Events

We're excited to once again partner with the Confederation Centre of the Arts to offer ECDA members an exclusive 25% discount to one of Canada's most celebrated musicals. Come From Away Thursday, August 20 Show begins at 7:30 pm (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)   Use the promo code found in the latest member email to receive 25% off Tier 2 and Tier 3 tickets.   Tickets are selling quickly, so don't wait if you've been hoping to see this incredible production!   Purchase tickets: https://confederationcentre.com/event/come-from-away/    Questions? Reach out to Julian at [email protected] 

Steps to Success applications are live. Click here for the application!   Steps to Success is a 20-week education and workplace training program that provides: Full-time work experience in licensed early childhood centres working with children ages 0-5 Education at Holland College Support obtaining an Early Childhood Intern certification through the Province of PEI Guidance from an experienced team A boost in employability through hands-on experience, knowledge building, and mentoring relationships with certified early childhood professionals   Fall Start Date: September 14, 2026Winter Start Date: January 18, 2026   Additional information can be found in the uploaded document.   Questions? Contact Megan Drummond  Email: [email protected] Phone: (902) 368 1017Steps to Success is administered by the Early Childhood Development Association of PEI and funded by the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Agreements.

Part 1 - Starting Strong: Responsive Transitions into Early Childhood Programs (September 9th) Transitions into early childhood settings can be emotional and significant experiences for children, families, and educators. This workshop focuses on creating welcoming, responsive, and relationship-based transition experiences that foster belonging, emotional well-being, and connection from the very beginning. Throughout the session, participants will explore: Supporting children and families through transitions into care Creating environments that feel welcoming, safe, and inclusive Building trusting relationships with families Responsive communication strategies Supporting separation anxiety and emotional development Honoring each child’s individual needs and experiences Reflecting on transition practices within early years programs This workshop encourages educators to view transitions through the lens of children and families while providing practical strategies and reflective opportunities that can be implemented within programs immediately. If you are interested in booking this workshop for your team or would like additional information regarding availability and pricing, please feel free to reach out. I would love the opportunity to support your educators on their learning journey. Part 2 - Sustaining Responsive Practice: Beyond the First Days: Sustaining Responsive Relationships in Early Learning Settings (October 7th) The transition into an early childhood program is only the beginning of a child's journey. While thoughtful transition practices help children and families feel welcomed, it is the ongoing relationships and responsive interactions that create a foundation for belonging, well-being, and learning. This workshop explores how educators can sustain and deepen connections with children and families beyond the initial transition period. Participants will examine the role of responsive relationships in supporting emotional security, engagement, and resilience, and consider practical strategies for building trust, fostering meaningful family partnerships, and responding to children's evolving needs. Through reflection, discussion, and real-world examples, educators will strengthen their understanding of relationship-based practice and leave with tools to create nurturing environments where every child and family feels seen, valued, and supported throughout their early learning experience. Participants will explore: Relationship-based approaches that support children's sense of safety and belonging Strategies for strengthening family partnerships over time Responsive interactions that foster emotional well-being and self-regulation Observation and reflection as tools for understanding children's needs and interests Creating inclusive environments that honour diverse identities, cultures, and experiences This workshop is ideal for early childhood educators, program leaders, and professionals committed to fostering meaningful connections that help children and families thrive.   Facilitator Bio: I have been an Early Childhood Educator for 25 years, having received my Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Douglas College. Since then, I have gained experience in a variety of areas within the field of Early Childhood Education: Director of a preschool, supervisor of after-school care as well as 3-5 and Infant Toddler programs and centre management. My primary focus has evolved to encompass team leadership, management training and program development. I have had articles published in provincial and national ECE journals on the topic of emergent curriculum and leadership. My goal as an Early Childhood Educator and facilitator is to support fellow educators and early years professionals in providing high quality early learning experiences for children and families.

The Director Network Meeting gathers on the third Wednesday of each month from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm. We are happy to provide a hybrid meeting space, with the option to meet in-person at the ECDA Boardroom or via Zoom, to help with travel house ratio i.e., if you're cooking lunch. This network is open to all supervisors, directors, and administrators of licensed early learning and childcare programs. The intention of the group is to encourage open conversation and collaboration to enhance quality practices, such as human resource practices and policies, pedagogy, and leadership. We have an open-door policy for all network meetings, we invite you to come as you are, when you can, if you are in a supervisor position! We will share and support each other in our professional and pedagogical roles. Each meeting we will spend our time together thinking more deeply about topics of interest, current trends and daily practice. We will approach problems from a solution-based lens together and have lively and respectful round table discussions. We would love to have someone from every centre join us as we continue to support one another through the journey! Bring yourself, invite a friend, and we can't wait to meet you, or see you again :)

Medication administration The presentation will review the importance of the 10 Rs when giving medication to residence, and although so discuss the difference between and versus drug reactions and drug allergies Review of insulin products and administration, using syringes or insulin pens, as well as inhalers We will review the different types of insulin and how long it takes for them to work and how long they last as well as storage requirements and how to best use pre-filled or cartridges for insulin pens, focusing on technique. A brief overview of inhalers.   Facilitator Bio: Allan Greene B.Sc/Pharm., R. Ph.,  Manager, Healthcare Collaboration and  Stakeholder Partnerships Murphy's Pharmacy:  At Murphy’s Pharmacies, we are committed to building healthier communities. We are proud to offer health presentations to workplaces and community organizations. Our team of health professionals can present on a variety of topics.   A reminder as this is a free session, ECDA has a payment policy for this-- Failure to attend will result in a $20 Admin fee being applied to your account, and you must pay this prior to attending any future free sessions. This policy has been implemented due to many no-shows at events. We value our facilitators and their time, and we often have to cap session capacity so not showing up for an event impacts others who may have wanted to attend.