2 Part Series: Strong Responsive Practices

This training series is ideal for early childhood educators, program leaders, and professionals committed to fostering meaningful connections that help children and families thrive.

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.

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

Facilitator Bio: Julie Hansen has been an Early Childhood Educator for 25 years, having received her Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Douglas College. Since then, she has 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. Julie’s primary focus has evolved to encompass team leadership, management training and program development. She has had articles published in provincial and national ECE journals on the topic of emergent curriculum and leadership. Her 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.

Participation:

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.