Easter Egg Hunt
Week of the Young Child- Tasty Tuesday
Spring is in full swing! The Children’s Center kids enjoyed an Easter egg hunt in the sunshine. We also celebrated the Week of the Young Child which is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association, with nearly 60,000 members and a network of 51 Affiliates. The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.
What’s Going on in my Baby’s Brain?
This is a question parents have asked for generations, but with modern developments in the field of brain science, we may be more equipped than ever to understand what is happening in the minds of our little ones.
According to ZERO TO THREE, an organization focused on bringing together leaders in the fields of medicine, mental health, social science research, child development and community leadership fields, “There’s a lot going on in babies’ minds in the first year of life, and their early experiences in the world affect how their brains grow in ways that can last a lifetime. Many parents underestimate just how deeply children are affected by early experiences and how soon in life babies can feel a range of emotions.”
The site lists five important facts for parents to be aware of when it comes to their baby’s brain development:
- Babies are picking up on facial cues and emotions as early as four to six months!
You may have noticed your baby smiling back at you when you smile at them. This signifies important brain activity! Your baby is picking up on and learning to detect emotions. It is important to be aware of your own emotional state, as your baby is picking-up on your emotions at all times.
- Your baby has a lot of big emotions (anger, sadness, joy, etc.).
Babies are feeling many of the emotions adults have long before they have the language skills to express them. Keeping an eye on your baby’s expressions can help you determine when they are happy, sad, or angry, and provide the necessary response to those big feelings.
- Babies can sense when you are communicating something important.
Babies pay special attention when you use “baby talk”, make eye contact, and call their names. These interactions are important parts of a baby’s language and brain development.
- Babies are interpreting the world around them based upon your reactions.
Thinking about how you want your child to respond to new scenarios can help you ensure you are providing the necessary emotional environment for them to feel comfortable with new experiences and environments. Babies easily pick-up on the anxiety or frustration of their parents and/or guardians.
- Your baby looks to you to ensure they are safe!
One of the primary things a baby’s brain is processing is “is the world dangerous or safe?”. Keep in mind that environments with ongoing stress or tension affects baby as well.
Here are some resources for further learning:
The Wonder Weeks: Brain Development 0 – 2 Months
The Wonder Weeks: Baby Brain Tips
Before you go, meet Ms. Dana!
Dana Faranda: Lead Teacher
If you walk into Ms. Dana’s baby room, it is clear that she has a gift with children. As a child, she remembers children flocking to her and trusting her in an uncanny way. Adults would often describe her as having a “way with children”. It is clear that they were right, as Ms. Dana is a patient, honest, and loyal teacher. When she is not at work, Ms. Dana is spending time with her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter making arts and crafts or playing at the park.
Do you know someone who wants to help make a difference? We are looking for full and part-time employees! E-mail resumes to info@thechildrenscentersc.org.
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