LINC Childcare Team Gets Creative

The LINC Childcare team recording a video for the kids.

When the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program at Archway Community Services moved to online programming last year it was clear that the adult learners would move into online classes, but what about the kids? The LINC program provides childcare for 24 toddlers and preschoolers while their moms take English classes. With the pivot to online classes for the parents, the childcare staff were left asking what you do to stay connected and keep the kids learning. Their answer, you get creative! They chose to make educational videos of themselves to send to the families. Over the course of the year, the LINC Childcare team created over 50 videos for the children. The videos showcased all four staff and included stories, fingerplays, creating with sidewalk chalk, exploring with magnifying glasses, making crafts and homemade playdough, dancing, playing exercise games, and more. The team also organized package drop offs to the families with materials so that the children could follow along and participate at home. Each package included a book, crafts supplies, and a small activity. LINC students reported that their children loved watching the songs, stories, and other activities. In a time of isolated learning, everyone was happy to see familiar faces in both the videos and on package drop off day. With the return to in person learning, the staff are no longer making videos. They do, however, look back on their video making days with pride knowing they showed immense creativity, flexibility, and commitment to staying connected to the children in their care.