EYPDC
and Curious
Welcome to the EYPDC
The Early Years Professional Development Committee consists of representatives of provincially funded Training Institutions and Support Sites. Committee members share their insights, needs assessment observations and professional development plans in order to coordinate, communicate and deliver quality professional development for all early childhood educators and other early years professionals in Nova Scotia.
Upcoming Workshops
- April 17, 2024
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Food Discovery in Early Childhood
View Details
April 17, 2024 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
OnlineWorkshop Topics:
- Discovering Food with Canada’s Food Guide
- Roles in Feeding for Caregivers and Children
- Food Literacy in Children
- Accessing Free Resources from Teach NutritionParticipants will:
- Experience an interactive session.
- Receive free resources (1 to 2 weeks following the session).Each participating childcare centre will receive one (1) copy of the Little Chef’s Big Book of Recipes. Delivery 1-2 weeks following the session.
Provided by TeachNutrition.ca By Dairy Farmers of Canada's Registered Dietitians
Facilitated by: Jennifer Ferguson, Registered Dietitian
To register, click on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/Fpexz3sp9w
See more details
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MSVU Inspiring Spaces & Environments CAR Tour
View Details
April 17, 2024 7:00 pm - April 20, 2024 4:00 pm
Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, NS B3M 2J6, CanadaDate: Wednesday April 17 7 – 9pm * 2 PD hours and Saturday April 20 9am – 4pm 7 PD hours
Cost: $85 Total PD hours: 9PD hours Location: IN PERSON & ONLINE Presenter: Liz Hicks
Wednesday April 17 7 – 9pm ONLY * 2 PD hours Cost: $25
* IF you are unable to attend the car tour, you are invited to attend JUST the Wednesday evening (2 hours PD) to look at previous inspiring centres, and learn about the questions that you can ask to ensure you also become an inspiring centre! You MUST come to Wednesday evening if you are going on the car tour for a total of 9 hours PD.
Description: In response to popular demand, we are offering a car tour for environments – indoors and outdoors.
Please note it is a CAR tour. This means if you sign up for this workshop you are responsible for driving yourself (we suggest car pooling) to the sites that have generously volunteered to show you their environments.
On the Wednesday evening, April 17th – by zoom - we will reflect on, discuss, and look at ideas on ways in which learning environments could inspire ourselves, the children, and families. We will be referencing the NSEYCF, and look at some previous tour NS child care spaces.
Then on Saturday, April 20th we will meet at the Mount. This will give an opportunity for car pooling. When you register for this workshop please indicate if you are willing to drive and how many spaces you may have in your car. E.g. Liz will be driving and have 4 spaces for participants.
Each centre will give participants time to tour, and a short introduction to their program, philosophy and a question and answer session.
The centres we will visit are:
9.15am – 10.45am: Garderie Le Petit Voilier, 1326 Bedford Hwy, Bedford, NS B4A 1C9 – “Nous accompagnons nos enfants vers leur plein potentiel au sein de la communauté francophone depuis plus de 25 ans. “
“We have been guiding our children to their full potential in the francophone community for over 25 years.” Serving preschoolers and pre-primary. This gives us an opportunity to see a French and Mi’kmaq approach to care and learning. http://www.petitvoilier.ca/
11.15am – 12.45pm: Allegro Child Care Centre, 5415 Victoria Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 4K5 – “Where what they learn today, shapes who they become tomorrow” – serving children from 3mths – 8years. This centre has been on a journey with the NSEYCF, and recently has been inspired by and working towards the Reggio Emilia Approach. https://allegrochildcare.ca/about-allegro/
You now have a break for an hour where participants can get a lunch and drive to the next centre:
2.00pm – 3.30pm: East Preston Day Care Centre, 1799 Highway 7, East Preston, NS B2Z 1E9
‘Offering nurturing care and educational experiences, the East Preston Day Care uses emergent curriculum and innovative programming for children ages 3 months to 10 years.’ This centre has been supporting community members since 1974 and is on a journey to offer more than ‘just’ quality childcare for their community, but childcare that is innovative, and inspiring.
You will receive instructions on how to access each location the week of the workshop.
