Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

• Understand why play is critical for healthy brain development.
• Discover the four pillars of Play-Activated Learning.
• Connect everyday play behaviours to cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.
• Gain practical strategies to strengthen children’s learning through play.
• Leave ready to confidently advocate for play-based learning with families and colleagues.

Participants will engage in reflective discussions and hands-on strategies to integrate nature-based practices into their programs. We will explore:

• Practical approaches to aligning pedagogy with How Does Learning Happen?
• The role of wonder, awe, and ecological identity in early learning
• Risk mitigation strategies and intentional material use in outdoor learning
• The impact of place-based education in licensed/regulated early learning settings
• Strategies for cultivating a connection to nature for children, families, and communities

Facilitators will offer insights from educators, provocations from thought leaders, and tools to support outdoor learning. This session creates a space to bridge theory and practice, empowering educators to shape pedagogical aspirations that foster livable futures in the world of climate crisis.

Explore how thoughtful, intentional design of space can nurture a sense of belonging and provoke curiosity. This session offers practical ideas and reflective strategies for transforming environments.

An organization is only as strong as its culture—and every person has a role to play in building that culture. This session equips participants with a robust and shared understanding of important equity, diversity, and inclusion concepts and terminology. This will lay the groundwork for productive conversations about building safer spaces and an inclusive culture for those outside our own lived experiences.

(Previously titled: Developing an Inclusive Early Learning and Child Care Community: Strategies for Supporting Inclusive Practices in your Early Learning Environment for Educators and Leaders)

What does meaningful inclusion actually look like in an early learning environment? Join Dr. Kathryn Underwood, one of the featured authors of Think, Feel, Act, for a practical, research-informed workshop exploring how educators and leaders can think deeply about inclusive practice and how it is embedded in their program. Drawing on research and the experiences of children, families, and educators, participants will explore new ways of thinking about inclusion, examine the language and assumptions that shape practice, and consider practical strategies for creating environments where children, families, and staff feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Learning Outcomes

• Reflect on current understanding of inclusion and consider how inclusion is experienced by children, families, and educators within their early learning environment.
• Identify practical strategies for creating more inclusive environments reflective of children’s identities, strengths, and needs.
• Examine the effect of language and assumptions on how we understand children, families, disability, and inclusion.
• Consider the impact of inclusion not only for children, but also families, educators, and staff teams.

Dr. Kathryn Underwood is a professor in the School of Early Childhood Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. Dr. Underwood’s interests are in disabled children and their families’ experiences and contributions to our understanding of social services, social life, and society. The focus of her program of research has been on how constructions of disability in early childhood programs and care, early intervention, and health and social service contexts are used to organize children, with particular interest in intersectional identities of all disabled children. Dr. Underwood has conducted a number of studies that focus on parent viewpoints and the work of families to engage with institutions.

Registration includes lunch. Please include any attendee allergy or food restriction information on the Notes page in the registration.

(Formerly titled: Developing an Inclusive Early Learning and Child Care Community: Strategies for Supporting Inclusive Practices in your Early Learning Environment for Educators and Leaders)

What does meaningful inclusion actually look like in an early learning environment? Join Dr. Kathryn Underwood, one of the featured authors of Think, Feel, Act, for a practical, research-informed workshop exploring how educators and leaders can think deeply about inclusive practice and how it is embedded in their program. Drawing on research and the experiences of children, families, and educators, participants will explore new ways of thinking about inclusion, examine the language and assumptions that shape practice, and consider practical strategies for creating environments where children, families, and staff feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Learning Outcomes

• Reflect on current understanding of inclusion and consider how inclusion is experienced by children, families, and educators within their early learning environment.
• Identify practical strategies for creating more inclusive environments reflective of children’s identities, strengths, and needs.
• Examine the effect of language and assumptions on how we understand children, families, disability, and inclusion.
• Consider the impact of inclusion not only for children, but also families, educators, and staff teams.

Dr. Kathryn Underwood is a professor in the School of Early Childhood Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. Dr. Underwood’s interests are in disabled children and their families’ experiences and contributions to our understanding of social services, social life, and society. The focus of her program of research has been on how constructions of disability in early childhood programs and care, early intervention, and health and social service contexts are used to organize children, with particular interest in intersectional identities of all disabled children. Dr. Underwood has conducted a number of studies that focus on parent viewpoints and the work of families to engage with institutions.

Part 1 - Foundations of Home Child Care; Wednesday October 21, 2026
Dive into the essential principles of pedagogy and care and how they integrate with home child care programs. This session covers key aspects like balancing meal prep with caregiving, programming planning, and navigating the distinct challenges of working on your own.

Part 2 - Designing for Longevity and Growth; Wednesday November 25, 2026
Take your home child care practice to the next level with hands-on exercises in environment design, planning for long-term sustainability, and fostering a strong, intentional approach to caregiving. This session focuses on refining daily routines and building a foundation for years of meaningful, high-quality care through intentional goal setting and action planning.

