Early years and Elementary Education and Development, Parenting
At Inventive Minds, our teaching methods derive from the latest research studies in the fields of neurology, pediatrics, child and family therapy, and education as it pertains to children, adolescents and youth. Each provides tools to nurture children who are independent, responsible, and empathic so they can develop into adults with intellectual and emotional intelligence. We continuously update and evolve to implement the best practices to meet each child's emotional, cognitive and nutritional needs.
Responsive and interactive relationships with parents and caregivers contribute to the architecture and development of a baby's brain. When we hold, touch and speak to babies, and when we use the back and forth method called 'serve and return,' we help them to build secure attachments. From early in life, this fundamentally and positively affects the connections in the baby's brain and lasts a lifetime. Early relationships prepare a baby to grow to be able to learn, form relationships with others and respond to the world. The first two years of life are critically important.
Critical Periods in Brain Development
Neuroscience and epigenetics teach us there are windows, called critical periods, in a child's development where the neurons develop most rapidly from birth to 4 years of age. The right and left hemispheres of the brain oversees our emotional and intellectual intelligence development. During these critical windows, the child's mind is more receptive to experiences. When these take place at the right time, they positively affect the child's wellbeing and health for the rest of their life. Neuroscience also teaches us that new neurons can develop later in childhood and into mid-life, so all is not lost. The learning continues in intellectual and emotional development from pre-birth if repetition and proper sequencing are shown or cultivated. It remains for the duration of our lives.
The key takeaway is that early nurturing lasts a lifetime. It's never too late to break an old routine and build a new ground for learning. By providing quality care and educating our staff and families, we create an environment that meets children's individual needs. We ensure all children, including those with exceptional needs, are allowed to learn and cultivate a healthy emotional and intellectual intelligence.
Pediatrician support in early development and beyond
Pediatricians have highlighted the importance of sufficient sleep for brain development in young children and adults. Studies indicate that children who have adequate amounts of sleep have improved attention, behaviour, learning, memory, and overall healthy physical and emotional wellbeing.
Sleep also is especially important for parents and caregivers, so they can present to meet the child's emotional and physical needs and secure attachment. If parents are not able to be consistent with their emotional wellbeing, they won't be as equipped to show consistency with their children. This state can result in avoidance or dismissing the child's emotional needs, potentially progressing to aggression from early years to teen and beyond.
The brain needs restorative rest. Though no one is exactly sure what work the brain does while we're sleeping, research suggests it sorts and stores information, and problem-solves. Most children between the ages of 5 and 12 get about 9.5 hours a night, but experts agree that most need 10 or 11 hours each night. Sleep is an individual need, and some children may need more than others. When children and adults do not get enough hours of rest, everyone is less patient. Researchers also believe too little sleep can affect growth and immune system health - which can cause us to be more vulnerable to viruses.
Understanding the importance of sleep ensures we prioritize and make sure they get an adequate amount. At Inventive Minds, we educate parents and caregivers about self-care and sufficient rest. We provide helpful tools and techniques they can use for themselves and their children.
Social Workers and Parent Practitioners
Child development, from infancy to young adulthood, starts with parents and primary caregivers. Style and family dynamic varies with each household. From birth, children begin to form a secure attachment with the primary caregivers, which in turn influences how the child interacts and relates to the school system and community at large.
Social Workers and parent practitioners can help with the development of emotional wellbeing throughout each stage of a child’s life. Without a healthy foundation of a balanced sense of attachment at home and school, children can develop long-term behaviour issues.
At Inventive Minds, our staff are experts in the fields of family therapy and the Positive Parenting Program ™. We draw from these tools and methods to help parents understand the importance of emotional and mental health right from birth and throughout the teen years. We assist and guide with concepts of day-to-day parenting, awareness of children’s emotional cues, and consistent emotional health.
Educators
Educators hold a vital role in a child's life. Each is part of the caregiver support system, and their emotional engagement with the children in their care can have a direct effect on a child's overall wellbeing. Educators wear a variety of hats every day to meet both intellectual and emotional needs. They are also responsible for ensuring children are meeting educational, emotional and physical milestones. Educators are often the connection between the family, therapist and pediatrician.
Beyond academics, nurturing the minds and souls of children in their care is also a responsibility of educators. We work to ensure that every child has a sense of security and love is built before addressing the mind. We strive to create a positive learning environment that is engaging, safe and age-appropriate. Such an environment allows for a more free and abstract approach, which helps children to see the exciting possibilities in the world around them as they grow and experience life. Education is not just the learning of facts but the training of the mind to think from the early stages of development.
Research indicates that children exposed to an early-years environment can socialize and self-regulate more effectively, positively affecting future adult relationships. It also shows that children exposed to early learning have a higher success rate in elementary and high school.
We care deeply about our children as unique individuals. We believe in daily dedication to ensure a happy, safe and stimulating environment brings out the best in each of our children. Ensuring our children become responsible adults with the ability to thrive emotionally and intellectually.