Saturday Workshop Options:
Click on the titles below for more information on the workshop options for Saturday's morning and afternoon breakout sessions (B & C). Please ensure you select your preferred workshop for each session before adding it to your cart.
Session B (Morning) Session Options:
Presenter: Amy Nicholas
In this hands-on, interactive workshop, participants will delve into the fascinating science of brain architecture and explore how early childhood education (ECE) plays a critical role in shaping a child’s developing brain. We will examine the foundational concepts of brain development, how early experiences affect brain architecture, and how educators can use this knowledge to create positive learning environments that promote healthy cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Through the Brain Architecture game and group discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how early childhood experiences—from interactions with caregivers to classroom settings—affect the developing brain.
Presenter: Beulah Smith
Join us in creating some delightful story stones that can be used with loose parts provocations, set up as an invitation to play on their own, or used as props during an interactive group session. Story stones can be used to support oral language development in a multitude of ways. During this workshop participants will have the opportunity to make a set of stones to take back to their classrooms. We will also engage in a variety of "stone" activities and collaborate on implementation ideas.
Presenter: Jared Qwustenuxun Williams
Chef Jared Qwustenuxun Williams will provide a brief introduction to how foods are central to culture. A discussion about how traditional indigenous food systems not only created a food surplus, but directly benefited the ecosystem. Explaining how foods are harvested, processed, preserved, and eaten, to show how food systems impact the functioning of any society and the world it lives in. With a look at the lived experience of an indigenous chef trying to bring indigenous foods to the table in the province of so-called British Columbia. Examining how modern food regulations interact with traditional Indigenous foods.
Presenter: Cayley Burton
This workshop is based on a forthcoming research publication in the Journal of Childhood Studies called “Queering circle time: Eliciting children’s perspectives on 2SLGBTQ+ picture books”. Too often, circle time in early childhood education (ECE) lacks criticality around inclusivity, diversity and representation, with children expected to conform to particular behaviours and social norms within this learning activity. How is the gender binary intentionally and unwittingly reproduced and/or rewarded during circle time practices? What are some pedagogical strategies for “queering” circle time so that children and educators can explore 2SLGBTQ+ characters, topics, rights, and identities in meaningful and empowering ways? Beginning with a brief presentation from the lead researcher that shares the results of the study, this workshop allows participants to design, in small groups, their own queer circle time and extension activities with selected picture books and materials. Benefits of participating in this workshop include group discussion and authentic engagement with queer learning materials, as well as a lesson plan template that can be used in future work with children. This workshop aligns with ECEBC’s conference theme of “nourishing our connections” between other educators, marginalized 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and children’s learning processes. By complicating and embracing the “messiness” of gender, diversity of family forms and queer identities can be safely explored and embraced through picture book literacy and circle time practices.
Presenter: Jodi Eskeli
This outside-based workshop will provide participants an opportunity to participate in practical skills and activities to support getting children outside. Creating consistent routines, appropriate gear and risk management strategies will be discussed. Dress for the weather.
Presenters: In partnership with staff from BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) and Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC)
For the last 4 years BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) has been working in partnership with the Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBC) and the Social Research Demonstration Corporation (SRDC), to develop and deliver the Learning Outside Together Project.
The LOT project aims to transform approaches to learning for educators and the children they care for. Born of the global pandemic, LOT integrates Indigenous wisdom and promising practices, centering outdoor play and the Indigenous concept "land as teacher." Grounded in Albert Marshall's conceptual framework of “two-eyed seeing” and a decolonized approach to curriculum and pedagogy, LOT blends asynchronous online content and a collaborative mentorship model which centers plurality, relationality, and storytelling. LOT commits to authentic Indigenous and non-Indigenous partnership and reducing barriers to access to ensure equitable participation across British Columbia's diverse ethnic and geographic landscape.
Join us to learn about this unique project that has be delivered to nearly 800 educators in the province of BC and has taught us so much about working in authentic partnerships. As a part of this workshop, we will be making tea with traditional plant medicines.