Presenter Biography: Liz Hicks, 41 years in early childhood, in various capacities, & at present a private consultant working in early childhood education in NS, providing consulting & professional development in a variety of topics.
‘I believe children are capable, curious & have an innate need to connect with people & the world around them, which is also a belief I have for the educators that work with the children.’Location: ONLINE & IN PERSON
9 PD hours $85 OR ONLINE option only 2 PD hours $25
Registration for our MSVU workshops, along our PD brochure with full workshops details, descriptions and presenter bios is found online www.msvu.ca/earlychildhoodworkshops
See more details
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- April 18, 2024
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NSCC Kingstec - Capture the Adventure: Incorporating photography into the program
View Details
April 18, 2024 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
236 Belcher St, Kentville, NS B4N 0A6, Canada“A picture is worth a thousand words.” This is certainly true of images on documentation panels or those used to market your program online.
In this three-session, online workshop, you will:
1. Learn the basics of composition and what goes into creating an interesting image (Week 1)
2. Develop ideas to incorporate photography and visual storytelling into your program (Week 2)
3. Learn the ethics and best practices of using photographs in documentation and marketing. (Week 3)
Participants may also take part in an optional “photo walk” to get hands on help and practice with your camera. (April 6th, 10:00am, Kentville. Details TBC during the first session based on participant feedback.)
Each session will be followed by homework—a practical activity with feedback from the facilitator and fellow participants.
Facilitator: Justine MacDonald
Fee: $70
Deadline to register: March 28th, 2024
4 April 2024 – Intro to Photography – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
6 April 2024 – Photo walk – Kentville, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm(Optional – participants receive an additional two hours of PD)
18 April 2024 – Visual Storytelling – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
2 May 2024 – Documentation – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
When I am not working at the ECDSC Kingstec as Sara's Administrative Assistant, a position I've held since 2006, I am a mixed media artist and photographer with a focus on travel, landscape, and abstract art. In addition to being the official photographer for Wolfville’s Broken Leg Theatre, my work has appeared in group and solo exhibitions and several online and print publications, including my book "Remembrance Road", published in 2018."
Please Note Our new payment process (September 2023)
1. Credit card or VISA Debit payment
2. Cheque
3. Cash
(Instructions below)- Registration form AND payment are to be received by us at least TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE (unless otherwise noted), not simply postmarked by the deadline.
- Registrations cannot be processed, nor spaces held, until both registration form and payment are received.
- Cancellations must be processed before the workshop occurs. Please contact us at least 1 week prior to a workshop if you are unable to attend.Please contact sara.graves@nscc.ca or justine.macdonald@nscc.ca for more details.
*please keep our workshop guidelines in mind* https://www.nscc.ca/ecdsc/professional-development/kingstec-guidelines.asp
To Register: https://bit.ly/ecdscws
See more details
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NSCECE - Culturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia's Early Learning and Child Care Settings (Online)
View Details
April 18, 2024 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
OnlineCulturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia’s Early Learning and Child Care Settings is a 12-hour module developed in response to the ongoing enhancements to Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework (NSELCF). Three (3) sub-modules have been designed to create a safe and ethical space for examining the nature of biases, prejudice, and assumptions. The modules unpack privilege and encourage participants to reflect on the historical and systemic roots of discrimination and racism. The modules reflect on the lived experiences of people who face these challenges in Nova Scotia. Each module is accompanied by home learning that will continue the conversations between modules.
Through a reflective approach, participants will become deeply aware of their own identities and the identities of the children, families, and communities they serve.
Disclaimer: The modules have been developed for synchronous learning. Participants are required to move through each of the modules in sequence, and with the same cohort. The inability to commit will result in a “restart” of the entire training. The objective of the modules is to demonstrate cultural responsiveness, thus, participants must demonstrate this understanding throughout. To do so, participants scheduled for online learning must work from an operational computer, with a working mic and camera.
