New Ministry Document: Building on How Does Learning Happen?

July 30, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

The Ministry of Education has released a new document to extend on How Does Learning Happen? titled Building on How Does Learning Happen?.

Click the link below for access:

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/building-on-how-does-learning-happen-child-care.pdf

This PDF highlights the ways programs can continue to foster the Four Foundations during these times of change and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This document contains reflective questions, stories, and suggestions for programs of ways to continue to align with How Does Learning Happen? during these unprecedented times.

Please review the document and share it widely with your colleagues in the early years profession, and stay tuned as we will continue to post on our portal about Building on How Does Learning Happen? and offer some opportunities for our community to engage and share ideas and stories about pedagogy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indigenous Professional Learning

July 20, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

Ontario Aboriginal Head Start Association is pleased to announce the launch of the Indigenous Professional Learning Opportunities.

OAHSA will be providing professional learning opportunities across the province that reflect Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) pedagogies, epistemologies and leadership for off reserve Indigenous Child Care and Early Years programs.

Please visit Ontario Aboriginal Head Start Association at www.oahsa.ca to subscribe and find latest information on professional learning opportunities.

See HERE for the official announcement containing more information.

Throwback Thursday!

July 9, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

What an interesting year 2020 has been so far. We thought we were in for a 3 week March Break, and look where we are today. The Emergency Order continues to be extended, and we are all navigating this new normal of living with COVID-19. Since March, the TBDSSAB has supported the operation of three Emergency Child Care programs within our District, and we are now into Phase 2 where some child care centres are beginning to reopen under rigorous guidelines.

At this time, even with the re-opening of child care programs, we are unable to visit all of you like we have in the past. This opportunity to slow down and reflect on our work, our lives and our values implores us to consider what changes we want to make as we move forward and how we might reframe a “new normal”. We will come out of this time changed, and hopefully for the better.

As we look back at the memories we’ve shared together, we want you to know that we are thinking of all of you, missing you dearly, and wishing you the utmost safety and well-being at this time. We look forward to what the future holds for our work together and a time where we can be reunited.

COVID-19

July 7, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

Visit our new COVID-19 page under the Resources section! We will continue to post documents and information related to COVID-19 and the early years on this page.

Play First Summit

June 26, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

Our Early Years Team has registered to participate in The Play First Online Summit. This 5-day conference is FREE and will bring ECE leaders from around the world together, all in one place, sharing insights and ideas collaboratively.

If you are interested in participating in this online summit you can register HERE.

If you register for the Play First Summit, please send an email to Kim at kim.figliomeni@tbdssab.ca. Following the conference, we will organize a Zoom session (or two) to share our take-aways, curiosities and aha moments. As educators working together, this opportunity to dialogue and share our thoughts and interpretations with one another will support us in our work with children.

Registration Open for Online Early Childhood Education Diploma Program

May 21, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

Below is a news release from Sault College for an online ECE program that has been launched. The program is offered after 3:30 pm each day and is geared toward those already working in the field of ECE that need to become qualified in order to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators. The Qualification Upgrade Program that is offered by the Ministry of Education would be available to cover costs for upgrading.

(Sault Ste. Marie, ON May 19, 2020) – Sault College understands the value of offering versatility in its programming while balancing the needs of every kind of learner. To complement this, Sault College and Contact North are offering a fully online Early Childhood Education diploma program. Join us from anywhere in Ontario and complete your studies remotely. Registration for September 2020 is now open and can be done by visiting www.ontariocolleges.ca and searching program 1330.

This full-time, 18-month, fully online program is designed to prepare students for a position in the Early Childhood Education/Early Years field and give them the tools to have a meaningful and successful career in this critical area of early education. Studies are delivered via Contact North (virtual classroom, online live), and run for four consecutive semesters ending December 2021. Associated placement opportunities will aim to be completed in the student’s home community. Placements will occur in accordance with public health guidelines.

“We understand that diversity in program options is important for today’s learners. Sault College is proud to work with Contact North to offer another means for students to obtain their diploma in Early Childhood Education,” said Lori Crosson, Director, Continuing Education and E-Learning. “This intake is open to students from across Ontario with the added benefit and flexibility of being able to complete studies completely online. Registration is now open for September 2020, and we encourage all interested students to apply today,” she added.

