Carroll Community College ECE Club

04/26/2026

Just a few pics from Famiky Fun Fest 2026! Great job ECE Club!

04/15/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14bsbdAFAgW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/14/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CPSZzUxgs/?mibextid=wwXIfr

07/30/2025

Yesterday, I watched an early childhood educator spend 20 minutes managing fidgeting, redirecting attention, and implementing behaviour strategies during mat time. That same 20 minutes could have been prevented with 3 minutes of movement that gave those little nervous systems what they were desperately seeking.

Your most challenging 3-5 year olds aren't being defiant. They're showing you exactly what their developing brains need to feel calm and ready to engage.

The fidgeting child needs to spin, rock, and sway. The crashing child needs to push, pull, and squeeze. The restless child needs their whole body activated before sitting on the mat.

Instead of "Sit still, hands to yourself, listen to the story," try "Let's get our bodies ready for story time."

3-minute morning activators that work
* Bear crawls around the room (under tables, over cushions)
* Spin like washing machines (fast and slow, left and right)
* Push the wall to make it stronger (firm and gentle)
* March like robots with big arm swings (left and right, high and low)
* Animal walks to the mat (slow and fast - finishing with a slow animal)

When you feed the sensory need BEFORE asking for quiet attention, children naturally regulate.

After 2-3 days of consistent movement input, you'll see dramatic decreases in fidgeting, calling out, and restless behaviours. Your most challenging children often become your most engaged.

Start tomorrow with ONE movement activity. Use it consistently for one week. Watch your group time transform and let us know how you go.

Read more: https://www.playmoveimprove.com.au/blogs/news/supporting-fundamental-movement-skills-the-movement-intervention-program-mip

07/13/2025

Just leaving this image here in response to The Writing Framework released this week.

These X-rays show how a child’s hand physically develops over time; tiny bones still forming, joints still growing strong.

The Writing Framework pushes for formal handwriting from the moment children start school, chasing a target of 75% GLD by 2028. But at what cost?

Writing before children are physically ready risks frustration, poor posture and even long-term aversion to learning.

Children deserve time to build strength, coordination and fine motor skills in a fun and practical way before the pressure to put pencil to paper and cramming EY classrooms with tables and chairs.

Let’s protect the magic of play. That’s where the foundations of real writing are laid—not in data targets and accountability measures which further fill the pockets of those that have a vested interest in pushing this agenda! (a.k.a Dame RWI and Mrs Write Stuff)

Image: bonexray.com

05/31/2025

05/28/2025

SO proud of our ECE and EDUC graduates, CCCPDF graduates and Dr. Libby Little Scholars! Our children are in great hands!

05/17/2025

Throughout my 26 years of working with children, I have been given many incredibly thoughtful gifts and notes from families and children.

Today, I received one that knocked my socks off.

Last night the gift giver's mom texted this:
"Koko and I put a little gift together for you tonight. She of course added her own special touches and then declared she “HAD THE BEST IDEA EVER and Denita is going to totally FREAK OUT!” Not sure she’s ever been more excited about a gift…the reason I’m telling you in advance is bc the tiny envelope on the outside of the gift holds her “best idea ever.” I just wanted you to know that part is the part you should be most excited about."

Then later, another text:
"And now I’m annoyed of myself for even texting you bc I know without a doubt you will know what this gift means (to her and you) the moment you see it. 🥰"

What was "the best idea ever"?

A piece of her beloved blankey. She brings her blankey (Dede) to school every single day. When she has a melancholy moment, she will ask if she can have some "Dede time". Her blankey is her "go to" ....it brings her peace and comfort.

To think that Koko thought to gift me with a bit of her source of peace and comfort means more than I can ever put into words.

My work with children is so much more than a job. It is my heart and soul. It is, without a doubt, what I was put on this earth to do.

I do not take it lightly when parents trust me with their children.
It is an absolute honor and privilege to provide a safe space for children to BELONG.

It means even more when a child lets me know so clearly, that I belong in their heart too.

05/16/2025

🧠 People often use the word “regulated” as if it is a synonym for “calm.”

⚖️ Regulated means your energy levels match the task at hand. Dysregulated means your energy levels do not match the task. Executive functioning skills, such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and self-control, play a significant role in helping individuals regulate their energy levels.

🌟 Helping a child regulate can sometimes mean placing them in an environment where their energy levels match the setting. Other times, it involves helping their body meet its needs so that their energy levels align with the upcoming task. This can include strategies to improve executive functioning skills, such as practicing self-control or using tools to enhance working memory.

Being REGULATED means your energy levels match the task. It does not mean ‘calm’.
The image is by

05/13/2025

We are so proud of Laura! She is ECE Club Member of the Year! Here is what our club President had to say about Laura: I'm so proud of ECE Club's Club Member of the Year, Laura! Here's the speech I gave when introducing her:

"I am proud to announce Laura Garver as Early Childhood Education Club's, Club Member of the Year. She has attended almost all meetings this entire year. She's always engaged during meetings and offering to help. I especially appreciate your unconditional support during this difficult time for our club as we work to get our Child War Victims Exhibit put back up next semester which was taken down prematurely. And most notably Laura has stepped up to be Vice President + Secretary of ECE club. Laura, thank you for your continued dedication to the club."