Helping PEI families make the early years count!

Benefits of certified early childhood education.

  • Ensures physical environment and daily activities promote the health, safety, and well-being of children
  • Inspire learning and foster children’s development
  • Establish a good working relationship with parents and guardians
  • Observe, document, and respond to children’s interests, activities, and behaviours
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Are you interested in becoming a professional early childhood educator?
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Welcome

The Early Childhood Development Association of PEI is a provincial, non-profit organization committed to promoting and supporting quality early childhood development programs and services for our Island’s children & families. Our mission: All Island children between infancy and five (5) years of age will have access to a sustainable Provincial Early Childhood Education system that is available, affordable, and of high quality. Please note that the ECDA is not a bilingual organization; however we do provide respectful services and a number of resources and functions in French.

More About Us

The Early Childhood Development Association of PEI is a provincial, non-profit organization committed to promoting and supporting quality early childhood development programs and services for our Island’s children & families. Our mission: All Island children between infancy and five (5) years of age will have access to a sustainable Provincial Early Childhood Education system that is available, affordable, and of high quality. Please note that the ECDA is not a bilingual organization; however we do provide respectful services and a number of resources and functions in French.

More About Us

Upcoming Events

Nov
26
Up to 2.00 PD hours • In-Person
Comprendre le traitement sensoriel et créer des classes “sensoriellement intelligentes” : soutenirla régulaon, la résilience et la connexion chez les jeunes enfants   Cet atelier offre une exploration approfondie du traitement sensoriel chez les tout-petits et les enfants d’âge préscolaire, ainsi que des moyens concrets de transformer les environnements éducatifs pour mieux répondre à leurs besoins. À travers des exemples pratiques, des mises en situation et des discussions interactives, les participants participants apprendront à identifier les difficultés qui apparaissent en classe (comportements perçus comme difficiles) et à les comprendre à travers un prisme sensoriel. L’atelier présente ensuite des stratégies efficaces pour adapter les routines, les transitions et les espaces scolaires afin de soutenir la régulation, la résilience et la connexion. Les éducateurs repartiront avec des outils concrets pour intervenir avec empathie et créer des environnements inclusifs favorisant le bien-être et la participation de tous.   Bengisu Gonul est ergothérapeute et fondatrice de Your Nextdoor OT. Titulaire d’une maîtrise en ergothérapie de l’Université McGill, elle a travaillé auprès d’enfants et de familles dans divers milieux : école, centres de la petite enfance, domiciles et programmes communautaires. Sa pratique s’appuie sur des approches respectueuses de la neurodiversité et centrées sur la famille, avec un accent sur le traitement sensoriel, la régulation et la participation authentique. Passionnée par la création de classes inclusives et « sensoriellement intelligentes », elle met son expertise au service du bien-être, de la résilience et de l’apprentissage des jeunes enfants.  
Dec
2
Up to 1.50 PD hours • In-Person
This workshop focuses on building strong educator-child relationships while strengthening proactive guidance strategies and responsive supervision. Through the lens of connection and consistency, educators will explore how to foster regulation, reduce conflict, and support a sense of belonging in fast-paced environments. Participants will: Understand the difference between guidance and discipline in a school-age context. Identify and implement the 5 Dimensions of Active Supervision. Reflect on personal supervision styles and guidance language. Explore practical tools to respond to behavior with empathy and clarity. Core Topics Include: The Power of Connection in Preventing Escalations Supervision as Engagement (not Surveillance) Respectful Language & Conflict Resolution Understanding Behavior as Communication Tools for Regulation and Co-Regulation ---------- Jamie Wagler, OCT, RECE is a passionate Early Childhood Education leader, consultant, and advocate with over 13 years of experience. As the owner of Miss Jamie Consulting and Director of Stratford Cygnets Preschool, Jamie specializes in innovative child-led learning, ASL integration, and school-age programming. Known for her work in empowering educators through dynamic professional development and mentorship, she also hosts The Forgotten ECEpodcast, where she amplifies the voices of educators and tackles key challenges in the field. Jamie’s expertise helps shape the future of early learning across North America!   Please note that participants must register individually to attend professional learning sessions. Participants will be given the link to the video and are required to participate in one of two ways-- with a microphone/built in speaker or through the chat. In addition there will be a log tracking which members contribute and which do not, and those that do not contribute will not receive PD hours. We ask that you leave your camera on for the session.
Dec
2
Up to 3.00 PD hours • Virtual
Practice-Based Coaching (PBC) is a professional development model aimed at improvising the practices of educators through ongoing, structured support. It focuses on the actual implementation of practices of Pyramid Model in early childhood settings, helping individuals refine their skills by engaging in cycles of planning, action, observation, and reflection. It is designed to be ongoing coaching support, allowing individuals to continuously refine their skills and adapt to new challenges. It is commonly used in education, early childhood care, and other fields that require continuous professional development. This training will help you understand how to coach, ask reflective questions, engage your educators to grow, and build your educators capacity to implement Pyramid Model practices ongoing.   Carolyn Porter is an ASaP Coach with Kids Included. Her role is to support educators implementing the Pyramid Model in their childcare rooms to ensure all children's participation and belonging through responsive relationships, quality inclusive environments and supportive learning opportunities. She has lived in Grande Prairie for 9 years and lived in Ontario before that. Carolyn has 20 years’ experience working in child care in different roles (educator, director, supervisor, support). When she is not working, she is doing things with her 2 children and husband and baking sourdough.