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.
Category: Ministry of Education
Parent Engagement/ Engagement des parents
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
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!
Impact of Positive, Quality Interactions/ L’impact d’interactions positives
Have a listen to Dr. Jean Clinton as she shares the importance of positive, caring and responsive interactions with educators, caregivers and parents. Tell us what you think of this video in the comments below!
Reggio Emilia’s Indications is Translated into French
The Ministry of Education has worked in collaboration with Reggio Children to translate the booklet, Indications, into French. “The Indications aim to give substance and voice to the rights of children, parents, and teachers for a high quality, participatory education capable of promoting increasing awareness that the role of the infant-toddler centres and preschools is to produce a culture of education and not just to offer educational services”, and to ensure that these are “places where the rights to well-being and learning of both children and adults are put into practice”.
Click on the links below to view the letter from the Ontario Reggio Association to learn about how you can access this resource.
Save the Date!
Save the Date: Cultivating Hope Virtual Speaker Series
What future are we nurturing for our children and families? We invite you to join us for a speaker series to engage in critical conversations that support early learning in Northwestern Ontario. Our speakers will lead us through inspirational conversations in a safe place where we can think, discuss, and question our ideas.
Karyn Callaghan & Kelly Massaro-Joblin: How Does Learning Happen?
November 10, 2021 @ 2pm & 7pm EST
Harper Keenan: Gender and Freedom in Young Children’s Lives
November 17, 2021 @ 2pm & 7pm EST
Tamara Bernard: Strengthening Indigenous Trauma-Informed Approaches
November 25, 2021 @ 2pm & 7pm EST
Aynsley Klassen: Nurturing Futures in the Face of Climate Change
December 1, 2021 @ 10am EST
December 2, 2021 @ 7pm EST
Carly Brown: Tools for Well-Being: For Yourself and the Children
December 8, 2021 @ 7pm EST
December 9, 2021 @ 2pm EST
More information to come!
Child Care and Early Years Act Review
The Ministry of Education is seeking feedback on proposed regulatory amendments under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA).
Please see the following documents:
- Consultation: strengthening early years and child care in Ontario
- Consultation Document Regarding Proposed Regulatory Amendments under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014
We encourage you to provide the ministry with your comments no later than November 20, 2020. You can send your response by e-mail to: CCEYA_consultation@ontario.ca
Engaging with Families
A Child Care program who was able to provide Emergency Child Care services in Kingston writes, “We were apprehensive about parents not being permitted to come into into the centre, however, the staff found effective ways to use electronic communication with families (notes/photos etc.) so not seeing their child’s teacher face to face was not an issue at all; in fact we have received so much positive feedback from families that they feel very involved and informed about what is happening at the centre even though they have not set foot indoors” (Ontario, 2020, p.3)!
What are some ways that you can invite feedback from and engage with families while maintaining physical distancing?
Valuing Educators as Child Care Re-Opens
The Building on How Does Learning Happen? document states that “Involving educators in planning for reopening right from the beginning, values their expertise and ideas and is critical for a successful reopening.” It further goes on to say that “Educators who experience being valued contributors will be better able to support children and their families during the re-opening transition” (Ontario, 2020, p. 3).
We want to know how you feel educators can be involved at your centre! Share your ideas below!
New Ministry Document: Building on How Does Learning Happen?
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.