Exploring BC’s Early Learning Framework (ELF) with Frog Hollow Reggio Inspired Learning Centre (Oct 2024 to May 2025)
Cariboo-Chilcotin-Central Coast child care providers, educators along with CCRR are connecting with Frog Hollow Reggio Inspired Learning Centre to explore ELF principles, using new lenses to look at our work. We would like to acknowledge that this professional development was made possible by ECE Pro D Bursary program.
In our first session, we explored how systems or policies are often based on how we view the world. For example, when we view children as not being able to make decisions, dress themselves, make choices about what to eat, when to eat, etc., we build spaces and programs for children who are “incapable” which can actually hold them back from exploring and discovering who they are.
In our second session, we were challenged to look at a program, its policy or rules, and determine when this policy or rule came into effect, why it came into effect, does it support child development or has it just “always been that way”. Then, assess if the policy or rule could be tweaked, removed or kept as is based on whether it supports child development or restricts children (example, risky play)?
CCRR deconstructed meal and snack times and talked about if children should be given space and self determination to choose what they eat, when they eat and where they eat.
Pros:
- Allowing children to choose their food and decide when and where to eat builds competency and critical thinking, as the child learns to listen to their body and nourish themselves when they feel hungry or thirsty.
- Less stress on the child being confined to eating times and spaces.
- Children having access to fluids throughout the day helps them stay hydrated.
Cons:
- Choking hazard when playing with food or fluids in mouth
- Additional cleaning required to get food and drinks washed off furniture, toys, rugs, etc.
- Potential hygiene issues; especially with sticky snacks or drinks (bacteria, ants, bugs).
- Does not support mindful eating. Being distracted by play, tv or roaming around with food can distract the child which can disconnect or delay between the mind and stomach and lead to over eating or under eating.
CCRR decided to try and create a balance for all children and will continue to have a designated picnic/eating area with small chairs and table and will be adding a couple large, washable mats with big, colorful food designs on them for those children who may prefer to stand or sit on these mats versus at the table. Children and families will no longer be permitted to walk around with food or drinks. The children will be allowed to go back and forth to their food and drink in these designated eating areas.