Module 1: Laying Face and Foundation
Module Objectives:
• Understand who the Mi’kmaq are
• Understand who the Acadians are
• Understand who the Gaels are
• Understand who the African Nova Scotians are
• Explore and contextualize our understanding of culture
• Explore and contextualize our understanding of intersectionality
• Explore and articulate the intersections of race, nationality, gender, and sexuality
Module 1 provides space for the four (4) historical cultures of Nova Scotia to share themselves in a meaningful way. Participants will better understand the four (4) historical cultures, languages, and beliefs. Participants will explore and contextualize specific intersections and how they relate to culture and themselves.
Module 2: Faces of Discrimination
▪ Explore and contextualize our own privileges, biases, and opinions
▪ Explore and contextualize discrimination
▪ Explore and contextualize racism
▪ Explore and contextualize systemic racism
▪ Explore the Indian Act, Residential Schools, Africville, Racialized Policing, “All lives Matter” and, Social Determinants of Health
▪ Explore and contextualize micro-aggression
Module 2 requires participants to explore and contextualize their own privileges, biases, and opinions. Participants will explore how these interrelate with discrimination, racism, and moreover, systemic racism. Participants will specifically explore contemporary racism in Nova Scotia.
Module 3: Faces of Reconciliation
▪ Explore and contextualize reconciliation
▪ Explore Truth and Reconciliation
▪ Explore and review Education Calls to Action
▪ Explore Black Lives Matter
▪ Explore and review United Nations Rights of the Child
▪ Explore Educator’s role in the classroom
▪ Explore 7 Sacred Teachings as a tool
▪ Explore racism from birth onward
▪ Explore Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework
▪ Explore and articulate culturally responsive practice
▪ Explore and contextualize Allyship
Module 3 provides space to explore the different types of reconciliation while acknowledging the need to act now. Participants explore their own roles in this work; specifically exploring cultural responsiveness as it relates to Early Learning and Child Care Settings and moreover the Early Learning Curriculum Framework.
Pre-registration agreements
- I agree to participate from an operational computer with a working mic and camera.
- I agree all information is confidential and will not be shared outside my group discussions or cohort of participants
- I agree to commit to the entire 12-hour schedule to receive credit.
- I agree to conduct myself in a professional manner and be respectful of other people’s perspectives, opinions, and ideas.
- I agree that I will show up fully committed and engaged in the work.
F acilitators:
Session Dates and Times:
Session 1: Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
Session 2: Thursday, April 18th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
Session 3: Saturday, April 20th, 2024 (online), 9:00am-1:00pm
Session 4: Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
Session 5: Thursday, April 25th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
See more details
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- April 20, 2024
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NSCECE - Culturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia's Early Learning and Child Care Settings (Online)
View Details
April 20, 2024 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
OnlineCulturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia’s Early Learning and Child Care Settings is a 12-hour module developed in response to the ongoing enhancements to Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework (NSELCF). Three (3) sub-modules have been designed to create a safe and ethical space for examining the nature of biases, prejudice, and assumptions. The modules unpack privilege and encourage participants to reflect on the historical and systemic roots of discrimination and racism. The modules reflect on the lived experiences of people who face these challenges in Nova Scotia. Each module is accompanied by home learning that will continue the conversations between modules.
Through a reflective approach, participants will become deeply aware of their own identities and the identities of the children, families, and communities they serve.
Disclaimer: The modules have been developed for synchronous learning. Participants are required to move through each of the modules in sequence, and with the same cohort. The inability to commit will result in a “restart” of the entire training. The objective of the modules is to demonstrate cultural responsiveness, thus, participants must demonstrate this understanding throughout. To do so, participants scheduled for online learning must work from an operational computer, with a working mic and camera.
Module 1: Laying Face and Foundation
Module Objectives:
• Understand who the Mi’kmaq are
• Understand who the Acadians are
• Understand who the Gaels are
• Understand who the African Nova Scotians are
• Explore and contextualize our understanding of culture
• Explore and contextualize our understanding of intersectionality
• Explore and articulate the intersections of race, nationality, gender, and sexuality
Module 1 provides space for the four (4) historical cultures of Nova Scotia to share themselves in a meaningful way. Participants will better understand the four (4) historical cultures, languages, and beliefs. Participants will explore and contextualize specific intersections and how they relate to culture and themselves.
