Week of the Young Child: Artsy Thursday

Incorporating the Arts into programming can help children develop creativity, social skills and fine muscles with open-ended art projects where they can make choices. There is also a deep benefit to educators to infuse the arts into a child's day. This allows early childhood educators to observe children with their peers in order to assess all areas of development. As an early childhood educator, you are a valuable resource. You are a vital support to families and the young children you care for and educate. Having a well rooted understanding of child development, observation tools as well as understanding the options available for early screening and intervention can empower families to seek the support they need if there is a concern. Early intervention services are most effective when provided earlier in life and can change a child's developmental path to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Statewide programs that support child development:

• Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS) are available digitally for educators who serve children birth through kindergarten. You can access the Infant/Toddler MELDS and the Preschool MELDS online. A new and improved version of the Preschool MELDS will be available this Spring! Be on the lookout for more information on its release through the Maine DOE, Maine Office of Child and Family Services and Maine Roads to Quality. For school-aged educators, you can access the Maine Learning Results (MLRs) here.

• Help Me Grow is a central access point designed to connect families to information and services about child development and community resources. In partnership with 211 Maine, caregivers and providers can contact Help Me Grow for additional support. Help Me Grow will listen, link families to services, and provide follow-up to both caregivers and referral sources. Visit Help Me Grow Maine for more information.

WYOC 2024 Raffle Winner: Little Friends Nursery School & Child Care Center in Benton