What story could you tell?

February 19, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board recently offered a survey regarding staff well-being. Some of the feedback from this survey was to support staff through re-connecting and opportunities to support mental health.

We know that many of the staff working in child care and EarlyON programs in our communities have strengths and talents to inspire, showcase, and bring comfort to others. Do you or does your centre have a skill to share? A story to tell? Perhaps you have a colleague that has a gift that you recognize others should see. Whether it’s documentation, cooking, crafting, or storytelling, we would like to hear what you could share virtually among our community!

Submit your idea to us at early.years@tbdssab.ca

Does learning about anti-Black racism count as a professional learning activity? Absolutely!

February 17, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

Did you know that February is Black History Month? We would like to share with you this article from the College of ECE’s Publication Connexions: Does learning about anti-Black racism count as a professional learning activity? Absolutely! Please click HERE to read the article.

This article discusses the importance of listening to the voices and learning from experiences of Black members of communities as a foundational component of anti-bias and anti-racism work. It also encourages members of the college to consider choosing learning about anti-Black racism as part of your Continuous Professional Learning.

Keep in mind that anti-racism work should take place all year and is part of our ethical work as Registered Early Childhood Educators. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice Indicates, “The College has a legislated mandate ‘to establish and enforce professional standards and ethical standards that are applicable to members of the College and that demonstrate a respect for diversity and a sensitivity to the multicultural character of the Province’ (ECE Act, 2007).” Please click HERE to view The College’s Statement of Commitment to Anti-Racism.

Early Childhood Community Development Centre Podcast

February 16, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

For your information, the Early Childhood Community Development Centre (ECCDC) has created FREE podcasts related to the field of Early Childhood Education. Some examples of topics include: Recognizing Educators’ Dedication and Cultivating Well-Being, How to Cultivate Culture for Learning in Challenging Times, and Rethinking Documentation Strategies in this Challenging Time. Click HERE to stream the podcast on your device.

French Professional Learning

February 9, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

Attention all Francophone educators in the District of Thunder Bay. The AFÉSÉO has several upcoming webinars. A couple have been added to our Calendar, and you can find information regarding the series “les webinaires qui font fleurir” HERE.

Virtual Yoga with Kimberly Veneziale

February 8, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

On February 25, the TBDSSAB is hosting a 1-hour gentle yoga class with Kimberly Veneziale. Kimberly is a fun and energetic yoga instructor. She has been certified since 2013 and has been spreading peace, kindness and relaxation to the community of Thunder Bay ever since.

If you are new to yoga, we still encourage you to join us… take time for you, rejuvenate, and at the very least Kimberly never fails to make her yogis laugh!

This class is free of charge and more information can be found on our Calendar of events.

Piazza ORA

February 1, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

The TBDSSAB pedagogical team will be participating in this year’s Piazza ORA (see information below). We encourage you to reach out to us if you are interested in this opportunity; a group of 6 or more from our community will allow everyone to receive a discounted rate. Please contact us by Friday, February 5^th to express your interest in joining us for the group rate, early.years@tbdssab.ca.

The Ontario Reggio Association is providing an extraordinary opportunity to engage with Tiziana Filippini, pedagogista from Reggio Emilia, over the course of four encounters. This also includes four interim gatherings (a total of eight gatherings altogether).

Piazza ORA 2021 Dates
February 16 6:30-7:30 pm (introduction with participants only)
February 23 12:30-2:30 pm
March 9 6:30-8:00 (interim session with participants only)
March 30 12:30-2:30 pm
April 13 6:30-8:00 (interim session with participants only)
April 27 12:30-2:30 pm
May 11 6:30-8:00 (interim session with participants only)
May 25 12:30-2:30 pm

The focus this year will be on intentionality in the teacher’s role as co-protagonist of learning. Intentionality is key in shaping activities, knowing what to document and when and how to respond while allowing children to learn together in relationship. Understanding better the role of the adult in children’s learning can be the thread that is woven through our “across the province” action research projects.

Please clickHEREfor more information.

Well-Being Resources for Educators

January 29, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

Hello,

The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board recognizes that this is a challenging time for all of our educators working front-line in programs. We really appreciate the hard work that you do. We have attached two resources that may be helpful for educators who are experiencing stress.

Both resources come from the Cognitive Behavioural Interpersonal Skills Manual (CBIS). This is a Canadian resource published in 2015. The first resource is titled Wellness Activities. This can help anyone incorporate more activities to support good mental health and well-being. The second resource we are sharing is called Stress Busters, which offers some simple and quick activities that can be done to relieve stress.

Wellness Activities

Stress Busters

We encourage you to print and share these resources with your staff. Additionally, educators can perform these stress busters alongside the children and demonstrate ways that children can also relieve stress.

We will continue to support operators and educators to foster a sense of well-being among programs. Thank you for all that you do for children and families! If you have suggestions for content, please email us at early.years@tbdssab.ca

Reference:
CBIS_Manual_0409.indd (gpscbc.ca)

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January 26, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

What is Pedagogy?

January 22, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment

The College of Early Childhood Educators developed a Practice Guideline in July 2020 on Pedagogical Practice. In this Practice Guideline, the College defines pedagogy as follows:

“Pedagogy is the understanding of how learning takes place and the philosophy and practice that supports that understanding of learning. Pedagogical thought is growing in complexity and must consider diverse and changing contexts (Vintimilla, 2019). Across Canada, and internationally, there are growing theoretical and practical discussions that describe pedagogy as a way of being that sparks conversations about life, the environment, community and relationships (CECE, 2020, p. 4).”

As you reflect on this definition of pedagogy, we encourage you to consider:

Does this definition resonate with you?
Would you define pedagogy in a different way? If so, how?
In what ways are you currently involved in pedagogical practice?

We welcome you to share your thinking with us below.

Mr. Rogers Quote

January 4, 2021September 15, 2021Leave a comment