doing is teaching them valuable skills and knowledge. Play-based learning can be seen as learning through play. It is a familiar concept in early childhood settings where young children’s learning and development are fostered through play.[1] Play is important to children’s development, besides being fun, play helps to develop children’s reasoning, language, physical, social and emotional skills.[2] A simple game with building blocks teaches children mathematical concepts, the nature of the physical world and how to manipulate their environment, which are early foundations for science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) knowledge.[3]
Summer provides a great opportunity for families to relax and enjoy each other’s company and that involves play. Play is not only good for children, it is also great for adults. The benefits of play for adults include relieving stress, making you happy and strengthening your relationships[4]. Research shows that people who engage in play have stronger relationships and are less likely to be involved in criminal activities[5].
Tips for Play and Learning this Summer
Now that we know some of the benefits of play for children and adults, here are a few tips for play this summer:
Hide and Seek – this traditional game is always a hit with children. It involves physical activities and lots of imagination. Who is better at finding the hiding spots in the house and around the yard – you or your children?!
Peekaboo – babies love this one! Engage your baby by covering your face with a blanket or both of your hands for a few seconds. When you reveal your face, you say “Peekaboo!” The Peekaboo game helps babies as they develop object permanence, which is the knowledge that things still exist even when they are not in sight[6].
Ludi – the main board game in many Jamaican homes, is a great game for both children and adults to enjoy. Ludi is a very strategic game that helps with problem-solving which is necessary to beat your opponents and early Mathematics skills for deciding your moves when you throw the dice.
Dominoes – another board game staple for Jamaican family gatherings, Dominoes is a fun game that both children and parents can play. Similar to Ludi, Dominoes involve the critical thinking, strategic moves and Mathematics skills needed to beat your opponents.
Water Play – this play activity is full of fun and helps children stay cool in summer. Besides that, water play presents opportunities for science and Maths learning. During water play, children can learn about the nature of things, what will sink or float. Mathematical concepts such as quantity can be learnt too – full, half-full or empty, less/more and same/different.[7]
Of course, there are lots more fun play activities that you and your children can get involved in that will continue learning this summer. Tell us about some of your play and learn activities in the Comments section!
Summer is officially here and that means longer and hotter days! While Jamaica is blessed with year-round beautiful weather with lots of sunshine and blue skies, our summers are typically very hot. If you live in urban areas away from the coast like Kingston, parts of Portmore and Spanish Town, then you know the temperatures we are dealing with during the summer months. Keeping yourself and your children cool this summer will be a challenge, but don’t fear! Here are a few tips to help!
Clothing
Let your children wear light and loose-fitting clothes. Cotton and linen are two great fabrics for summer as they are considered breathable because they allow air to circulate[1] and heat to leave the body[2]. As little children are very active, natural fabrics like cotton and linen can soak up sweat and help children to stay cool.[3]
Hydration
Keep your children hydrated by providing them with lots of water to drink. If your children drink juices, please ensure you follow the nutritional guidelines for sugar intake.
Beaches and Rivers
Don’t we all love a day at the beach? Now that beaches and rivers have reopened, taking your little ones for a day at the beach or river is always a great way to beat the heat. A day at the beach or river is a longstanding Jamaican family tradition and taking a dip in the cool waters during a hot day is one of the best ways to spend a summer’s day. Jamaica is blessed with lots of beautiful rivers and beaches which are only a few minutes’ walk or a short drive away no matter where in the country you are. If you have the opportunity to take a beach trip this summer, please ensure that you do not leave your children unattended in or near water and that you follow all the COVID protocols and guidelines set out by the Government[4].
Time for Nature
While it might seem counter-productive to spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer months, it can be a good way to beat the heat. If like many Jamaican families you have a backyard with trees and shaded area, spending time in the shade on a warm summer’s day is a great way to cool down and enjoy nature. Young children are curious about the world around them, taking them outdoors to enjoy the summer breeze can also be an opportunity to teach them about nature. While you are taking in the cool breeze in your backyard, why not take the time to teach your children about the insects that live in your garden, the various plants spotted around the place and the different types of fruit trees that grow in your backyard.
