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Written By Aruna Gilbert – Chief Program and Policy Officer I had the privilege of sitting with my 70-year-old uncle as he reminisced about his childhood. As someone working in early childhood education and social work, I found myself captivated by his stories, not just because they were family history, but because they so perfectly illustrated principles I encounter daily in my professional life. My uncle grew up in Guyana in the 1950s, when early education looked very different than it does today. He described his pre-K classroom as one large open space without partitions, housing several age groups simultaneously. In this environment, he struggled tremendously. “I couldn’t sit still,” he told me with a chuckle. “I would roam around the classroom constantly, moving from one area to another.” Today, we might have quickly labeled him as having ADHD or a behavior problem and developed an intervention plan. Back then, the solution was much simpler: his parents were called in and informed that he could not remain at the school; they didn’t believe they were the best place for him. At just five years old, my uncle faced his first educational rejection. What happened next would alter the course of his life. My grandparents enrolled him in a boys’ school where the headmistress took a markedly different approach. When my grandmother expressed concern about her son’s behavior, the headmistress simply said, “Don’t worry, he will be fine.” But she didn’t stop at reassurance. This remarkable educator took a personal interest in my uncle’s development. She checked in on him regularly, created space for his energy, and recognized the intelligence that his previous school had overlooked. She became what researchers now call a “protective factor” in his life. Decades later, my uncle—by then an accomplished civil engineer—was working on a major infrastructure project when he noticed a young engineer with the same surname as his former headmistress. In a moment that still brings tears to his eyes when he recounts it, he discovered he was his beloved headmistress’s grandson. “I was able to tell him how his grandmother had changed my life,” he said. “How I might not have become an engineer at all without her influence.” From “Problem Child” to Distinguished Engineer My uncle went on to graduate at the top of his class at McMaster University in Canada, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in civil engineering with distinction. He later completed his doctorate in civil engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, one of India’s most elite educational institutions, again with top honors. Yet when asked about the foundations of his success, he doesn’t point to his natural intelligence or even his work ethic. Instead, he recalls those early childhood moments and the headmistress who believed in him. As I listened to my uncle’s story, I couldn’t help but connect it to the growing body of research on childhood development and resilience. Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’s groundbreaking work on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shows that negative early experiences can have lasting impacts on children’s development and even their physical health. But her research also reveals something profoundly hopeful: the presence of just one supportive adult can significantly mitigate these effects. One relationship can change everything. Similarly, Isabelle Hau emphasizes in her book “Love to Learn” that relationships are fundamental to learning and development. Children don’t learn from people they don’t trust or feel connected to, and they thrive when they feel seen and valued. My uncle’s story offers several important lessons: 1. Early experiences matter. The way adults respond to children’s needs and behaviors in their early years can have lifelong implications. 2. Labels can limit potential. Had my uncle been in today’s educational system, he might have been labeled with a disorder rather than seen as a child with unique needs and strengths. 3. One adult can change a child’s trajectory. The headmistress didn’t implement an elaborate intervention program; she simply paid attention, showed care, and created space for a different kind of learner. 4. The impact of care ripples through generations. The headmistress never knew how far her influence would reach, but decades later, her grandson got to hear about the profound difference his grandmother had made. Reflection I have thought often about my uncle’s story in the days since our conversation. As professionals in education and child development, we sometimes get caught up in curricula, assessments, and methodologies. These matter, of course, but my uncle’s experience reminds me that at the heart of effective education is something much simpler: relationship. Sometimes, all it takes is one adult who truly sees a child, who looks past challenging behaviors to recognize potential, who makes the daily choice to believe in a child even when evidence suggests otherwise. My uncle’s life stands as testimony to the power of that one caring adult. And it makes me wonder: whose life might our educators be changing today, without even realizing it? What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Was there a teacher or mentor who changed your trajectory? Do you remember your preschool teacher? I would love to hear your stories submitted to communications@elcpalmbeach.org .

