Learning Spotlight

Each month, our Program Leaders & Assistants take time to dive into new ideas and learning through professional development—and we want to share those insights with you! Think of this space as a little blog, a “jumping off point” for the topic of the month. We’ll touch on what we’re learning as a team and carry those conversations into our family centres, where parents and caregivers can connect, share, and put the ideas into practice. It’s all about learning alongside each other, supporting families, and growing together. 

Our first "spotlight" is based on professional development staff did from "The Science of Early Childhood Development 3.2 - Getting Along with others."

From "mine!" to making friends --discover how little moments shape big skills

Raising kids isn’t just about teaching ABCs and 123s—it’s also about helping them understand their feelings and how to get along with others. Young children need to know that it’s okay to feel big emotions like frustration, anger, or sadness. What really matters is having a caring adult to show them healthy ways to manage and express those feelings.

Skills like taking turns, sharing, solving little disagreements, and learning to cooperate are what set children up for making friends and feeling ready for school. Kids also need practice seeing things from someone else’s point of view—understanding what another child might be thinking or feeling. This is something that grows over time, and play is one of the best teachers.

Experts remind us that children learn best when they have “predictable” adults who label emotions, model calm behavior, and give them space to figure things out with gentle guidance. Even everyday situations—like waiting for a turn on the swings or sharing toys with a sibling—are chances for children to practice self-control, problem-solving, and kindness.

For some children, joining in play comes naturally. For others, it can feel scary or overwhelming. With a little support and encouragement, parents and caregivers can help shy or hesitant children take those first steps toward connecting with others.

At the end of the day, helping children manage emotions and understand others builds strong friendships, resilience, and confidence—skills that will support them not just in school, but for life.