Some early childhood educators in Chatham-Kent are utilizing social media to stay connected to families during the pandemic.
Pre-COVID-19, EarlyON Chatham-Kent offered free drop-in programming for children aged 0-6 and their caregivers.
"We offered welcoming, high-quality programs, drop-in programs across the community," explained Early Years Supervisor Karen Kennedy. "Ultimately it's a welcoming space for families where they can connect with others, play and engage alongside their child learn more about healthy child development, and receive connections to community resources or support they might need."
However, like many businesses, staff with EarlyON had to think of ways to adapt their services when the pandemic hit. That was especially challenging for EarlyON programs because they revolve around in-person connections with people.
"We've definitely had to make lots of adjustments throughout this period," said Kennedy, adding EarlyON moved online and began offering their programming through a virtual format.
"It was within our mandate but it wasn't something we really dove into because we didn't need to. Our programs were very well attended in person," said Kennedy. "It wasn't something a lot of people were doing before, so that was a really big transition."
However, Kennedy said some of their programming proved to be more difficult to offer through a computer screen.
She said it took some trial and error to see what worked best virtually while still being able to keep that connection to families.
"One program, for example, 'We've Got Rhythm' parents and children can just grab some of the supplies from around their home and come to the virtual event and make some music and sound and have an engaging experience," said Kennedy.
Another virtual program being offered, Parent Chat, is for caregivers only and features a lighthearted discussion about the importance of self-care.
"It's about the caregivers and what they're going through right now," said Kennedy. "Let's chat and see where you're at. We also try and make sure we are offering information that does support the caregiver in their role."
The team, which is made up of registered early years educators, also tried something entirely new to adapt to the pandemic by utilizing social media.
They have been consistently posting creative videos on the Chatham-Kent Child Care Early Years Facebook page. Videos include the educators hosting sing-a-longs reading books and doing arts and crafts.
"As early year educators, that's not in our repertoire to get behind the scenes and edit and all those types of things," said Kennedy. "It's taken time to get to know these programs that were using and to fiddle around with technology and try and continue to offer something different. It's been fun, it's been ups and downs, it's been challenging, but the team is so innovative and creatives."
Kennedy said before the pandemic, they planned programing on a quarterly basis. However, to adapt to changing provincial restrictions, Kennedy said they are now scheduling programming on a monthly basis.
"We attempt to over plan with the unknown... it's an adjustment but the team is working so well," she said.
Pre-pandemic, all EarlyON programming was done through a drop-in model, however, participants must now register beforehand.
All programs are free to participate in. More information, a program schedule and a link to register can be found by clicking here.