For the classroom:

Bullying & Young Children

What does bullying look like in early childhood? Does it even happen?

According to NAEYC, bullying has three elements. It is an action that is:

  • Aggressive and intended to do harm
  • Repeated over time
  • Occurs within a power imbalance

And yes, bullying does happen in early childhood. A 2009 study showed that 20.4% of children ages 2 - 5 had experienced physical bullying and 14.6% had been teased (verbally bullied).

The research in this area is still growing, but most supports the idea that as children at this age are learning social and emotional regulation skills, their challenges may be expressed in bullying behaviors. As their skills improve, these behaviors often decline.

Seeing the connection between skills learned at an early age and a child's ability to have positive relationships later in life makes the role of an early childhood educator so important. Building young children's social and emotional skills and fostering a welcoming classroom can significantly reduce aggression.

Check out some great resources about how to stop bullying in early childhood:

  • Understand how bullying develops in early childhood
  • Use activities to help children develop the social skills to prevent and stop bullying
  • Learn how to take advantage of teachable moments
  • Develop an action plan for intervention

For the home - content provided by our partner:

What Should I Do If My Child is Being Bullied?

On the day of my child's birth, I imagined the wonders, joy, laughter, and adventures she would experience. Never in a million years did I expect my child to be bullied - but she was.

When their child is targeted, most parents don't know what to do. Like me, they feel a range of emotions: anger, sadness, frustration, disappointment, and uncertainty about what to do next.

Childhood bullying experts encourage parents to focus on open communication about school beginning at an early age. Rather than ask a question like, "Did you have a good day?" that can be answered with one word, ask open-ended questions.

  • "What did you do on the playground today? Who did you play with?"
  • "Tell me about the best part of your day."
  • "Did anyone make you feel good today? Bad? How?"

If your child tells you they are being bullied:

  • Remind them it's not their fault and they did the right thing by telling you
  • Understand and confirm the facts of the situation
  • Talk to your child's teacher so they can monitor the situation and intervene if needed

Wake Connections is a one-stop coordinated intake and referral system for families in Wake County. One click gets you connected to HIPPY and other Wake Connections programs.

Recruiting for High School Class of 2033!

The 2019-2020 application is here!

Apply for Pre-K now! WCSS is hosting special events at our office and in the community from now through April to walk you through the application process. One application allows your child to be considered for NC Pre-K, Head Start, and Title I, which are all FREE and prepare children for Kindergarten in a high quality classroom setting.

Click here to print the application and for more information about the events.

Featured Book: Super Manny Stands Up!

Written & Illustrated by: Kelly DiPucchio

Highlights: This is the story of a brave little raccoon named Manny, whose superhero games at home give him unexpected strength at school when he puts on his invisible cape to stand up to a bully.

Best for: Pre-K, ages 3-5

Wake County Public Library Programming: As a new year begins, check out some of the new books for young children available from Wake County Public Libraries!

Literacy Tip: Because picture books are meant to be read aloud, they often include more sophisticated vocabulary. Picture books allow you and your child a great opportunity to explore new words together.

January's book selected by the Preschool Librarians of Wake County Public Libraries.

Want FREE books for your child under 5? Join the Imagination Library today!

Infant/Toddler Survey Request

Curious about your infant/toddler's development? So is the Parents and Infants Engaged Project at UNC!

Learn more and complete a brief developmental questionnaire here.

Each month we celebrate the child care facilities that have recently obtained or retained a five star rating!

Congratulations to:

Cinnamon Sugar Snowflakes

Have a little fun with your food! Turn tortillas into "paper" snowflakes coated with twinkly cinnamon and sugar. Bake til crisp and enjoy your delicious works of art!

Visit CCSA's training calendar for all upcoming events.

Stop, Look, & Listen: How to Observe & Assess Infant Toddler Development

January 15 & January 29, 6 - 8pm

Webinar

Click here to register.

Getting Started Improving Quality with the ITERS-R

January 15, 6:30 - 8:30pm

TBA - Wake County

Click here to register.

ITS SIDS

January 24, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Wake County Human Services

Click here to register.

Health & Safety Workshops: Food Allergies & Sanitation

February 5, 6 - 9pm

Wake County Smart Start, Room 204

Click here to register.

Iceberg Hop

Do you know any children interested in what animals are doing in cold weather? Try out Iceberg Hop and let them pretend to be penguins or polar bears as they navigate the icebergs (paper cutouts) on the ocean (floor)!

P.S. This link also has ideas about other activities, snacks, books, and more about penguins!

Did you know WCSS is a nonprofit and relies on support from members of our community like you? Visit our website today to see how you can make a difference for each child, in every community in Wake County.

 
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Questions? Contact us today 919-851-9550