Full day conference fee is $175 (snacks & lunch included). Alternate per-class pricing provided for those who do not wish to attend the entire conference.
Courses:
Baby Steps to Reading: Selecting books for every age and stage from birth to 36 months
9:00 – 10:00 am
Reading begins at birth, and from day one babies are building a foundation of pre-reading skills that will nurture talking, reading and writing in later years. The early years are a time of constant change and development where new skills are measured in months not years. Guiding early childhood educators to books that align with babies key learning stages will help support that developmental growth. Using books from the Baby Steps series, Carol and Shanda will explain how books support key developmental milestones in the early years.
Cost: $37.50/participant
Bilingualism & Language Development: How to Encourage a Language Rich Environment in the Early Childhood Classroom
10:00 – 11:00am
Children who are being raised bilingual are fortunate to be learning two languages at the same time. One of the questions often raised by ECEs is how can we support these children and their families in the early years? Taught by Dana Hodgins, this course is designed for ECEs working with infants and toddlers. Information regarding typical bilingual development, everyday tips for families, and suggestions for classrooms activities to encourage a language rich environment will be provided in this one-hour session.
Cost: $37.50/participant
Music in Early Childhood Settings: Using Music to Promote Positive and Meaningful Interactions with Preschoolers
9:00 – 11:00am
This course will explore ways to use music to promote positive and meaningful social interaction, self-expression, movement, and relaxation in the Early Childhood Education setting in the preschool classrooms. Taught by Anna Plaskett, Music Therapist, this course will include practical tips for adapting musical activities to support children with disabilities. No previous musical training required.
Cost: $75/participant
Morning with Chef Mike: Learn the Basics of Food Safety and Cooking for Young Kids
9:00 – 11:00am
Are you interested in learning more about food safety from an experienced chef and advanced food safety instructor in a hands-on, interactive format? Do you want to know the best way to minimize food cost and labour while preparing meals that are healthy, wholesome and fun for kids? Chef Mike has a plan to reduce your anxiety in the kitchen and help build confidence in developing daily menus and food safety practices. This is your opportunity to learn and ask questions that will help you run your kitchens. There will be food preparation demos, delicious samples and recipes and helpful resources for you to take with you.
Cost: $75/participant
Music in Early Childhood Settings: Using Music to Promote Positive and Meaningful Interactions with Infants & Toddlers
12:45 – 2:45pm
This course will explore ways to use music to promote positive and meaningful social interaction, self-expression, movement, and relaxation in the Early Childhood Education setting in the infant and toddlers classrooms. Taught by Anna Plaskett, Music Therapist, this course will include practical tips for adapting musical activities to support children with disabilities. No previous musical training required.
Cost: $75/participant
Once Upon a Time: Encouraging Language through Pretend Play with Preschoolers
12:45 – 2:45pm
Typically developing children begin engaging in pretend play around 18 months of age and by the preschool years, they are well versed in the land of make believe. When children engage in pretend play, they are learning and developing very important language and cognitive skills. Taught by Dana Hodgins, this course is developed for ECEs working with children ages 3 – 5 years. By the end of the course, participants will gain a better understanding of the significance of play in the preschool years, how they can facilitate pretend play in the classroom, and how they can encourage parents to engage in play at home with their children.
Cost: $75/participant
Respectful Workplaces: How to Create a Respectful Workplace Culture & Foster Positive Working Relationships
12:45 – 2:45pm
Respectful Workplaces is a current hot topic in the People Services/Human Resources world. Whatever your role in your organization, you have the ability to affect positive change to improve respect in your workplace. Taught by Jane Caudle, this course is designed to help you understand how to assist in creating a respectful workplace culture and how to navigate situations where others are not so respectful. A respectful workplace is a workplace free of harassment and discrimination, a place where differences are valued, expectations are clear, employees are treated fairly and ideas are shared openly.
Cost: $75/participant
Music, Play & Books: Putting it all together to foster language development in infants, toddlers and preschoolers
3:00 – 4:30pm
Incorporating music, play and books into everyday activities is a fun way to encourage language development with all children. Taught by Dana Hodgins, this hands-on session will get ECEs moving and practicing various strategies which can be used in the classroom.
Cost: $75/participant
Difficult Conversations: Improving Communication
3:00 – 4:30pm
Taught by Jane Caudle, this course will help guide you through your daily difficult conversations with all of the individuals you are involved with in your centre. Between colleagues, directors, owners, and parents, the children are probably the easiest part of your day. We will discuss positive ways to communicate that will get you the results you are hoping for, which benefits your most important clients: the children.
Cost: $75/participant