As parents and caregivers, we all strive to raise positive, cooperative, kind children. But kids will be kids, and the reality is that tantrums, challenging behavior, and power struggles will pop up. With the right tips and encouragement, we can help our children build positive behavior habits that will help them throughout their life. Research shows that positive behavior starts with strong relationships- when children feel loved and safe, they are more likely to cooperate. Acknowledge Their Behavior Catch your child being good! When you see your child engaging in good behavior, encourage them by being enthusiastic and specific. For instance, you can say, “Wow, I saw you share your toy at the park! That was such a nice thing to do!” Make eye contact, get down to their level, and show genuine interest in what your child is doing and how they are behaving. Even when your child acts up, it’s important to stay positive. For example, you can say, “I noticed you were trying hard to stay calm. That’s not easy. Next time, let’s practice stepping away and taking a deep breath.” Preparing for Challenging Behavior Kids aren’t perfect, and it’s always good to prepare if your child’s behavior goes south during an outing or playdate. Stay nearby your child so you can intervene or change locations if needed or provide two sets of the same toy (such as two balls) if you know your child is working on sharing. Sometimes a child does not yet know how to communicate their feelings, which can result in challenging behavior to get what they want. Help your child be a better communicator by talking about certain situations ahead of time (such as what to do while playing with friends or what to expect at school drop off) and reading books about other children dealing with big feelings and similar situations. Help your child with simple calm-down strategies, such as taking deep breaths when they feel frustrated, going to a quiet space in another room, or seeking support from a trusted adult. Skills for Building Positive Behavior Be specific when you want your child to display certain behaviors, such as sharing or being nice. For example, you can say “Hands are not for hitting, hands are for playing, eating, and hugging” or “Use your words. Ask for help if you are upset.” A great way to establish positive behavior in children is to practice! Have your child practice taking turns while you are playing with them, or when they’re with a sibling. You can also remind your child before playing with other kids that toys are for sharing. If there is a special toy that they don’t want to share, to put it away in a safe space. Model the behavior you want to see in your child. Kids learn more from what we do rather than what we say. Show them how to handle frustration, how to be patient, and talk about when it doesn’t go quite right. After all, even as adults, we have moments! Building positive behavior takes time and new skills emerge as your child grows. Modeling, teaching patience, and showing understanding, make it easier. It’s all about progress, not perfection, and as a parent, you are already doing a great job to help your child grow! Positive behavior will get better as your child ages and has more opportunities to practice. If you need more tips on how to address challenging behavior in children, you can connect with our Warm Line over the phone at 888-620-9190 or online at https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/warmline .

Introducing chores to your children can be a great way to build responsibility, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Children are naturally curious and love to be just like the grown-ups and big kids around them. This eagerness to help and the introduction of chores, especially when started early, can build life skills, and help your child learn to be more independent. Why Chores Are Important Chores help with skill-building, and the best chores are related to things your child will need to know in the future, such as how to make their bed, assist with laundry, or set the table for meals. Very young children can pitch in with household tasks by learning how to put away their toys. Pitching in with household tasks teaches children empathy and responsibility. It also helps them learn how to work together, solve problems, and compromise, which can help them both in the home and in the classroom at school. As children want more control over their choices, giving them chores to do can help encourage this independence and show them that daily chores and responsibilities help the rest of the family. Tips for Helping Your Child Complete Chores Make chores a part of your daily routine! Kids thrive when they have structure in their lives. For example, make it a habit for your child to make their bed and pack their backpack for school each day, or to put dirty clothes in the laundry basket each night before bed. Encourage them to do their chores at the same time each day. Let your child have some choice about the chores they want to do. For example, ask them if they want to help set the table or help clean up after dinner. Choices can help your child feel more invested in their chores. Tackle chores with your child and talk while you work together. Make it fun by putting on music while cleaning! You can also show your appreciation by thanking them and emphasizing how proud you are of them for being such big helpers! Rewards and Consequences Giving children some sort of motivation for completing chores is often needed to get the job done. Rewards can be given in the form of earned activities or an allowance that they can earn each time a job is completed. Chore charts, visual reminders, or family meetings can help children be more successful and feel a sense of accomplishment. Honest praise from a parent can be the most effective way of motivating your child to do chores! Congratulate them for their effort to complete a regular task or initiating a chore on their own without a reminder. Kids will inevitably resist doing chores, and when they do, they can begin to understand accountability and how their decisions affect them and others. For instance, when my child can’t find a certain toy, I remind him that it may be because he didn’t clean them up properly the last time he played with them. However, you can remain positive and predict success for next time- for example, you can say “Let’s try putting your toys away in their places after you’re done playing today- I know you can do it!” Remember to celebrate the little wins and praise your child’s efforts, not just the outcome. A simple “Thank you for helping!” or “You did that all by yourself!” goes a long way. Another thing to keep in mind is that chores aren’t just tasks to be completed- each job is an opportunity for growth and building confidence. The lessons children learn from completing chores early, and incorporating them into daily routines, can stick with them for life- both inside and outside the home. For more resources that are helpful for you and your family, please visit https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/family-resources .