Module 2: Faces of Discrimination
▪ Explore and contextualize our own privileges, biases, and opinions
▪ Explore and contextualize discrimination
▪ Explore and contextualize racism
▪ Explore and contextualize systemic racism
▪ Explore the Indian Act, Residential Schools, Africville, Racialized Policing, “All lives Matter” and, Social Determinants of Health
▪ Explore and contextualize micro-aggression
Module 2 requires participants to explore and contextualize their own privileges, biases, and opinions. Participants will explore how these interrelate with discrimination, racism, and moreover, systemic racism. Participants will specifically explore contemporary racism in Nova Scotia.
Module 3: Faces of Reconciliation
▪ Explore and contextualize reconciliation
▪ Explore Truth and Reconciliation
▪ Explore and review Education Calls to Action
▪ Explore Black Lives Matter
▪ Explore and review United Nations Rights of the Child
▪ Explore Educator’s role in the classroom
▪ Explore 7 Sacred Teachings as a tool
▪ Explore racism from birth onward
▪ Explore Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework
▪ Explore and articulate culturally responsive practice
▪ Explore and contextualize Allyship
Module 3 provides space to explore the different types of reconciliation while acknowledging the need to act now. Participants explore their own roles in this work; specifically exploring cultural responsiveness as it relates to Early Learning and Child Care Settings and moreover the Early Learning Curriculum Framework.
Pre-registration agreements
- I agree to participate from an operational computer with a working mic and camera.
- I agree all information is confidential and will not be shared outside my group discussions or cohort of participants
- I agree to commit to the entire 12-hour schedule to receive credit.
- I agree to conduct myself in a professional manner and be respectful of other people’s perspectives, opinions, and ideas.
- I agree that I will show up fully committed and engaged in the work.
F acilitators:
Session Dates and Times:
Session 1: Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
Session 2: Thursday, April 18th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
Session 3: Saturday, April 20th, 2024 (online), 9:00am-1:00pm
Session 4: Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
Session 5: Thursday, April 25th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
See more details
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- April 23, 2024
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NSCECE - Culturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia's Early Learning and Child Care Settings (Online)
View Details
April 23, 2024 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
OnlineCulturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia’s Early Learning and Child Care Settings is a 12-hour module developed in response to the ongoing enhancements to Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework (NSELCF). Three (3) sub-modules have been designed to create a safe and ethical space for examining the nature of biases, prejudice, and assumptions. The modules unpack privilege and encourage participants to reflect on the historical and systemic roots of discrimination and racism. The modules reflect on the lived experiences of people who face these challenges in Nova Scotia. Each module is accompanied by home learning that will continue the conversations between modules.
Through a reflective approach, participants will become deeply aware of their own identities and the identities of the children, families, and communities they serve.
Disclaimer: The modules have been developed for synchronous learning. Participants are required to move through each of the modules in sequence, and with the same cohort. The inability to commit will result in a “restart” of the entire training. The objective of the modules is to demonstrate cultural responsiveness, thus, participants must demonstrate this understanding throughout. To do so, participants scheduled for online learning must work from an operational computer, with a working mic and camera.
Module 1: Laying Face and Foundation
Module Objectives:
• Understand who the Mi’kmaq are
• Understand who the Acadians are
• Understand who the Gaels are
• Understand who the African Nova Scotians are
• Explore and contextualize our understanding of culture
• Explore and contextualize our understanding of intersectionality
• Explore and articulate the intersections of race, nationality, gender, and sexuality
Module 1 provides space for the four (4) historical cultures of Nova Scotia to share themselves in a meaningful way. Participants will better understand the four (4) historical cultures, languages, and beliefs. Participants will explore and contextualize specific intersections and how they relate to culture and themselves.
Module 2: Faces of Discrimination
▪ Explore and contextualize our own privileges, biases, and opinions
▪ Explore and contextualize discrimination
▪ Explore and contextualize racism
▪ Explore and contextualize systemic racism
▪ Explore the Indian Act, Residential Schools, Africville, Racialized Policing, “All lives Matter” and, Social Determinants of Health
▪ Explore and contextualize micro-aggression
Module 2 requires participants to explore and contextualize their own privileges, biases, and opinions. Participants will explore how these interrelate with discrimination, racism, and moreover, systemic racism. Participants will specifically explore contemporary racism in Nova Scotia.
