Growing Together Webinar Series with Westcliff Early Learning Academy

Growing Together Webinar Series Helps Parents Navigate Early Childhood Education with Confidence

A valuable resource for parents and caregivers, Westcliff Early Learning Academy held its first-ever webinar series brimming with information to assist in navigating early childhood education with confidence and clarity.
An education administrator since 2009, the school’s director, Monica Heredia, brought in expert guest speakers to discuss the difference between Montessori, Reggio, and play-based preschools and its benefits for early childhood development; navigating the transition from home to an early learning environment; and building a holistic approach to children’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

The three-part webinar series, free to the public, included Dr. April Vuong, Westcliff University’s resident wellness expert and director of learning & development. A mother of a two-year-old, Dr. Vuong had great questions for Heredia as she is in the process of looking for the best educational options for her son and how to successfully transition his schedule from home to school. The final webinar introduced Dr. Linda Tran Lee, Pharm.D., licensed pharmacist, licensed esthetician, mother, founder of LCA Cosmetics, and co-founder of Westcliff Early Learning Academy.

Check out each informative 30-minute webinar below!

Webinar 1: The Difference Between Montessori, Reggio, and Play-based Preschools and its Benefits for Early Childhood Development

 
Key takeaways included:

  • Nurturing independence and creativity in young children, explaining how these methods can transform learning into a joyful, engaging experience.
  • Montessori for Independence: Allows children to explore and learn at their own pace, promoting self-sufficiency and a love for learning from an early age.
  • Reggio Emilia’s Creative Approach: Encourages children to express themselves through various mediums, fostering both creativity and critical thinking.
  • Play-Based Learning for Social Development: Enhances children’s social and emotional skills. Through structured and unstructured play, children learn to collaborate, solve problems, and develop emotional intelligence.
  • Hands-On Parenting: Practical tips were shared on how to bring Montessori practices into the home, enabling parents to continue fostering independence and creativity outside the classroom.

 

Webinar 2: Navigating the Transition from Home to Early Learning Environment

 
Highlights included:

  • Choosing the Right School: Tour multiple schools to observe the environment and teacher-student interactions, ensuring the best fit for your child.
  • Creating Goodbye Routines: Insights on establishing consistent and positive goodbye routines, which can help minimize separation anxiety.
  • Comfort Through Transitional Items: From stuffed animals to favorite toys, bringing a comfort item to school can ease a child’s anxiety during those first few weeks.
  • Health Preparedness: Tips for keeping families healthy during the school year, ensuring fewer interruptions during this critical period of adjustment.
  • Parental Engagement: Staying connected with teachers and involved in school activities helps build a strong, supportive network that benefits both children and parents.

 

Webinar 3: Developing Health and Wellness

 
Key insights included:

  • Healthy Eating Habits: The importance of modeling healthy eating behaviors, involving children in meal planning, establishing regular mealtimes, aiming for five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, experimenting with different flavors and textures to keep things exciting.
  • Breaking Unhealthy Eating Habits: Avoid labeling food as “good” or “bad.” Instead, minimize distractions during meals, and engage children in activities like grocery shopping and cooking to make healthy eating a fun, interactive process.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Essential nutrients for children include Vitamin C for immunity, Vitamin D for bone health and immune function, and probiotics for gut health.
  • Sunscreen Awareness: The differences between physical and mineral sunscreens, helping parents choose the right protection for their child’s skin.
  • Supporting Mental Health: Outdoor play, mindfulness practices like deep breathing, and modeling healthy emotional expression are key to fostering resilience in children.
  • 1,2,3 Inside Out Wellness Program: Westcliff Early Learning Academy’s unique program that focuses on nurturing and enhancing the three vital organs of our body – the brain, body, and skin.

The “Growing Together” series was a thought-provoking opportunity for viewers to learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for their children’s educational and emotional journeys. Through thoughtful, practical guidance, Westcliff Early Learning Academy empowers parents and creates positive, supportive learning environments that foster success in every aspect of a child’s life.