March is National Nutrition Month! Good nutrition during the first years of your child’s life is vital for healthy growth and development. Starting good nutrition habits early can help children develop a healthy relationship with food and eating… but what do you do if every mealtime results in a power struggle? If you find yourself serving macaroni and cheese every night because your child refuses vegetables, I have been there too. Research shows that most children eventually outgrow their picky-eating phase, but what to do in the meantime? These simple tips that can help keep mealtimes fun and healthy! Before Mealtimes Let your child help make the meals! Give them simple jobs, like tearing lettuce for a salad, mixing in a bowl, or having them help set the table. Kids are more likely to eat food that they help prepare. Take your child grocery shopping with you, and let them pick out some new fruits, vegetables, or other healthy options they would like to try. Offer choices - instead of asking “Do you want carrots?” try “Would you like broccoli or carrots?” Giving your child a choice will help give them a sense of control. During Mealtimes If your child dislikes vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower, try serving it in different forms, such as mixing it in with one of their favorite dishes, or serving it with a fun dip on the side. Research tells us kids may need to try a new food five to ten times before they start eating more of it, so keep offering! Be a role model. Children tend to follow the family example, so try to pile up your own plate with lots of colorful veggies and fruits. Though it may be tempting, try to avoid bribing your child with sweet treats to get them to clean their plates. This is not always the best way to develop healthy habits in the long run. Just continue offering healthy choices, encourage them to try new foods, and keep the mood at mealtime positive. After Mealtimes Remain upbeat even after mealtime is over - praise your child’s efforts! For example, even if they didn’t finish their plate, you can say, “I love that you tried a new food today!” Respect their appetite, and remember that some days children will eat more (especially during a growth spurt), and some days they will eat less. Be mindful of their hunger cues while continuing to offer healthy foods. Try to keep healthy snacks available around the house for your child to munch on between mealtimes, such as hummus, yogurt, or any healthy dip with vegetables or fruits. If you are concerned about your child’s eating habits, talk to your pediatrician. They can help make sure that your child is getting all the necessary nutrients to grow and develop. Remember, picky eating is a normal developmental stage for toddlers, and will not last forever. Do your best to patiently work with your child on continuing to try healthy foods, and this will help put them on the path toward lifelong healthy eating. For more nutrition resources, visit https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/family-resources .

As parents and caregivers, we all want the best for our little ones, and that includes ensuring they stay on track with their developmental milestones. One of the most important things you can do to support your child’s developmental growth is to ensure they receive regular developmental check-ins. Developmental check-ins are simple, low-stress observations that help show how your child is growing and learning, and goes over skills such as communication, motor skills, social and emotional development, and cognitive skills. These check-ins are designed to identify areas where your child might need extra support and are a great tool to make sure your child thrives in both school and in life! Why Are Developmental Check-Ins Important and How Do I Get One? A child’s brain develops quickly during the first five years of life, and developmental check-ins can help ensure that concerns are addressed as early as possible. Early intervention can make a world of difference and supports are available at no cost. For children who need a little extra support with learning, speech, behavioral skills or social skills, early information from a check-in can help set them up for success with resources, specialists, and programs that meet their individual needs. To receive a developmental check-in for your child, talk to your pediatrician or local child care program. Many early learning programs offer routine check-ins and can connect you with resources. What Happens During a Developmental Check-In? A developmental check-in is quick and stress-free, usually taking about fifteen minutes. These can be done at your pediatrician’s office or early childhood program. You may fill out an Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) about your child’s skills, behavior, and interactions. A doctor, nurse, or early childhood specialist may also play with your child, ask them to do simple tasks, or follow simple instructions like stacking blocks or pointing to pictures. Some key areas of development that will be looked at during a check-in are motor skills, communication, problem-solving, and social and emotional skills. What Are the Next Steps? If everything appears to be on track, you can continue to monitor your child’s development. If a developmental check-in suggests that your child could benefit from extra support, the first thing to do is to take a deep breath; we are here to support your family and the earlier you start, the better! Next steps could be further evaluation, supports and resources. Families can call the Coalition’s Warm Line at 888-620-9190 and speak directly to the Early Intervention Manager about their child’s needs. The Coalition is here to help families with resources and connections to specialists, ensuring every child receives the help that is the right fit! Checking in on your child ‘s development help you learn more about your young child’s growth. Check-ins also ensure your child has everything they need to thrive and they get the support they need at an early age. The Coalition is here to help cheer you on every step of the way. For more information, visit https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/child-development .