Both webinars 6:30 to 8:00 pm EST

The ability to thrive and manage life’s difficulties is greatly influenced by our mental wellbeing from an early age. Children and youth need supports in their lives to help navigate the challenges that come along with mental health, and to connect them with the necessary support and services. This workshop provides a general overview of the common mental illnesses for children and youth, including the signs and symptoms, themes for treatment, and the controversies that surround some of the diagnoses. Participants will learn tips for informal support of children, youth, and their families struggling with mental health concerns.

Join Julie Hansen and Carla Ward for this comprehensive session that encompasses steps of hiring and onboarding that every administrator must master to build a strong team. Participants will attain practical strategies, addressing topics from attracting top talent to crafting effective onboarding programs. This informative session will equip you with the tools and insights needed to recruit, select, and seamlessly integrate new staff members, ensuring your centre thrives with a skilled and cohesive team.

This Executive Directors and Administrators Network meeting will take place following the webinar The Administrators Guide to Hiring & Onboarding, with Carla Ward and Julie Hansen.

Network participants are invited to also register for the webinar above and watch it at the ECCDC and join the in-person meeting which follows.

This presentation takes a closer look at the concepts of professionalism in early childhood education in Ontario. Topics include ethical and professional standards, using professional judgement, continuous professional learning, accountability for professional practice, and conduct.

Communicating with families about concerns about their child’s behaviour is one of the hardest things you need to do. You might worry that you will damage your relationship with parent(s), put an extra burden on a struggling family, or put the child at risk for excessive punishment or harm. These are often valid concerns; nevertheless, you have an obligation to keep families informed about their child’s progress and well-being. Communication is key to creating family partnerships. Family members must feel comfortable asking questions, seeking information, and raising concerns about their child’s care, well-being, and development. Families may need support as much as their child does. Barbara Kaiser is the co-author of Challenging Behavior in Young Children. She has taught at Acadia University and at Concordia University and College Marie-Victorin. In addition to presenting workshops and keynote speeches on challenging behaviour throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Europe, Barbara has acted as chief consultant for Facing the Challenge, an instructional DVD based on Challenging Behaviour in Young Children (Devereux Center for Resilient Children), and a workshop, What Do You Do With the Mad That you Feel for Mr. Rogers’ Family Communications, Inc. Barbara founded and was the director of two child care centres and an after-school program. A master’s degree in educational administration from McGill University gives her a firm theoretical foundation, but above all her perspective is practical, realistic, and compassionate, stemming from decades of working with children, families, and teachers.

During this thought-provoking presentation, Carol will enliven the principles of the seven lamps of care through stories that illustrate what a pedagogy of care looks like during mealtime, toilet learning, dressing, transitions, and resting. As we live life alongside children, we will embrace care as education. Together, we will examine care as an improvisational art, a situated knowledge, an embodied intelligence, and an ethical encounter.

Registration fee includes lunch. Please indicate attendee(s) allergy or food restriction details in the Additional Information/Notes area of the registration.

Optional book available for purchase with this registration until October 16 2026. Book will be available for pick up at event.

During this thought-provoking presentation, Carol will enliven the principles of the seven lamps of care through stories that illustrate what a pedagogy of care looks like during mealtime, toilet learning, dressing, transitions, and resting. As we live life alongside children, we will embrace care as education. Together, we will examine care as an improvisational art, a situated knowledge, an embodied intelligence, and an ethical encounter.

Optional book available for purchase with this registration until October 16 2026. A member of our team will contact you when it is ready for pickup at the ECCDC, closer to the date of the event.
If you select the shipping option, it will be sent to you closer to the date of the event. Please include shipping address in the Additional Information/Notes area of the registration form.

Support your well being through this unique DROM movement experience. DROM offers a blend of rhythm, movement, and mindful breathing as a means of supporting stress management, self care, and to spark joy! No experience is needed, and participants are encouraged to wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in. This experience is intended not only to support educator well-being, but also to offer a few simple strategies that can be brought back to your early learning environment!

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the Foundations of Positive Behaviour
  • Describe key developmental stages that influence children's behaviour in early childhood settings.
  • Recognize the role of emotional regulation and social development in shaping behaviour.
• Identify and Analyze Behavioural Patterns
  • Observe and interpret common behavioural cues in young children.
  • Distinguish between challenging behaviours and developmentally appropriate behaviours.
• Apply Evidence-Based Strategies
  • Implement proactive strategies to encourage positive behaviours and reduce challenging ones.
  • Use positive reinforcement, redirection, and modelling techniques effectively.
• Create Supportive Learning Environments
  • Design classroom environments that promote cooperation, empathy, and self-regulation.
  • Establish consistent routines and expectations that support behavioural development.
• Reflect and Adapt Practices
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of behavioural strategies and make informed adjustments.
  • Reflect on personal biases and attitudes that may influence behavioural responses

This hands-on session offers time with open-ended materials, exploring how materials “listen back” and provoke thinking. Educators will develop skills in observing, documenting, and expanding children’s inquiries through intentional material choices. Participants are invited to bring a small material that is interesting, meaningful, or intriguing to them—something that holds a story, possibility, or question. Together, we will slow down, notice what the material might be communicating, and consider how our own encounters with materials can deepen our pedagogical thinking and influence the ways we invite children into inquiry.

