Can We Talk?: Conversations In The Early Years

Dans cet épisode, nous allons entendre une conversation sur la documentation pédagogique et ce que cela signifie vraiment pour les éducateurs, les enfants et les familles.Tina Dupuis-Primeau est originaire du Nouveau-Brunswick. Elle est d'origine mi'kmaque du côté paternel et acadienne du côté maternel. Tina est mariée et elle est mère d'un adolescent et de deux bébés à fourrure. Passionnée de jeux en plein air, elle est une éducatrice qui adore explorer la nature avec les enfants. Tina travaille dans le domaine depuis près de 20 ans auprès des enfants d'âge préscolaire. Ses expériences dans la création d'un environnement qui soutient l'identité linguistique et culturelle en établissant des relations solides ont fait d'elle une lumière brillante dans la domaine de la petite enfance.

Dans cet épisode, elles se penchent sur un sujet important pour les éducateurs : L’environnement dans le contexte des relations. Tina et Nancy discutent comment nos relations avec les enfants et les familles influencent la conception des environnements d'apprentissage précoce.Tina Dupuis-Primeau est originaire du Nouveau-Brunswick. Elle est d'origine mi'kmaque du côté paternel et acadienne du côté maternel. Tina est mariée et elle est mère d'un adolescent et de deux bébés à fourrure. Passionnée de jeux en plein air, elle est une éducatrice qui adore explorer la nature avec les enfants. Tina travaille dans le domaine depuis près de 20 ans auprès des enfants d'âge préscolaire. Ses expériences dans la création d'un environnement qui soutient l'identité linguistique et culturelle en établissant des relations solides ont fait d'elle une lumière brillante dans la domaine de la petite enfance.

In this episode, ASCY’s Sue Lepore chats with ASCY’s Amanda Karr about diving into the Language of Art—a thoughtful and inspiring six-part learning series inspired by Ann Pelo’s book.Together, they reflect on how recent investments in art materials for Hamilton’s early years programs opened up new possibilities for creative expression. Amanda shares how the series encourages educators to move beyond traditional crafts and into the world of process art—where materials become language, and creativity becomes personal.Whether you’re an educator looking to reimagine your approach to art, or someone curious about the connections between memory, identity, and artistic expression, this conversation offers powerful insights into the role of authentic materials in children’s learning.If you’re interested in exploring The Language of Art by Ann Pelo further, you can find copies at the ASCY Professional Resource Library. It’s also available through most major book retailers.Better yet, consider engaging with the book as part of a book study with your ASCY Professional Learning Consultant—book sets are available to support deeper reflection and professional learning.

In this episode, ASCY’s Tracy Webster chats with Pauline Walters, Director of Professional Regulation at the College of Early Childhood Educators. In this episode, they dive into a timely and crucial topic for educators: professional supervision. They explore the tools and resources the College has developed to support early childhood educators and to ensure that they’re meeting professional standards. They also discuss best practices, common challenges, and proactive strategies for maintaining high-quality supervision in early learning environments.We hope this discussion helps empower you with the knowledge and resources to excel in your role as early childhood educators. Remember, the College of Early Childhood Educators and resources like ASCY are here to support you every step of the way.  Pauline Walters is the Director of Professional Regulation at the College of Early Childhood Educators. She brings a depth of experience in the field of professional regulation spanning over 20 years, and has a deep commitment to public protection and ensuring transparent, objective, fair and timely practices. Her previous roles have included intake, prosecutions, and tenures as Director, Professional Conduct and Acting Deputy Registrar across a variety of professions such as massage therapy and childhood education. She was also a session lecturer for the Osgoode Professional Development, Certificate in Health Law Program.An in-demand speaker, Pauline has presented at various conferences for the Canadian Anti Fraud Health Care Association, Canadian Bar Association and the Canadian Network of Agencies for Regulation (CNAR), among others.  Link to the College of Early Childhood Educators website: https://www.college-ece.ca/ 