Skin Protection
With summer here and all the fun that comes with it, parents should consider sun protection tips that will protect their little ones from some of the damaging effects of the sun. Here are a few:
Try to avoid being outdoors while the sun is at its hottest during the day, this is generally considered to be between 10 am and 4 pm
While outdoors, consider making your children wear long-sleeve clothing and brimmed hats to protect their skin from the sun
If you use or plan to use sun protectants, check with your child’s paediatrician for guidance on the best options and always read the labels and follow the directions for application of such products
I recently had the pleasure of looking up to the sky and seeing not one, not two, not three but eight kites flying! I was immediately a child again, marvelling at all the beautiful kites flying in the clear blue sky. I have such fond memories from childhood of kite season, around April and May, when the neighbourhood children were busy designing and creating their kites. I remember the excitement I felt watching my brother and his friends fly their kites, comparing whose kite was bigger and prettier and whose kite could fly the highest. So, you can imagine my delight that day when I saw eight kites flying high in the sky. Of course, this delight was at the beauty of the kites but also, seeing the kites was in and of itself a great thing.
Not to sound like an oldie but goodie, but kite sightings have been rare in recent years. Think about it, when was the last time you saw kites flying? And how many did you see?
Those kites in the sky signalled to me that in this pandemic, our children were still playing. And that, they were also engaged in executive planning in the creation and design of these kites. I also would like to think that some of them got help from the adults in the family with sourcing materials, help to design and strategies on how to successfully mount their kites. They also probably needed permission to go to the ball field or go on the housetop to fly their kites. One thing for certain though, is that the flying kites represent something bigger: our children are connecting to positivity. If these kites are flying in Kingston, there are probably more kites flying all over the country.
Picture Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
Kite flying is a past time that is fun, interactive, involves learning and achieving a number of skills. This is also true for many games and play activities that children and parents are engaged in this crisis. During the recent curfews, I regularly heard the familiar sound of dice on a Ludi board and Dominoes being slammed on tables in my neighbourhood. Like the children flying kites, families were connecting to positivity during the restrictions with games at home, drawing on old but familiar ways of enjoying family time and the lockdown.
While we do not need an outbreak of COVID-19 to remind us that we need to invest in more positive interactions with our families and children, being together at home has given us extra time to increase those positive interactions. The outbreak has removed some of the trappings of modern life, like, time spent commuting to and being at work, doing school runs and using the weekends to catch up on chores, to allow us to connect and increase our positive interactions.
We know from research the importance of positive and responsive interaction to children’s development. We see it in our own lives that positive interactions in childhood have had a meaningful impact on us. Positive interactions like playtime, reading together, talking, cuddles, warmth and understanding are ingredients for optimum child development. Parents engaging in positive activities like playing games at home, talking and reading together will help our children during this time of crisis and also increase their resilience for whatever else the future might hold.
As we continue to celebrate our children during Child’s Month, let us think about all the different ways we can connect positivity in our daily lives!
Despite the fallout from the global outbreak of COVID 19, there are lots of reasons to celebrate. One such reason is, our children! Yes, it is May and May is dedicated to our children. The theme for Child’s Month 2020 is “Unplug Negativity, Connect Positivity….Think!”
With schools closed due to the outbreak of COVID 19 and work-from-home policies implemented, parents and children are now dependent on the internet, computers and TVs. We are also glued to our TVs and radios to hear the latest orders and updates from the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health and other government officials. At this time in our history, we are plugged into technology more than ever. As with everything, there are two sides to this coin. Technology has provided us with the option to carry on with life outside the physical space by giving us virtual opportunities to work from home, homeschool our children through Zoom classrooms and lessons televised nationally, manage our financial affairs through internet banking, paying rent/mortgage and other bills online. On the other hand, our increased access to technology has had some negative impacts on us and our children.