Session C (Afternoon) Session Options:
Presenters: Sharon Gregson & Cayley Burton
The Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC (CCCABC) will present 4 key overviews and discussion topics: Updates on$10aDay including inviting for-profit operators into the$10aDay system; the new provincial Operating Funding Model(OFM) and the promised ECE wage grid; results and recommendations from the Flexible Child Care Project; and current provincial and federal political contexts for child care. In this 4-part presentation with facilitated discussion periods, workshop participants are invited to share their own perspectives and experiences within Early Childhood Education and the child care sector. CCCABC is eager to hear your thoughts on advocacy for strengthening and expanding the $10aDay system. Participants can also share initial reactions to the results and recommendations to the government from the Flexible Child Care Project, which will be presented for the first time at this event.
Presenter: Shauna Leanne Pawluk
Early childhood educators are uniquely positioned to influence the trajectory of a child's development during their most formative years. The AEPS-3 (Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System, Third Edition) provides an invaluable framework for understanding and assessing the developmental milestones in children aged birth to six. However, what often sets exceptional educators apart is their ability to integrate these developmental strategies into daily routines and activities in a way that enhances both learning and early detection of potential delays.
In this session, we will explore how to design creative, engaging, and developmentally appropriate daily or weekly activities that align with the AEPS-3 developmental assessment and intervention strategies. These activities will not only foster a rich learning environment but also serve as key tools in identifying early signs of developmental delays, facilitating the early detection and intervention that is crucial to a child's long term success.
Presenters: Cathy Balatti & Early Years Professionals from Golden & Revelstoke
Join us for an immersive panel-style discussion led by Cathy, facilitating insightful discussions within the Golden and Revelstoke Pathways of Truth Community of Practice as it enters its fourth transformative year. This session centers on storytelling and introspection, inviting participants to explore the community's journey. Over the past three years, members have dedicated themselves to understanding Indigenous peoples' historical and ongoing challenges, fostering self-awareness, and engaging in collective building strategies to address inequality, discrimination, and oppression.
Presenters: Sherri-Lynn Yazbeck, Amber Goforth & Narda Nelson
University of Victoria Child Care (UVCCC) is comprised of 9 child care centres on Lekwungen and WSÁNÉC lands where we take a common worlding approach to everyday pedagogy and practice, in alignment with the British Columbia Early Learning Framework. In our programs, children and educators co-create lively, inclusive spaces, embracing our collective responsibilities in fostering ethical relations with others, as we strive to create more liveable worlds while facing 21st-century challenges
Presenter: Beulah Smith
In this interactive workshop participants will engage in a variety of language activities using “story stones”. We will explore both concrete and abstract ways to utilize story stones in our classroom settings. Opportunity for connection and collaboration promotes the social and emotional well-being of participants and students back in the classroom. Participants will be given the opportunity to create their own set of “story stones” to take home, using provided materials.
Presenter: Kristina Eden
We live in an increasingly digital world, and with most people turning to the internet for information, having a strong online presence is essential. This workshop is designed to empower childcare professionals with practical marketing strategies to grow their businesses and connect more effectively with families. Participants will learn about the most effective digital marketing strategies for the daycare industry and how these methods can help enhance visibility, build trust, and increase enrollment. The session will provide actionable insights on creating impactful, budget-friendly campaigns that resonate with families. The interactive format will include real-world examples, hands-on activities, and a Q&A session to ensure participants leave with tools they can implement immediately.
Schedule of Events:
8:00am to 2:00pm
- Exhibitor Fair Open
- Registration Desk Open
8:00am
- Breakfast Buffet
8:45am
- Welcome
9:00am to 10:00am
- Keynote
10:00am to 10:15am
- Networking
10:15am to 12:15pm
- Session B Workshops
12:30pm to 1:15pm
- Lunch Buffet
1:15pm to 3:15pm
- Session C Workshops
3:30pm to 4:00pm
- Closing
ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥Members Receive Conference Discount
ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥members receive a significant discount on conference pricing.
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