Berkley Child & Family Development Center

Creativity--the playing around with the components and variables of the world in order to make experiments and discover new things and form new concepts. ‘In any environment, both the degree of inventiveness and creativity, and the possibility of discovery, are directly proportional to the number and kind of variables in it.’ ~ Simon Nicholson, Architect In 1972, architect Simon Nicholson developed the Theory of Loose Parts; the idea that loose parts, materials which can be ...moved around, designed and redesigned, and tinkered with; create infinitely more opportunities for creative engagement than static materials and environments. Basically, the more materials there are the more people can interact. Think about a gallery or a museum, which exhibits are you more drawn to: the paintings on blank walls or the interactive pieces? While the paintings are undoubtedly beautiful or invoking in some way, it is always the interactive exhibitions, the ones which I can engage with physically which draw my attention, inviting me to come and experiment. As an architect, Nicholson was talking mostly about playground and school design and rethinking the static play equipment and environments, proposing instead one incorporating loose materials to engage children’s natural creativity and inventiveness.

Everyone and anyone is welcome to register.

So many creative and intersting ideas from Bil Wild Imagination in Austraila. Watch some of the videos.

Celebrating the environment as the third teacher at UMKC Berkley Cfdc

Wow Hillcrest Elementary I Belton, Mo is doing some good work.

Great training opportunity; Anyone is welcome to register

The ZERO TO THREE National Parent Survey, Tuning In, revealed that a majority of parents believe children have mastered self-control early in life much earlie...r than brain science indicates is possible. This expectation gap can cause a lot of frustration and stress for both parents and children, but ZERO TO THREE developed resources to help. http://bit.ly/2sit60Q #ZTT40Yrs See more

In just one hour, join experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics to learn more about feeding practices including recently published recommendations. This ...live virtual event will explore the science behind early feeding recommendations, the link to learning and developmental outcomes, and offer practical guidance and resources for pediatricians and professionals serving families. This event is completely FREE! Join us on Wednesday, May 31st 2pm ET. http://bit.ly/2qAXoeK See more

Researchers at the Urban Institute analyze the effects of paid family leave policies in California and New Jersey (both states enacted family leave legislation in 2002 and 2008 respectively). The results confirm that paid leave is a win win for all! http://bit.ly/2rthZVr

All are welcome to register for this wonderful session on STEM in the early years it is not just for teachers working in a program. Janet Stern, the instructor, is the Director of Kansas City's Science City!

I wonder if our fairies will be back this spring?