National Indigenous Peoples Day 2023

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada.  This year, it will take place on Wednesday June 21, 2023.   

The Métis Nation of Ontario has recently developed an Education Kit containing Métis culturally appropriate resources, along with an Educator Guide, providing lesson plans that link to How Does Learning Happen? and the Ontario Curriculum for Grades K-3. The kit has been developed to provide educational support to front-line educators, teachers, school boards, child care centres and the Métis community.  

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, TBDSSAB wishes to give away one Métis Nation Education Kit to a member of our Child Care and Early Years Community! This Education Kit contains the following: 2 dolls, finger puppets, spinner, sash, wooden spoons, music, 2 books, ball and cup, and Métis flags! It also contains the bilingual resource guide mentioned above, which explain the teachings behind each item in the kit and some suggestions of how to incorporate these materials and teachings into your program.  To enter to win this Métis Nation Education Kit please complete this FORM.   

Professional Learning Opportunity- Third Teacher Bootcamp

The TBDSSAB is inviting educators to join a Professional Learning journey through Fairy Dust Teaching. This journey will comprise of working together through the 8 modules of the Third Teacher Bootcamp). Educators who choose to participate should plan to attend all 8 modules which will be held virtually. Educators can register for this opportunity by filling out this FORM.  

Module 1: The Third Teacher
Introduction to the Third Teacher.
Tuesday, July 4 9:30AM-11AM 

Module 2: Color Harmony
In this module we will lay the foundation for how to work with color in your space.                                                                                 
Tuesday, July 11 9:30AM-11AM 

Module 3:  The Line Vibe
In this module we explore line and how it effects your learning environment. 
Tuesday, July 18 9:30AM-11AM 

Module 4:  Balanced Views
In this module we discuss how to find balance in your learning space. 
Tuesday, July 25 9:30AM-11AM 

Module 5:  The Texture Secret
In this module we explore texture and it’s effect on your learning environment. 
Tuesday, August 1 9:30AM-11AM 

Module 6:  The Nature Code
In this module we explore the impact of bringing nature elements indoors. 
Tuesday, August 8 9:30AM-11AM 

Module 7:  The Lighting Formula
In this module we explore how lighting effects the third teacher. 
Tuesday, August 15 9:30AM-11AM 

Bonus: Feng Shui for the Classroom
In this BONUS session we discuss Feng Shui for the classroom. 
Tuesday, August 22 9:30AM-11AM 

 More details about the Third Teacher Bootcamp can be found here: https://go.fairydustteaching.com/third-teacher-bootcamp/ 

Inclusion/ Inclusion

English – Establishing an Environment that Works for All Children
French – Créer un environnement qui convient à tous les enfants

In this video, Donna Lero and Kathy Brophy discuss how to foster inclusive environments that support children’s individual needs and build on their strengths. After watching, tell us what stood out to you in the comments below.

Parent Engagement/ Engagement des parents

English – Inviting Parent Involvement in Early Years Programs
French – Inviter les parents à participer aux programmes pour la petite enfance

In this video, Gilles Cantin talks about how educators can support parents and caregivers to be active contributors in their child’s learning. Share your questions and key takeaways in the comments below.

Pedagogical Documentation/ La documentation pédagogique

English – From Observing to Interpreting Children’s Learning
French – De l’observation à l’interprétation de l’apprentissage des enfants

In this video, Carol Anne Wien teaches us about pedagogical documentation and how to go from observing children to interpreting their learning. Tell us what you learned through watching this video in the comments below!

Update: TBDHU- Children Involved in Handling Food in Child Care

We have received some exciting news that programs may once again allow children to assist in preparing and handling food!

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit wishes to remind programs to adhere to the Guidelines for Food Handling for Children   Please share this resource with your colleagues!

We know that our programs have missed these engaging opportunities for children and how important food preparation can be for fostering the Four Foundations! We can’t wait to hear about your cooking adventures.

For any further questions, feel free to reach out to the Public Health Inspector, whose phone number can be found at the bottom of the link to the guidelines document.

Virtual tour with Abiinojiishiik-amino-yawook!

On behalf of the Child Care and Early Years team at TBDSSAB we want to say Chi Miigwetch to the incredible team at Abiinojiishiik-amino-yawook EarlyON Child and Family Centre. On Tuesday March 29th Sarah, Jennifer, Sabrina and Erica took us on a journey through their program during our first ever virtual tour gathering!  They offered insight into who they are, their journey with embracing and implementing Indigenous culture into their programs and the special ways that make their team unique in our community! Through their insightful video, and the wholesome discussion period, we were able to learn alongside educators within our community and embrace the perspectives they bring to our Early Years field!

We are looking forward to our upcoming tours which will be happening throughout the Spring and Fall, stay tuned for updates! If you are interested in showcasing your program through a virtual tour, please let us know by emailing early.years@tbdssab.ca!

You can find the RECORDING LINK HERE! Please share your thoughts, reflections and questions in the comment section!😊

Miigwetch and Baamaapii!

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