Our Kids' Corner

At Clackamas ESD, we commit to celebrating and validating the cultural backgrounds and historical contributions of the families and communities we serve year-round. “Our Kids’ Corner” newsletter is a reflection of our commitment to be inclusive of all the families and communities we serve.

In the first five years of life, experiences and relationships stimulate children’s development, creating millions of connections in their brains. Their brains develop connections faster in the first five years than at any other time in their lives. Our hope is that these newsletters will give you tools to help support your child's social and emotional development and prepare your child to enter preschool and Kindergarten ready to learn!

The Pyramid Model is a framework for supporting the social and emotional development of our children. The goal of the Pyramid Model is to create an environment where every child feels good about coming to school. We do this by designing classrooms that promote a child's interest in learning and by building positive relationships among children, families, and staff.

Why do we use Pyramid Model? Click the links below to learn more.

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Persistence is about helping your child move from “I can’t do it” to “I can’t do it yet — I’m learning!” When young children focus on a task, make a plan, and keep trying even when something is hard, they’re learning important lessons about how to persevere, problem-solve, and tackle challenges for themselves. “All parents want to see their kids succeed, but it’s just as important to teach your children how to fail,” says Jaime M. Howard, Ph.D, Director at the Child Mind Institute. “Failing can be reframed as trying, practicing, and putting in effort” and it is okay. In other words, both failing and succeeding take persistence!

Encouragement is a tool that supports building positive relationships with young children and builds their skills in persisting at a task until they succeed.

How do you give encouragement? Click on the links below for examples you can use at home and school with the kids in your life.

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This is a book list about starting preschool.

This is a social story about going to preschool.

This is a social story about transitioning to the bus.

What is inclusion?

Preschool inclusion refers to the practice of integrating children with diverse abilities, including those with disabilities, into the same early childhood education settings as typically developing children. This approach aims to provide equal opportunities for all children to learn and play together, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes socialization and learning for everyone.

Why is Inclusion important (<- Click here for more information)

Preschool inclusion fosters diversity, nurturing an environment where children of all abilities learn and play together. This approach promotes empathy, social skills, and a sense of belonging, laying a foundation for inclusive communities. As children collaborate and celebrate differences, they develop a richer understanding of the world, creating a community of learning and acceptance in the preschool classroom.

What does the Research Say About Inclusion?

Research on preschool inclusion show several benefits, including improved social skills and positive attitudes toward diversity for all children. Studies have concluded that inclusive settings build up academic and developmental skills for children with disabilities. Additionally, research shows that inclusion improves the social and emotional skills of typically developing peers by promoting empathy and understanding.

The Power of Inclusion

In fall 2023, we launched a pilot project at Mount Scott Elementary in Happy Valley, where typically developing children learn alongside children experiencing disabilities in our self-contained classroom model. Called the PEER program, these preschool classes offer structured learning, positive social experiences, and ideal opportunities for participating children and families to expand their understanding and acceptance of the diversity that exists within our community. Learn more about the PEER program on our website here.

We’re thrilled to announce that our second PEER classroom will be opening on September 9th, 2024! Plus, our original PEER program from Mount Scott Elementary has officially relocated to our brand new Clackamas Early Learning Center. Check out next months "Our Kids" Corner for a feature on our new center.

Click the photo above to read the article about written by the Oregon School Board Association about our PEER program.

What You'll Need:

• Empty plastic bottles with lids (e.g., water bottles)
• Water
• Food coloring (optional)
• Glitter, beads, or small objects (optional)
• Vegetable oil or baby oil

Instructions:

1. Fill the bottle about halfway with water.
2. If you want to add color you can add a few drops of food coloring to the water.
3. Add glitter, beads, or small objects for extra sensory fun.
4. Top off the bottle with vegetable oil or baby oil, leaving a little space at the top.
5. Secure the lid tightly and, for extra security, you can glue it shut.
6. Let your infant or toddler shake and roll the bottle to watch the objects move and float. It’s a fun way to engage their senses and encourage visual tracking.

What You' ll Need

• A large tray or shallow container
• Items collected from nature (e.g., pinecones, leaves, sticks, rocks, acorns)
• Magnifying glass (optional)
• Small containers or cups (optional)

Instructions:

1. Gather a variety of natural items from outside. Look for textures, shapes, and colors to make the tray interesting.
2. Arrange the collected items on the tray or in the shallow container.
3. Invite your child to explore the nature items with their hands. They can touch, sort, and examine each item.
4. Use a magnifying glass to get a closer look at the textures and details of the items.
5. For added fun, provide small containers or cups for sorting and categorizing the items by size, shape, or type.

This activity encourages sensory exploration and fine motor skills while connecting children with nature.

When children read books with characters they can relate to and see themselves reflected in, this serves as a mirror in which they can see themselves reflected in positive ways in the classroom. It supports the development of a positive self identity and a sense of belonging.

On the other hand, books that serve as windows into the lives and cultures into people who are different teach children empathy and inclusion.

Please check out the books below for some amazing books you can share with your children that will provide either a mirror to show them how amazing they are or a window to see how amazing the people all around them are.

Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education

Clackamas ESD delivers Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) support to young children who exhibit delays or disabilities that affect learning. Click here to learn more about how to schedule an evaluation if you have concerns about your child's development.

Head Start to Success

Our Head Start to Success programs provide free comprehensive preschool to three- and four-year-old children who are experiencing poverty. Head Start to Success works in partnership with local school districts throughout Clackamas County

Childcare Resource and Referral

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) of Clackamas County supports high-quality child care throughout our region. We offer professional development, training and technical support to child care providers.

Please forward this newsletter and share our information with anyone you think might enjoy the content or benefit from our services.

Website: https://www.clackesd.org/early-learning/
Location: 13455 Southeast 97th Avenue, Clackamas, OR 97015, USA
Phone: 503-675-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clackesdearlylearning