Author: Aruna Gilbert, Chief Program and Policy Officer Sitting here watching my daughter navigate college applications, my mind keeps going back to her VPK classroom days. Was it really just yesterday that I was worried about whether she could write her name, or if she would make friends during circle time? Now she's writing and rewriting essays about her leadership experiences and future dreams, and I'm struck by how those early VPK learning moments laid foundations I never fully appreciated at the time. Gosh, I can remember questioning whether Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) would make a real difference. The program had only been in place a few years and not much research had been done on it because Florida was one of the first states to implement universal VPK. Sure, it was free, which helped our family out financially, but would those three hours really matter? Looking back from the vantage point of college applications, I can trace so many of her strengths to that pivotal year. The confidence she shows in her college interviews? It started with taking her first tooth she lost to present during "show and tell." Her ability to work independently on these applications? I see echoes of the self-directed learning centers in her VPK classroom. Even her essay-writing skills grew from those first exciting moments of realizing she could turn her thoughts into words on paper. Parents of little ones: I know you're deep in the world of tiny chairs, tantrums, and finger paint right now. You might be wondering if all these early learning experiences really matter in the long run. From my view on the other side - they matter more than we can envision. When your child's VPK teacher talks about developing executive function skills, they're not just using fancy terms - they're describing the exact abilities your child will need to manage college applications, job interviews, and adult life. The innovation in early learning since my daughter's VPK days amazes me. Today's programs incorporate technology, neuroscience research, and teaching methods we barely knew then. But the core remains the same - creating safe spaces for children to discover who they are as learners and individuals. My daughter's VPK program gave her more than academic readiness; it gave her a foundation of curiosity and confidence that's carrying her through these college applications. To parents starting the VPK journey: treasure these moments, even the chaotic ones. Take pictures of the finger paintings, save the squiggly first attempts at writing their name, and celebrate the small victories. Before you know it, you'll be sitting where I am, watching your child map out their future, seeing echoes of those early learning days in every confident decision they make. The time between VPK and college applications moves at light speed, but those early experiences create ripples that carry forward in ways you'd never expect. That finger-painting physicist or block-building architect in your child's VPK class isn't just playing - they're laying the groundwork for who they'll become. And trust me, you'll blink, and suddenly they'll be showing you their college essay, and you'll see traces of that VPK child in every word they write. Your child's future starts in those early learning moments. It may not look like much - just songs, stories, “shapey" dance parties, and playtime - but you're watching the foundation of their future take shape, one building block at a time. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go help my daughter decide which picture to include in her college application - though personally, I'm partial to the one of her VPK graduation, gap-toothed smile and all. Some milestones stay precious forever.

Many parents and caregivers have experienced their child showing separation anxiety. It can happen during drop off at child care or a family member’s house, or even just leaving the room for a few minutes. For me, there have been times I have felt sadness and guilt about leaving my own child, especially during his early days at school. While separation anxiety can cause adults to worry, it is an entirely normal behavior. It is also a great sign that your child is attached to you. Read below for some facts about separation anxiety and tips that can help: What is Separation Anxiety? Separation anxiety is a normal behavior that usually starts when children are around the age of six months, when the child starts to develop a stronger bond with the primary caregiver. Separation anxiety then peaks around ten to eighteen months. Typically, by age five, children are more used to time apart. Some signs of separation anxiety include your child becoming clingy or getting upset when you leave their sight. Separation anxiety can vary. Some families experience it more than others. With support, separation anxiety can get easier. Tips to Help Children Adjust Stick to a routine as much as possible. Routines help children feel safe and secure. Create a short goodbye ritual for you and your child to do when you drop them off somewhere, such as a quick hug, a cool handshake, and an “I love you!” Stay consistent with this goodbye. Stay positive as you depart. Seeing you calm will help your child be calm. Talk to children about where they are going for the day and why. Let your child know when you will return to pick them up in simple terms. Instead of saying you will be back at 3:00pm, try “I’ll be back after naptime and before afternoon snack.” Each time you leave your child, you are giving them time to build confidence and independence. Adjusting can look different for each child. If you suspect that your child needs more support, reach out to your pediatrician. For additional help, contact our Child Care Resource and Referral team at 561-514-3300, or visit us at https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/child-care-resource-referral . We are here to answer questions and support!