Module 3: Faces of Reconciliation
▪ Explore and contextualize reconciliation
▪ Explore Truth and Reconciliation
▪ Explore and review Education Calls to Action
▪ Explore Black Lives Matter
▪ Explore and review United Nations Rights of the Child
▪ Explore Educator’s role in the classroom
▪ Explore 7 Sacred Teachings as a tool
▪ Explore racism from birth onward
▪ Explore Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework
▪ Explore and articulate culturally responsive practice
▪ Explore and contextualize Allyship
Module 3 provides space to explore the different types of reconciliation while acknowledging the need to act now. Participants explore their own roles in this work; specifically exploring cultural responsiveness as it relates to Early Learning and Child Care Settings and moreover the Early Learning Curriculum Framework.
Pre-registration agreements
- I agree to participate from an operational computer with a working mic and camera.
- I agree all information is confidential and will not be shared outside my group discussions or cohort of participants
- I agree to commit to the entire 12-hour schedule to receive credit.
- I agree to conduct myself in a professional manner and be respectful of other people’s perspectives, opinions, and ideas.
- I agree that I will show up fully committed and engaged in the work.
F acilitators:
Session Dates and Times:
Session 1: Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
Session 2: Thursday, April 18th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
Session 3: Saturday, April 20th, 2024 (online), 9:00am-1:00pm
Session 4: Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
Session 5: Thursday, April 25th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
See more details
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Neurodiversity Workshop Series (Workshop #4)
View Details
April 23, 2024 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Online via ZoomBack in March 2023, Melissa Castonguay did a workshop for us - Understanding Neurodiversity &Implementing Supportive Accommodations for Neurodivergent Children. Thisworkshop left people wanting more, so Melissa has developed a workshop seriesto dive further into this very important topic.
Workshop #1 (Jan, 16,2024 – 6:30-8:30)
“Beyond Behaviors”
Expanding our Understanding of Behaviors in NeurodiverseChildren
Workshop #2 (Feb. 21, 2024 – 6:30-8:30)
“ResponsiveRelationships”
Building Respectful and Meaningful Relationships withNeurodivergent Children and Their Families
Workshop #3 (Mar. 19,2024 – 6:30-8:30)
“Sensory-FriendlySpaces”
Creating Flexible and Inclusive Environments for theNeurodiversity of Children in our Care
Workshop #4 (Apr. 23, 2024 – 6:30-8:30)
“Accessible WorkPlaces”
ImplementingInclusive Policies and Accommodations for Neurodivergent ECEs in Child CareSettings
$100 for all 4 workshops
Or
$30 per workshop
If interested contact Jane MacKenzie at jane.mackenzie@janenorman.ca
See more details
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- April 24, 2024
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A Three-Part Series: Coloring Outside the Gender Lines
View Details
April 24, 2024
Online via Zoom (6:30-8:30)Implementing a Gender Flexible Pedagogy
Offering practical steps for adults who work with young children to build inclusive and intentional spaces where all children recieve positive messages about their unique gender selves.
Exploring and deconstructing the gender binary in the early years sector. These workshops increase awareness about gender identity, gender-inclusive language and what it truly means to be an ally.
This series is based on modern understandings of gender and intersectionally, as well as research on child development, and gender health.
By including the voice and lived experience of a transgender early childhood educator.
Contextualizes what it means to rethink early learning programs with a commitment to gender justice and gender equality for all children.Part 1 (April 24)
The Gender Question
Expand our understanding of gender through history and how it manifests differently across cultures.Part 2 (May 22)
Gender Responsive Eduators
Expand our knowledge and improve practices around gender stereotyping in the early years through practical tools and framework.Part 3 (June 12)
Creating Safe Spaces
Create gender expansive environments, implementing inclusive policies for children, families and gender diverse educators.Cost $75.00
6:30-8:30 each evening
If interested contact Jane MacKenzie at
jane.mackenzie@janenorman.caSee more details
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- April 25, 2024
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MSVU Leading through a Child-Centred Lens
View Details
April 25, 2024 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, NS B3M 2J6, CanadaDate: Thursday April 25 (6:30pm – 9pm), Saturday May 4 (9am-1pm), and Saturday May 25, 2024 (9am-1pm).
