Event: ECDA's Start With Play Fall Conference 2026

Exp 18 AM: Creative Problem-Solving Using Action Research & Valued Based Living to Reduce Burnout and Improve Job Satisfaction

Morning Session: Join us for a session on creative problem solving among staff, using rough-and-tumble play as our example. Do you or members of your staff team struggle with allowing rough-and-tumble play? How is this managed amongst your team? Might the children in your care find it challenging to know what’s okay, when some staff members allow certain activities, but other staff do not? Does saying “No” to particular activities feel like ‘whack-a-mole’ – I say No here but then I turn around and the children are doing anyway, over there? Bring your concerns and work through the action research process with us – a tool you can use for many topics and situations.

Afternoon Session: Burnout and Compassion Fatigue is a reality facing many ECEs, with Canadian statistics showing many are taking medical leaves or leaving the field entirely by the 5 year mark. Researchers, ECE Associations, Advocates and Therapists want to shift this, and one emerging strategy is to support ECEs and their Associations to develop value based living techniques and strategies. Through this session we will discuss the signs and symptoms of burnout, as well as what Value Based living entails as it relates to work and life. We will also engage in a variety of hands-on activities to reflect on our values and how they guide us, reduce burnout and increase overall job satisfaction. 

Date: November 5, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: AM: Quality Inn