The Early Years Dream Team has been formed online by a mum-of-two helping parents promote areas of learning for their littlest learners.
Jessica Elcock started The Early Years Dream Team Facebook group on March 21, just before the Government’s lockdown measures came into force.
Currently, over 150 members have joined the group, which sees Early Years professionals share quality learning ideas that are fun and advantageous to little ones.
Jessica, who works as a teacher, said: “Since the school closed I felt that there were so many Early Years professionals who could help support young children and their parents at home.
“I wanted children to continue to learn through play during this time and for parents to have ideas of how to help their children learn without always needing a table activity.”
The 28-year-old, who lives in Rawcliffe, said the group is a place to share high quality ideas to promote and extend children’s learning through play at home.
“The activities are mainly aimed at children from six months to five years” she said. “But some ideas could be used beyond five.
“We currently have over 150 members that are a mix of EY professionals and parents (sometimes both!)
“Everyone is adding a range of activities to promote all areas of learning for our littlest learners! It’s brilliant to see!”
Schools, nurseries and childcare providers closed as part of the Government’s efforts to tackle the coronavirus spread on Friday, March 20; although many have stayed open to children whose parents are key workers.
Some of the ideas that have been shared on the group include Easter bonnet making, messy play themes, making bracelets from items collected while on daily walks, tea party ideas, and much more.
Jessica said: “We have all been placed into a very unfamiliar and scary situation and now the schools have closed some of the children are left with a very uncertain education for the foreseeable future.
“I have a huge passion for early years and promoting children’s learning through PLAY!
“I’m hoping this group can be a place where people can come together to post their ideas to help maintain and develop the learning for our littlest learners throughout these uncertain times (and hopefully beyond!)
“Let’s get together to promote the highest quality learning for our little ones! Anyone can post and share any ideas they find useful and I will pop on as much as I can to help!
“A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed so far! It is great to be a part of something so wonderful in a time where we feel very isolated.”
To find out more or to join, search The Early Years Dream Team on Facebook.
Read next: Football club helping vulnerable in Sherburn
