Community Connections for Children | ELRC

So, sure, this topic is a little late, but I still think there are lessons we can learn from the athletes of the 2020, now 2021, Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The American spirit was on full display, the best of the best competing for the gold seemed to bring our nation together in a time of pandemic, politics, and uncertainty. And likely, you were into it too. There were tears and upsets. Photo finishes and unbelievable world records set. Some of your favorite familiar faces and new ones alike, competing in some events you know well and some new ones… read more »

As the Early Learning Resource Center for York County, and with our nearly 35 year history of serving York County youngest learners, we are dismayed by leaders who discriminate.  The rationalization of this behavior through comments such as wanting to ensure balance in books and fears of indoctrination are troublesome.  All children and families deserve to be represented in their educational materials and resources.  All children need to be presented with honest, well rounded information about our history, a variety of opinions, and encouraged to think for themselves.  Anything less, is in fact supporting the very indoctrination and imbalance the… read more »

Back to School: A Focus on 5th Grade and Getting Off on the Right Foot With Real Thoughts From a Fifth Grade Student and Teachers Written By: Christy S. Renjilian Ahhh, remember your fifth-grade self? And those feelings you had as you started the school year? Your interests, friends, and what made you, well, you? You were geared up with whatever the new fad was. Maybe it was a bookbag brand, maybe a shoe, or those metal lunchboxes with the matching thermos. Either way, you were living your best life. Hopefully, you had a strong, positive influence in fifth grade,… read more »

Mental Health: Where We Are and How to Move the Conversation Forward Shocking Statistics and Two Mindset Shifts You Can Embrace Today  Written By: Christy S. Renjilian Mental health doesn’t just show up in your life. Mental health is your life. In the same way, physical health is your life.  Walking through struggles and facing challenges is part of the human experience. And unfortunately, so is trauma. Research from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention tells us that children who have Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are more likely to have chronic health problems, mental illness, substance abuse problems, and… read more »

LGBTQ+: Raising An Inclusive Child Three Things You Can Do to Start a Conversation in Your Home Written By: Christy S. Renjilian You believe all families and individuals are worthy of our respect. Everyone should have the ability and opportunity to feel good about themselves. So being inclusive and welcoming is essential to you. And creating a space where you, your family, friends, colleagues, and those around you can see themselves and be themselves, you’re all about it. And you know your child wants this, too. He’s naturally inclusive. And curious. And you want to nurture those traits. If we… read more »

Community Connections for Children (CCC) serves as an Early Learning Resource Center and is committed to helping children, families, and early childhood education programs be successful. As part of that commitment, we acknowledge the diversity that comes from within and outside of our organization.  We envision a thriving, growing community where children embrace a culture of learning, stay in school, and excel.  To achieve this goal, we strive to be inclusive regardless of ability, age, religion, politics, race, national origin, class, family status, sexual orientation, and gender.  We believe that hatred, in any form, negatively impacts our community because all people are different, deserve to be respected, and have their humanity recognized.  We provide tools for success and accommodations that contribute to an equitable environment, so all people receive what they… read more »

The Future of Learning In the Susquehanna Valley Written By: Christy S. Renjilian The entire education world, and beyond, was rocked in 2020. It was forced to evolve and change at lightning speed. While shedding decades of tradition, it tried to adapt to the demands of a global health crisis. And yes, it was a struggle. And added to those educational challenges were the personal challenges of living through a pandemic. There was trauma, loss of loved ones, isolation, fear, and the emotional impact on the professionals working day in and day out. Those deemed essential employees. But even amid… read more »

A Conversation About Respect, Compassion, Kindness, and Inclusion Written By: Christy S. Renjilian Diversity. Equity. And inclusion. You’ve heard the words, and you may even be working hard to promote them in your community. In your circle. You know it’s important work, essential work, both for yourself and for your organization.  And you know, to your core, that racism, discrimination, and intolerance are not acceptable.  In a year filled with hate and oppression, you could have taken the easy road, sitting back and staying quiet. But you’re focused on self-reflection and self-awareness. Because a change in your organization starts with… read more »