Bridges
Bridges
Licensed early childhood programs have been participating in activities offered through the MIKE program since August 2001. This program has given early childhood educators access to training and support to assess their space, their program and their practices, and to make improvements. This work contributes to ensuring that the children are given the best experiences possible.
The assessment tools, resources, training and support have helped early childhood educators and teams consider how:
- children use the toys and equipment;
- children and early childhood educators interact;
- early childhood educators work together as a team;
- the environment is healthy and safe;
- the daily schedule reflects the children’s needs and interests;
- program activities and policies invite parents' involvement
One of the assessment resources used is the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale- Revised Edition ( ECERS-R). The scale has a 7 point rating system. In order for programs to meet the current child care regulations under the Child Care Facilities Act a score of 3.6 is required, any score less would be considered inadequate.
Scores for ECERS-R rating ranges are defined in the following categories for MIKE participants:
- Inadequate indicates an overall rating less than 3.6
- Minimal indicates an overall rating within the 3.6 to 4.5
- Good indicates an overall rating within the 4.6 to 5.5
- Excellent indicates an overall rating within the 5.6 to7
For more information on the Bridges program click here for English, click here for French
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People Organizations Services Programs
Early Childhood Information Specialist - Melanie Melanson at mdmelanson@ihis.org Telephone: (902) 894-0235. Melanie maintains data on Early Childhood Development Centres, coordinates the information collection and payment of the Direct Funding Program, and collects and designates information on Healthy Child Development.
Practice and Professional Terms
Building Blocks - Strategies for Inclusion - A practical approach to successful integration of young children with special needs into child care programs. This training has been offered to the Early Childhood sector and continues to be offered each year in February to the 2nd Year Holland College ECCE students and individuals from the Early Childhood Development sector.
Prime Ministers Awards - Excellence in Early Childhood Education
Now is a great time to think about recognizing an educator that has made a difference in your child's life. The 2009 guidelines and nomination form for the Prime Minister's Awards (PMAs) for Excellence in Early Childhood Education are now available online in the following section:http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/pmaece-ppmepe.nsf/eng/home. Nomination Guidelines You can also obtain hard copies by calling (613) 946-0651 or sending by an email to pmaece-ppmepe@gc.ca.