Cost: $115 Total PD hours: 10.5 hrs Location: IN PERSON Presenters: Shari Ridgewell & Denise StoneDescription: In this fast-paced environment of early learning & care, leaders are often challenged to adhere to & make decisions that are in the best interest of young children. This workshop series will provide program leaders (e.g. Directors, Board members, pedagogical leaders, inclusion coordinators), the opportunity to reflect on ethical decision making which supports action, duties & obligations that respect the rights of children, families & communities.
Participants will work on identifying ethical dilemmas they experience & use tools identified in the session to prob-lem solve from an 'ethical perspective'. They will learn how to identify 'root causes' of the issues, applying either current or new skills to create possible solutions, & practice leadership proficiencies in applying ethical decision mak-ing between workshop sessions. Participants will review their current policies, & draft, or revise, a child -centered policy(s) for use within their organization.
Keeping children in the fore front of all decision making, participants will explore how ethical practice demonstrates respect for others, enabling leaders to be courageous & to act with integrity when confronted with ethical dilemmas,
Objectives:
To understand ethics & the need for ethical leadership in early childhood programs.
To explore ethical decision making & practices across diverse cultures & social contexts.
To identify common ethical dilemmas that arise from caring for young children.
To explore how ethical leadership respects diverse opinions & supports positive outcomes for children & fami-lies.
Presenter Biographies: Shari Ridgewell, M.Ed. is an early childhood educator with 40+ years’ experience in the field. She has worked with all age groups; as child care administrator; an early childhood education consultant; a trainer of early childhood students; professional development provider & as an advocate for high quality inclusive child care. She recently retired from the Nova Scotia Government after 22 years working in licensing, program con-sulting, & policy development. In her last 5 years of public service, she coordinated the initial implementation of the Pyramid Model in Nova Scotia & continues as a member of the Provincial Pyramid Model Leadership Team. Shari continues to support the social emotional development & well-being of all young children in her consulting work with the Pyramid Model Consortium.Denise Stone is an early childhood professional with over 40 years of experience working in the early learning & child care sector. Some of her experiences include, early intervention, child care management, licensing, & post sec-ondary course delivery & workshop facilitation. Prior to her retirement from the provincial government in 2021, Denise held several positions during her 20 years as a civil servant. Over the course of her career, Denise’s focus has always been to ensure the provision of high quality early learning & child care experiences for children & their fami-lies, & supporting professionalism within the sector.
Location: IN PERSON at MSVU
10.5 PD hours
$115
Registration for our MSVU workshops, along our PD brochure with full workshops details, descriptions and presenter bios is found online www.msvu.ca/earlychildhoodworkshops
See more details
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NSCECE - Culturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia's Early Learning and Child Care Settings (Online)
View Details
April 25, 2024 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Culturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia’s Early Learning and Child Care Settings is a 12-hour module developed in response to the ongoing enhancements to Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework (NSELCF). Three (3) sub-modules have been designed to create a safe and ethical space for examining the nature of biases, prejudice, and assumptions. The modules unpack privilege and encourage participants to reflect on the historical and systemic roots of discrimination and racism. The modules reflect on the lived experiences of people who face these challenges in Nova Scotia. Each module is accompanied by home learning that will continue the conversations between modules.
Through a reflective approach, participants will become deeply aware of their own identities and the identities of the children, families, and communities they serve.
Disclaimer: The modules have been developed for synchronous learning. Participants are required to move through each of the modules in sequence, and with the same cohort. The inability to commit will result in a “restart” of the entire training. The objective of the modules is to demonstrate cultural responsiveness, thus, participants must demonstrate this understanding throughout. To do so, participants scheduled for online learning must work from an operational computer, with a working mic and camera.