“Contact North | Contact Nord is excited to support students anywhere in Ontario to participate in Sault College’s Early Childhood Education program using our Adobe Connect web conferencing platform” stated Leigh Kitlar, Director, Recruitment & Partnerships, North Central Region, Contact North | Contact Nord. “In addition to using the platform, our staff is also helping Sault College recruit students for this fully online program in communities across Ontario.”

More information about this program can be found on our website or by contacting Carla Bumbaco at carla.bumbaco@saultcollege.ca.

Online Professional Learning Opportunities

April 8, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

Are you looking for ways to keep busy while social distancing? Below is a list of websites and webinars that may be of interest to you or your staff.

Child Care E-Module: Putting How Does Learning Happen? into Practice: Program Expectations for Licensed Child Care. This E-Module will assist early years professionals to understand connections between How Does Learning Happen and the new program related requirements under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014.
Child Development Resource Connection Peel https://www.cdrcp.com/professional-education-opportunity
Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute https://ca.ctrinstitute.com/resources/
Unlock the Potential of Food in the Child Care & School Environments: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3094449428765642497
Diving Deeper Into Canada’s New Food Guide: https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/6918661926525609730
Indigenous Food and Culture in the School Environment: https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/1118685307013840129
Early Childhood Webinars https://www.earlychildhoodwebinars.com (CHECK OUT THE ARCHIVED SECTION)
NAEYC https://naeyc.org/events/trainings-webinars/recorded-webinars (Check out the archived section)
Canadian Child Care Federation – two free webinars https://www.cccf-fcsge.ca/topics/nature-and-outdoor-play/
Child Care and Early Years Act Self-assessment tool http://www.earlyyears.edu.gov.on.ca/EYPortal/en/ChildCareLicensing/CCEYASelfTest/index.htm
Food Handlers Course https://foodsafetyonline.ca/food-handler-course

Taking Care of Yourself

March 31, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

Kim came across the wonderful article below. It shares some inspiration and ideas regarding how, as educators, we can find the value in this down time or time away from work.

When fishermen cannot go to sea, they mend their nets: planning for productive workplace closures

We’re thinking of you and sending you well wishes throughout this difficult time.

Piazza ORA – Re-cognizing the Morning Gathering

March 3, 2020August 31, 2021Leave a comment

The Ontario Reggio Association (ORA), in partnership with Reggio Children, has organized opportunities for a group of members to learn together in “ZOOM” gatherings with Tiziana Filippini. This opportunity begins next week, however there are still a few spaces available.

“Participants will research one aspect of theory-in-practice together, so conversation in our online gatherings can be focussed. Tiziana’s suggestion of the assembly – the time in the day when the whole group gathers to revisit what is “in play” as the metaphorical ball goes back and forth among and between children and educators, engage in conversation and plan the day – resonated with us. We recognize the potential for this focus to open consideration of how we support conversation with and among children, how we invite and provoke and sustain their engagement with ideas and materials, how we build a group every day, and how documentation reveals our thinking and being. Although infant-toddler centres and preschools here often include “circle time”, the idea of a morning assembly (perhaps we might call it a daily reunion – coming together again as one) is less common. We would like to invite educators to come together in a virtual piazza to interrogate the way we typically organize the day with and for children. We know that documentation is central to this research into our thinking and practice, and sharing it so we can think together is essential.”

Here is an outline of what the ORA is thinking:

4 Zoom Meetings with Tiziana Filippini – 12:30 – 2:30pm
4 Zoom Meetings with ORA only – 6:30 – 8:00pm
Must be a Member of ORA (a one-year membership is $25 and information can be found here: https://ontarioreggioassociation.ca/membership/)

For more information see the attached photo or visit the ORA website: https://ontarioreggioassociation.ca/product/piazza-ora-re-cognizing-the-morning-gathering/

Eye See Eye Learn

November 25, 2019August 31, 2021Leave a comment

“Each year, thousands of children start school without ever having an eye exam. Parents often believe that their child will let them know that they cannot see well, but children are rarely able to tell that they have poor vision because they have nothing to compare it to. That’s why we recommend that all children have their first eye exam at 6 months old, again at 2-3 years old, and every year after that. In Ontario, yearly eye exams for children are covered by OHIP until they turn 20 years old” (www.eyeseeeyelearn.ca)

Click on the links below for information to post in your programs to make families aware of this wonderful program.

English

French