February is National Dental Health Month! Dental care can start when children are young. It is recommended that a child’s first visit to the dentist be when their first tooth comes through, or at twelve months of age, whichever comes first. Why is Dental Health Important? When children have healthy mouths, it supports their ability to speak, eat, sleep well, and feel confident. Healthy teeth help children focus and learn as they grow. Before, During, and After a Dental Visit Talk with your child about what to expect when they visit the dentist. Keeping it simple helps children understand what will happen at their visit. If possible, schedule the appointment at a time of day that is best for your child (for example, when they tend to be well-rested and fed). Talk to your child about what they will see in the dentist’s office, such as bright lights, a chair that moves up and down, and a tray of dental tools. Pretend play and reading children’s books about visiting the dentist can also help ease any concerns your child may have. Depending on your child’s age some dental offices will ask parents/caregivers to be with their child during the exam. Your calm voice and praise during the visit makes a difference! After the visit, follow advice from your dentist about how to care for your child’s teeth at home. As your child grows, help them be more independent when caring for their teeth. Keeping Teeth Healthy Brush your child’s teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Young children may want to brush their teeth on their own, and they still need help while they learn. For babies, wipe their gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth to wash away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities. Focus on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, meat, fish, and chicken. Model for your children brushing your own teeth twice a day, flossing, and going for regular dental appointments. Make the act of brushing and flossing fun by having your child select their favorite flavor of toothpaste, and toothbrushes that have their favorite color or character on them. Sing songs while brushing or make up funny dances! The more you do it, the more it will be become a habit. For more information on Dental Health Month, visit our Family Resources page at https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/family-resources .

During the winter break from school, everyone deserves the chance to recharge and relax. However, you can also find ways to sneak in some learning to help your child avoid the “winter slide” and go back to school with a ready mind. For example, everyday activities, such as bath time, cooking, a drive in the car, or a walk, are all opportunities to help your child grasp some of the simple concepts around math. Math Activities for the Home Open-ended play and role play are great ways to incorporate concepts of math, especially if you have your kids pretend to be in a bank or a store. Have them practice counting using pretend money, or by stocking pretend food items. With this kind of role play, children are making the connection between math and real life. Have your child join in on holiday cooking or baking! Look at measurements together, count ingredients, and depending on their age, let them watch or participate while cooking. Help your child learn the concepts of sorting and categorizing by having them help with laundry and sort the clothes by color, size, or type. They can also help organize their toys and group them by size, color, or type of toy, and compare how much they have of each group. Math Activities for the Go Play a game by trying to find a clock wherever you go. If you spot one, look at the hands of the clock and count the numbers. While on a walk or at the playground, count the clouds in the sky. You can also talk about the weather, such as where rain comes from, and what time the moon and the sun rise and set. While driving in the car, look at road signs, and explain the distance between destinations while traveling. Learning Math by Reading While reading books, you and your child can count the characters or the numbers on the page. You can also determine the start, middle, and end of the book, as well as how long it takes to read it. Read some lift-the-flap or puzzle books with your child. These books can help your child engage in counting the number of flaps, as well as shapes and patterns. After reading a story together, ask your child some math-related questions, such as “How many siblings did the character have?” or “How many apples did the character pack for lunch?” Learning math by doing everyday activities in and outside the house can provide numerous benefits for children. They’ll be able to see how math is used in daily life and help them understand how important math is beyond the classroom. In addition, incorporating math and literacy into your winter break activities can help kids retain key concepts they learned at school, so that they can return after the holidays with their minds fresh. To find free books that can help your child with their math and literacy skills, check out https://booksmart.worldreader.org/en/BookSmart/Welcome/Start !