Module 1: Laying Face and Foundation
Module Objectives:
• Understand who the Mi’kmaq are
• Understand who the Acadians are
• Understand who the Gaels are
• Understand who the African Nova Scotians are
• Explore and contextualize our understanding of culture
• Explore and contextualize our understanding of intersectionality
• Explore and articulate the intersections of race, nationality, gender, and sexuality
Module 1 provides space for the four (4) historical cultures of Nova Scotia to share themselves in a meaningful way. Participants will better understand the four (4) historical cultures, languages, and beliefs. Participants will explore and contextualize specific intersections and how they relate to culture and themselves.
Module 2: Faces of Discrimination
▪ Explore and contextualize our own privileges, biases, and opinions
▪ Explore and contextualize discrimination
▪ Explore and contextualize racism
▪ Explore and contextualize systemic racism
▪ Explore the Indian Act, Residential Schools, Africville, Racialized Policing, “All lives Matter” and, Social Determinants of Health
▪ Explore and contextualize micro-aggression
Module 2 requires participants to explore and contextualize their own privileges, biases, and opinions. Participants will explore how these interrelate with discrimination, racism, and moreover, systemic racism. Participants will specifically explore contemporary racism in Nova Scotia.
Module 3: Faces of Reconciliation
▪ Explore and contextualize reconciliation
▪ Explore Truth and Reconciliation
▪ Explore and review Education Calls to Action
▪ Explore Black Lives Matter
▪ Explore and review United Nations Rights of the Child
▪ Explore Educator’s role in the classroom
▪ Explore 7 Sacred Teachings as a tool
▪ Explore racism from birth onward
▪ Explore Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework
▪ Explore and articulate culturally responsive practice
▪ Explore and contextualize Allyship
Module 3 provides space to explore the different types of reconciliation while acknowledging the need to act now. Participants explore their own roles in this work; specifically exploring cultural responsiveness as it relates to Early Learning and Child Care Settings and moreover the Early Learning Curriculum Framework.
Pre-registration agreements
- I agree to participate from an operational computer with a working mic and camera.
- I agree all information is confidential and will not be shared outside my group discussions or cohort of participants
- I agree to commit to the entire 12-hour schedule to receive credit.
- I agree to conduct myself in a professional manner and be respectful of other people’s perspectives, opinions, and ideas.
- I agree that I will show up fully committed and engaged in the work.
F acilitators:
Session Dates and Times:
Session 1: Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
Session 2: Thursday, April 18th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
Session 3: Saturday, April 20th, 2024 (online), 9:00am-1:00pm
Session 4: Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
Session 5: Thursday, April 25th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm
See more details
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- April 26, 2024
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NSCC Kingstec - Spring Conference
View Details
April 26, 2024 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
236 Belcher St, Kentville, NS B4N 0A6, CanadaPre- Conference - More Details soon!
Please Note Our new payment process (September 2023)
1. Credit card or VISA Debit payment
2. Cheque
3. Cash
(Instructions below)- Registration form AND payment are to be received by us at least TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE (unless otherwise noted), not simply postmarked by the deadline.
- Registrations cannot be processed, nor spaces held, until both registration form and payment are received.
- Cancellations must be processed before the workshop occurs. Please contact us at least 1 week prior to a workshop if you are unable to attend.Please contact sara.graves@nscc.ca or justine.macdonald@nscc.ca for more details.
*please keep our workshop guidelines in mind* https://www.nscc.ca/ecdsc/professional-development/kingstec-guidelines.asp
To Register: Registration coming soon
See more details
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- April 27, 2024
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MSVU Difficult Conversations for Leaders
View Details
April 27, 2024 9:00 am - May 6, 2024 8:30 pm
Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, NS B3M 2J6, CanadaDate: Saturday April 27 (9am-3 pm) AND Monday May 6, 2024 6:30-8:30 Cost: $85 Total PD hours: 8 PD hours
Location: INPERSON & ONLINE Presenter: Blair Hill
Description: Join Early Childhood Education Faculty & former Childcare Director Blair Hill for this custom-designed workshop: “Difficult Conversations for Leaders”.
As Directors & Leaders, you are often in the position of having to initiate sensitive conversations with staff & parents. In fact, having these discussions is a critical part of your role.
Goals of Workshop
Understand why having difficult conversations is important to the success of your program?