Some negative side effects of technology on our lives may include, an increase in stress, anxiety, and loss of physical connection with our loved ones, children and family. Think about all the time you have spent using technology lately. What has been the impact on your family? Has it been mostly positive or mostly negative?
Why do we Need to Unplug?
As we celebrate Child’s Month with these new challenges and uncertainties, we might need to ask ourselves: Do I need to unplug? Unplugging from negativity could be more beneficial to you and your children in the long run. Here are a few reasons why we should unplug from negativity:
It reduces our anxieties and fears
Unplugging from social media and technology offers us more time to connect with our children, families and friends to learn new and exciting things about them
We can use the time gained from unplugging to improve our skills or gain new ones
We can spend more time learning about ourselves
We recognise that the outbreak of COVID-19 is teaching us how to balance, for example, balancing the learning needs of our children with our work responsibilities. Certainly, balancing our use of technology and unplugging from negativity is no different. As we attempt this balance, a few questions we can ask ourselves are: How much is my use of technology taking away from the positive interactions I could be having with my children and family? How is my use of technology negatively affecting my children and family? When you answer these questions….Think! Unplug Negativity!
Consider reducing the negative impacts of technology on yourself, children and family by unplugging from technology. You may consider choosing the best time for unplugging, is this at dinner time, bedtime or family playtime? Whatever time you choose, make sure everyone is on the same page and ready to keep unplugging on a regular basis!
With schools closed due to the outbreak of COVID-19, many parents are now supporting their children’s learning with home-schooling activities. This is no different for parents whose children are on the autism spectrum. While we understand the challenges some parents of typically developing children are now facing with working from home and home-schooling their children at the same time. Parents of children with atypical development, such as children with autism, might be experiencing an especially challenging time. One way to deal with the challenges is to incorporate play in your daily routine with your children.
Picture source: pexels.com
Why is Play so Important?
Play is an important aspect of your child’s development and should be incorporated into learning activities because play makes learning fun! Through play, children learn about themselves, others and the world around them.[1] Play helps children develop important skills that they will need in life, such skills are, academic, social, thinking, communication, resolving conflicts and problem-solving skills.[2]
Children with autism benefit from play like other children. Incorporating play in everyday activities can help your child with autism develop important skills. Because children with autism do not have typical development like their peers, they sometimes need more guidance to learn new skills and play offers that opportunity to parents. Through play, parents can learn with their children, understand their children better and know the best ways to support their children’s development.
Tips for Play with Children with Autism
Get Involved
Structured or guided play is a great way to support your child with autism. Structured play is when adults guide the play activities for children. They become involved by providing the rules of play, providing resources for play and letting children know when play starts and ends.[3] Although adults are involved in play, they should be careful to guide play but not take it over. This means that, as you plan structured play with your child, you should let your child’s interests and passions guide your plans for the play activity.
Involve Activities that Promote Social Skills
Autism is a disorder that affects social skills. Social skills are the rules and abilities that guide our daily social interactions.[4] Humans are social beings, which means, we come into this world pre-wired for social interaction. During our development, our relationships and interactions with the people in our lives teach us how to behave and respond in a variety of social settings. This learning is based on experience and some social rules are taught to us directly, like, how to behave in public or at a formal gathering. Social rules learnt through experience usually involve our ability to read body language, facial expression, recognise and understand emotions. Most people have the ability to “pick up” social cues from interactions[5], however, children with autism do not have this natural ability and need to be taught directly. Combining guided play with activities to promote social skills could be beneficial to your child with autism.
Some examples of these play activities are:
Games that involve turn-taking – parents can play games of back-and-forth that teach turning-taking with toy cars, trucks, balls, etc.
Games to teach children to recognise emotions – parents can do art with their children by drawing or painting faces with different emotions. During these activities, parents can talk to their children about the various emotions, what situations can bring about these emotions and how to appropriately express them.