Unlock the secrets to greater job satisfaction, stronger relationships, and unwavering confidence. In today's dynamic workplace landscape, intelligence alone is not sufficient. Discover why emotional intelligence, or EQ, reigns supreme as the key to leadership and personal fulfillment. Join us as we delve into the EQ Edge and how it can elevate your career to new heights.

More than ever, there is a need for us to acknowledge our individual role in creating more equitable and inclusive teams and organizations. To facilitate meaningful change, it is crucial for us to be visible allies and to follow through with tangible actions. In practice, allyship requires those with power and privilege to affect change in both the culture and systems that shape our organizations. In this session, participants will understand what it means to be an ally and the core principles of allyship with practical tips that they can apply to everyday practices.

Join us on Thursday November 26th for the Annual Niagara Early Learning and Child Care Appreciation and Recognition Gala!

This year we are Celebrating Passion, Purpose, and the Power of Early Learning Professionals in Niagara with networking opportunities, a recognition ceremony, silent auction, dinner and drinks, and more!

Tickets may be purchased until Friday November 9th.

Please note::

• If you are purchasing one or more tables of ten, a member of our staff team will reach out to you for the names and contact information for each attendee.
• If you are purchasing single tickets, each attendee you register here will recieve a confirmation email from our system.
• Please share the number of Plant Based, Gluten Free, or Halal meals required for your ticket holders in the Additional Information page during purchase/registration.

Click here to submit a nomination form, deadline November 2nd.

At this Community of Practice, we will have the opportunity to dig deeper into Module 1: Care; and Module 2: Attachment from the video series Big Ideas for the Care of Tiny Humans: A Resource for Early Childhood Educators on Infant Mental Health. Participants will engage in reflection and dialogue using the Reflection Guides and current early learning resources to connect the ideas to their own practice and deepen their understanding of how quality care fosters infant mental health and wellbeing and caregiving approaches and discuss how to foster emotionally responsive relationships with young children and families.

Reimagine technology and digital materials not as distractions, but as creative, expressive, and inclusive tools for meaning-making in early childhood environments. This workshop explores how digital tools like magnifiers and light can act as a new language for inquiry and learning. This workshop is broadcasted live from the Acorn studio and will engage interactive demonstrations. We will uncover hidden details and different perspectives in the world around us. This workshop will inspire you to integrate these concepts into your own programs, empowering children to use technology as a medium for expression and deeper questioning.

People with a growth mindset believe that ability and talent can be developed. This mindset allows us to better adapt and respond to challenges and opportunities, as well as unlock the potential in ourselves, our teams, and our colleagues. It turns out that organizations have mindsets too – and that fostering a growth mindset influences their ability to attract, promote, and engage people from diverse backgrounds. In this session, participants learn about a growth vs. fixed mindset and identify their own mindset and its impact on their team/organization. Leaders taking this course will also leave with practical tools and strategies to promote a growth mindset in themselves and their teams.

Please note that a maximum of 2 educators from each licensed child care program in Niagara may register, and each program will receive one story sack for their centre. We ask that designated educators planning to attend be prepared to share the workshop materials and concepts with their Team. The session will include some suggestions on how to share the information.

Please note that a maximum of 2 educators from each licensed child care program in Niagara may register, and each program will receive one story sack for their centre. We ask that designated educators planning to attend be prepared to share the workshop materials and concepts with their Team. The session will include some suggestions on how to share the information.

Please note that a maximum of 2 educators from each licensed child care program in Niagara may register, and each program will receive one story sack for their centre. We ask that designated educators planning to attend be prepared to share the workshop materials and concepts with their Team. The session will include some suggestions on how to share the information.

At this Community of Practice, we will have the opportunity to explore Module 3: Emotions; and Module 4: Self from the video series Big Ideas for the Care of Tiny Humans: A Resource for Early Childhood Educators on Infant Mental Health. Participants will reflect on real-world examples and engage in dialogue around how to create emotionally supportive environments that honour children’s feelings and promote mental wellness and how to nurture each child’s sense of self and belonging within early learning settings.

At this Community of Practice, we will have the opportunity to review Module 5: Self-Regulation; and Module 6: Engaging Families from the video series Big Ideas for the Care of Tiny Humans: A Resource for Early Childhood Educators on Infant Mental Health. Participants will reflect and engage in discussion on strategies to foster self-regulation through considerations of the environment and of educators as responsive caregivers who co-regulate with children and effective ways to build meaningful, culturally responsive relationships with families that strengthen children’s sense of belonging and wellbeing.