Gain tips for having difficult conversations with employees
Gain tips for having difficult conversations with parentsPresenter Biography: Blair Hill has worked in the field of early childhood education for over 38 years & holds diplomas in Early Childhood Education & Adult Education. As a life-long learner he continues to take courses to fur-ther his education & stay current in the field. He is the Lead Faculty for the Early Childhood Education Program at NSCC, Marconi Campus. He also is a faculty & Subject Matter Expert for the NSCC Early Childhood Education Ad-vanced Certificate Program. Blair has been facilitating workshops for the ECE sector for over 25 years & is a Provincial Facilitator for Capable, Confident, & Curious: Nova Scotia’s Early Years Curriculum Framework. He has also been in-volved with the SHEY (Sexual Health in the Early Years) committee since its beginning. Blair lives with his cat Max & enjoys travelling & spending time in the outdoors.
Location: IN PERSON AND ONLINE
8 PD hours
$85
Registration for our MSVU workshops, along our PD brochure with full workshops details, descriptions and presenter bios is found online www.msvu.ca/earlychildhoodworkshops
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MSVU Gender Inclusivity in Early Childhood Education
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April 27, 2024 9:00 am - May 6, 2024 8:30 pm
Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, NS B3M 2J6, CanadaDate: Saturday June 1, 2024 9 am –1 pm Cost: $50
Total PD hours: 4 hrs Location: IN PERSON Presenter: Sebastian Gaskarth
Description: This workshop includes two sessions aimed at imparting knowledge on gender & its role in early child-hood education. Participants will receive tools & strategies to create gender-inclusive environments & support children & their families.
Session 1: Introduction to Gender. The first part one of this workshop will explore the historical significance of gender in early childhood education within the Canadian context. The presentation will encompass a wide range of topics, in-cluding gender roles, trajectory & constructs, social reproduction & reification, pronoun usage, & the rights of gender-diverse children.
Session 2: Gender & Inclusivity in Practice. In the second part of the workshop, attendees will receive practical strat-egies for fostering a gender-inclusive practice & environment. Additionally, the session will provide helpful tools for fa-cilitating gender-diverse conversations with children & their families. Finally, the workshop will end with a question-& -answer period.
Objectives:
To gain knowledge of gender & its role in early childhood education
To develop tools & strategies for gender inclusivity & supporting families
To apply knowledge to specific practice & discussionPresenter Biography: Sebastian Gaskarth (they/them) is a queer and non-binary social worker, parent, and a graduate student in the Child and Youth Study Department at Mount Saint Vincent University. Sebastian’s diverse work history includes experience as a child and youth care worker, keyworker, community educator, young adult facilitator, coach, student mental health peer supporter, and Pride Centre Coordinator. They serve as an intensive case manager, assisting individuals experiencing homelessness, and as a relief worker for Phoenix Youth Programs. Beyond their professional work, Sebastian's human rights complaint against a gender-affirming care policy in Nova Scotia resulted in a significant legal precedent and policy change for gender-affirming care for non-binary individuals. Their experiences have influ-enced their research interests, focusing on critical gender study, gender inclusivity, and gender-affirming care for children and youth.
Location: IN PERSON
4 PD hours
$50
Registration for our MSVU workshops, along our PD brochure with full workshops details, descriptions and presenter bios is found online www.msvu.ca/earlychildhoodworkshops
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NSCC Kingstec - Spring Conference
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April 27, 2024 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
236 Belcher St, Kentville, NS B4N 0A6, CanadaSpring Conference - More Details soon!
Please Note Our new payment process (September 2023)
1. Credit card or VISA Debit payment
2. Cheque
3. Cash
(Instructions below)- Registration form AND payment are to be received by us at least TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE (unless otherwise noted), not simply postmarked by the deadline.
- Registrations cannot be processed, nor spaces held, until both registration form and payment are received.
- Cancellations must be processed before the workshop occurs. Please contact us at least 1 week prior to a workshop if you are unable to attend.Please contact sara.graves@nscc.ca or justine.macdonald@nscc.ca for more details.
*please keep our workshop guidelines in mind* https://www.nscc.ca/ecdsc/professional-development/kingstec-guidelines.asp
To Register: Registration coming soon
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To view all upcoming workshops, please click here
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