Games that re-create certain social situations – walking your child through various situations they may encounter outside the family setting is a great way to help your child develop his or her social skills. Parents can create play activities that focus on different scenarios like meeting someone for the first time, asking a friend at school to play, etc. Getting siblings and other family members on board with these play activities not only enhances the fun but it extends the number of people your child can interact with, which is similar to the real-life social situations they may face outside the home.
The suggestions above are not limited but they can be a starting point for parents who are looking for creative ways to support their children with autism. It is key to remember that play is at the foundation of these activities, so, they should be fun for both you and your children. Also, let your children with autism guide how you structure these play activities by getting to know their interests and passions.
April is Autism Awareness Month. Today’s blog is here to provide some basic information about autism. Like many countries globally, Jamaica is not immune to persons being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Picture source: Digicel.com
What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder that is characterised by challenges with social skills, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviours. [1] A developmental disorder can be described as a condition that begins in infancy or childhood that damages or delays the functions of the central nervous system.[2] Being a developmental disorder means that autism begins in childhood and stays with a person throughout his or her life.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term for conditions such as autism, childhood disintegrative disorder and Asperger syndrome.[3] The various behaviour types and conditions associated with ASD range from the mild to severe. Children with autism have their unique strengths and challenges. While some children on the autism spectrum can carry on daily functions like their peers who do not have autism, such as self-care and practising personal hygiene, some children on the more severe end of the spectrum cannot and often need support to carry out these functions.[4] Autism affects the way children learn, their social skills and problem-solving skills.[5] Autism is often characterised by the way it affects the social skills.
Research shows that some social skills affected by autism include, reading facial expression, understanding social cues, reading body language and identifying emotions. In recent years, research into autism has significantly helped us to understand more about the disorder and has provided parents with the information that they need the most. Research has also led to advocacy from children, adults and families with autism to raise awareness about the disorder and initiatives such as the World Autism Awareness Day that we celebrated on 2nd April, 2020, is one such example.
What are the signs of Autism?
So, now that you know a little about ASD, what are the signs of autism that you should be looking for as your baby develops? Research shows autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.[6] Early intervention is key to proper management of the disorder. However, for early intervention to take place, autism must be detected early. Here are some early signs of autism according to Autism Speaks[7]:
By 6 months
There are few or little big smiles, or other warm, joyful or engaging expressions
There is very little eye contact from the baby
By 9 months
There is little or no interaction with the baby that involves sharing of sounds, smiles and facial expression
By 12 months
There is little or no babbling, gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
The child shows little or no response to his or her name
By 16 months
The child has little or no words
By 24 months
The child utters very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases. This does not include imitating others or repeating what other people have said
By any age
The child has lost any speech that he or she had already, any babbling or social skills
The child avoids eye contact
The child prefers to always be alone
The child has difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
The child has a delay in his or her language development
The child always repeats certain words or phrases
The child does not like changes in his or her routine
The child’s interest is restricted to a few things
The child repeats behaviours like flapping the arms, rocking, spinning, etc.
The child has an unusually intense reaction to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, light, colours, etc.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, please speak to your child’s health care provider to get all the information and support you need.
[2] Autism spectrum disorder & other developmental disorders: From raising awareness to building capacity, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland, 16-18 September 2013
[3] Autism spectrum disorder & other developmental disorders: From raising awareness to building capacity, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland, 16-18 September 2013
Today, 2nd April is World Autism Awareness Day. Here at the ECC, we would like to share our support for all our children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. We acknowledge your joys and sorrows, strengths and challenges, your journey, every success, every achieved milestone, every eye contact, every smile, every new task learnt and every new change accepted! Join us today as we celebrate our children with ASD and their families and continue to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
picture source: paintvalley.com
Autism Awareness Month continues here on the ECC Blog. Stay tuned!
EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSION 