To join us in celebrating, find our events on the Calendar and click the Zoom link.
Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day
Category: Events
RESCHEDULED Web Cafe featuring special guest Karen Longridge – Wednesday October 7th, 2020 9AM-10AM
Join us for the next Web Cafe, where we will enjoy an open discussion on supporting children’s mental health in child care with Karen Longridge, MSW RSW, Social Worker with the Preschool Assessment Consultation Program at the Children’s Centre Thunder Bay. Please email early.years@tbdssab.ca to register.
Indigenous Professional Learning
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.
Piazza ORA – Re-cognizing the Morning Gathering
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/
HDLH Bus Tour
We had an incredible time with everyone who came out to the HDLH Bus Tour on Saturday. Child care and EarlyON educators mingled together, shared ideas, observed, inquired, and (best of all) enjoyed some WHEELY awesome bus jokes!
Thank you to everyone who participated, and to all of those who helped to make this event possible. A special thank you to the four operators who took part in our planning committee and offered to host the tour at their centres. An additional thank you to our incredible bus driver, Kirk, who was a team player and kept us laughing all throughout the day!
The first stop was at the Sherbrooke EarlyON where we were inspired by the many ways to incorporate loose parts into the environment. Educators looked closely around the environment, and many were inspired by the bulletin board that read “WHAT DOES PLAY MEAN TO YOU?”
Next, we headed to Rural Roots where the educators had presented a multitude of displays and invitations to play. Several educators took a liking to the way natural elements and real materials were used to extend classic learning opportunities. For example, using a real log for the Five Green and Speckled Frogs.
We FUELED the educators up with lunch, and headed to our next stop – Abiinojiishiik-amino-yawook. Here, educators were offered a traditional experience through a smudging and drumming ceremony that was followed by an opportunity to taste bannock and cedar tea. Miigwetch!
Last, but not least, we arrived at Nanabijou. Here, the educators from Nanabijou were excited to share their talents with us. As we made our way through the centre, we discovered the concept of ateliers and observed new ideas for incorporating nature into the program.
Below is a snapshot of some of the learning that took place throughout the day:
“I was able to gain a new understanding of how educators foster the 4 foundations through materials and how to extend children’s learning through the use of loose parts”
“I enjoyed how the EarlyON Centres celebrate their families and I feel I can build upon these ideas and traditions.”
“I really enjoyed the indigenous teachings. I will be able to bring these new ideas back to our program and learn with our families.”
“Documentation doesn’t have to be difficult, it can be very simple.”
“Great to see different views. Can we network more often?”
Supporting Sacred Teachings
Child care and EarlyON educators had a lovely time this week at the Supporting Sacred Teachings Make and Take. A special thank you to Lynda Banning, FASD Regional Program Worker with Anishinabek Nation, who shared her knowledge and culture with us. We appreciate your guidance and support as we work to provide inclusive and respectful environments for young children.
Some of the highlights from the workshop were when Lynda shared with us teachings about the medicine wheel, allowed us to explore the four medicines, and provided materials to create tobacco ties. Additionally, Lynda talked about the Seven Grandfather Teachings and how we can teach children honesty, humility, love, respect, truth, bravery, and wisdom. To compliment the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the educators created stones to represent these sacred teachings that can be used throughout their programs. For example, educators might use these stones for storytelling, teaching, or displaying. There are endless possibilities for these beautiful and special manipulatives. See the photos below for some of the amazing creations from the workshop.
Thanks again Lynda. The resources, support, and teachings you’ve provided are infinitely valuable in providing programming that fosters the Four Foundations (belonging, engagement, well-being, and expression).
Here are some book suggestions provided by Lynda:
Yuck Science!
We had a blast at the Yuck Science workshop this morning with Emily Kerton, Senior Scientist at Science North. Emily provided us with many great icky, sticky, and gooey ideas to share with the children, along with some fun vocabulary – viscosity, scat, and non-Newtonian fluid.
See the Educator Resources page for some great resources to share with educators and families!
Exploring Anishnawbemowin with Children
Special thanks to Alanna Mamakeesick, from Little Lions Child and Family Centre, for her guidance with today’s professional learning session. Alanna shared with educators simple strategies to incorporate Anishnawbemowin (Ojibwe) language into their programs. This was a make-and-take session and participants were able to make resources to take with them to enhance the cultural aspects of their programs. A wonderful morning was had by everyone who attended.
Also, a big thank you to Debbie at CTC for assisting with printing and laminating. We appreciate all the help and resources that CTC has to offer to our community!
For additional resource information follow the links below.
https://wbe-education.ca/schools/hubcentre/
Science North Workshop
We had tons of fun yesterday with Emily Kerton at our Science North workshop. Emily put us all to work by sending us on scavenger hunts, playing with polymer, and doing science experiments. The educators left with lots of great ideas and resources to bring back to their programs. See the Educator Resources page for some of the activities Emily shared.
Additionally, Emily let us know that she is available to go in to programs. Science North has many great opportunities for children such as their portable planetarium and live critters (painted turtle, snakes, and geckos). You can contact Emily at (807) 333-3701 for more information on how to make this possible at your centre.
Thank you to all of the educators who were able to join us. It was nice to see everyone!
ECE Appreciation Day
This week, we want to take the time to acknowledge a big achievement for Early Childhood Educators in Thunder Bay. Last week, for ECE Appreciation Day, the Thunder Bay City Hall held a short ceremony, followed by a flag raising, to acknowledge the invaluable role that ECEs hold in our community. See the photos below for a glimpse of this wonderful event.
