Events

Neurodiverse educators contribute unique perspectives, cognitive strengths, and pedagogical approaches that enrich learning environments for all students. While their presence is an asset to the profession, challenges can emerge that impact participation in classrooms. In this session, participants learn the importance of designing schools, classrooms, and workplaces that allow neurodiverse educators to participate fully and meaningfully. We will discuss how neurodiversity can impact educators in a classroom and share concrete strategies to help educators support their success. The focus of this session will be on the early childhood classroom, although many of these strategies transfer to the K-12 system.    Terri is an assistant professor at the University of Prince Edward Island. As an educator with over twenty years' experience across diverse educational roles, including classroom teaching, resource support, post-secondary instruction, and academic research, her personal and professional experiences shape her work. Her career has been shaped by a deep commitment to inclusive, equity-oriented education, and this commitment informs the lens through which she engages in scholarly inquiry. Much of her work in K-12 education focused on creating responsive, inclusive classroom spaces for learners with diverse needs. As a new scholar in the field of inclusion, her work endeavors to build teacher capacity with the aim to improve outcomes for all learners. As a neurodiverse person, she recognizes that her positionalities influence the questions she asks, the data she interprets, and the conclusions she draws and is cognizant of the privileges she enjoys as a white woman. 

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 :)

Every child deserves to feel heard, welcomed and seen; this starts in our environments. Representation is everything for children. Although we can’t control every form of media they consume, we can control one thing - the books they read in our classrooms. Diversity in early childhood environments is needed more than ever in our field. This webinar goes beyond diversity in literature and will show you that promoting diversity in your classroom is more than just a book on the shelf. You will gain information on understanding diversity in a new way and learn how to promote true diversity in your classroom. This webinar has information and engaging content that will prepare you to create a more diverse learning environment. We will cover: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Early Childhood Anti-bias education Our duty as educators Breakdown of diversity What diversity means in early education Effective steps for creating a more diverse classroom     Anisha Angella is an Early Childhood Education (ECE) coach and expert who has been in the industry for over 18+ years. With a degree in Early Childhood Education Studies, Anisha has held many roles over the years. She has led childcare programs, taught college programs, and worked as a senior manager overseeing 45+ childcare locations. She is also the CEO and Founder of her business, "The Early Childhood Coach + Co" — a powerhouse for all things childcare consulting, coaching, and training. Her success has allowed her to gain exposure through Breakfast Television,  Authority Magazine and The Today Show.    Anisha wants to see other members of the ECE community succeed and loves to share her wealth of knowledge through speaking at a variety of events. Anisha’s speaking engagements focus on diversity in ECE, leadership, mental health and burnout in ECE, and effective communication with parents and staff. She has spoken at over 250+ events worldwide and is always looking forward to her next engagement.     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.

Hello Directors!We have been receiving many questions regarding first aid requirements. The ECDA is happy to host both David Follett, Occupational Health and Safety Officer, as well as Monique McClean, Early Learning and Child Care Licensing and Compliance Manager. They will provide clarification and answer your questions on first aid expectations for centres. Session Details Where: Hybrid – ECDA Boardroom / Zoom When: Thursday, September 18th, 2:30 PM Who: Centre Directors We hope to see you there!

“Courageous conversations mean having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.” ~ Brené Brown The ECDA is excited to host ECE Sharing and Networking sessions. These are open door meetings that welcome anyone working as a front-line educator. These meetings will provide space to gather with other early childhood educators to share what is on your heart or to seek support. The meetings are a place to listen, provide encouragement, share resources, and connect with your colleagues across the province. We would love to welcome at least one ECE from every Island centre to the network, and we realize some meeting dates will work better than others - so come when you can! The agenda for these sessions will be very flexible and will build over time based on the interest of those participating. Recently we have discussed things such as Dual Language Learners, Behaviours, PD wishes and many other! Come join us this month to see what comes up:) Registration for network meetings is required. This meeting will run with a minimum of 4 participants. These will be held once a month, so come when you can! Based on feedback we have flipped these to be entirely virtual:)