Dans cet épisode, ils se penchent sur un sujet d'actualité et crucial pour les éducateurs : la supervision professionnelle. Ils explorent les outils et les ressources que l'Ordre a mis au point pour soutenir les éducateurs de la petite enfance pour s'assurer qu'ils respectent les normes professionnelles. Ils discutent également des meilleures pratiques, des défis communs et des stratégies proactives pour maintenir une supervision de haute qualité dans les environnements d'apprentissage des jeunes enfants.Nous espérons que la discussion d'aujourd'hui vous aidera à acquérir les connaissances et les ressources nécessaires pour exceller dans votre rôle d'éducateurs de la petite enfance. N'oubliez pas que l'Ordre des éducatrices et des éducateurs de la petite enfance et des organismes de soutien professionnel comme ASCY, sont là pour vous soutenir à chaque étape du processus.Mélanie est EPEI, elle est directrice de l’Exercice professionnel à l’Ordre des éducatrices et des éducateurs de la petite enfance. Elle exerce un leadership collaboratif et possède une expérience variée dans le secteur de la petite enfance, y compris dans les services de garde agréés, les programmes de ressources pour la famille, l’enseignement postsecondaire, au sein du gouvernement et dans le secteur de la réglementation. Dans le cadre de son apprentissage professionnel continu et de son travail à l’Ordre, Mélanie cherche des moyens de renforcer le mentorat dans le domaine de l’éducation de la petite enfance en Ontario. Pendant son temps libre, elle aime tisser des liens en jardinant, en faisant de la randonnée ou en partageant un repas convivial. Pour plus d'information, veuillez visiter:https://www.college-ece.ca/fr/

In this episode, ASCY’s Shari Bell and Tracey Webster sit down with award-winning, bestselling author, speaker, and consultant Monique Gray Smith. Monique was a presenter at our November 2024 Embracing The Early Years Professional Learning Day, and this podcast builds on the themes she shared during that event. In this episode, Monique guides us on the importance of ‘Being a Light’ and explores what it takes to support others through our own light. She emphasizes how cultivating gratitude, love, joy, happiness, and hope – often through connecting with nature – is essential for this journey.About Monique Gray SmithMonique Gray Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author, speaker, and consultant with a deep passion for supporting the well-being of Indigenous communities. Known for her expertise in early childhood education, resilience, and personal empowerment, Monique’s work often highlights the importance of cultural connections, gratitude, and healing. She works with individuals, organizations, and communities to inspire positive change and foster a deeper sense of connection to self and others.For more about Monique and her upcoming projects, visit her website https://www.moniquegraysmith.com/ 

In this episode, ASCY’s Kim Burns sits down with Susan Bennett-Armistead, a renowned expert in early childhood literacy and the author of Literacy and the Youngest Learner.Together, they dive into the vital role literacy plays in a child's development and explore how we can bridge the world of literacy with the natural environment. Susan, who has spent much of her career studying how young children develop literacy skills, will share her insights on how nature can be a powerful tool in nurturing those connections.Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply intrigued by the link between literacy and the natural world, this episode is for you!

In this episode, ASCY’s Paola Hohenadel and Leslie Busija chat with Kerry Drake from Mohawk College about the valuable experience of mentoring ECE students during their placements in early childhood education programs.Kerry is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and a Post-Secondary Professor at Mohawk College and McMaster University with a Masters of Education in Curriculum Studies and Leadership. As a Registered Early Childhood Educator, Kerry has had experience working with all age groups in child care centres, full day kindergarten classrooms, and before and after school programs, and still supplies occasionally to stay current in her practice. Altogether, Kerry has over 18 years of experience between the front-line field and post secondary settings.Kerry is passionate about mentorship and the role that it plays in the future of our profession.As a professor, Kerry creates student focused, innovative and inclusive classrooms that are delivered through a lens of diversity and equityShe challenges others to dive deeper into their understanding of children’s behaviours, to advocate for the field of early childhood education, and to build strong and authentic relationships. Kerry actively promotes being a reflective practitioner and motivates her students to become leaders in the field by engaging in life-long learners and by developing their ability to have compassion for others lived experiences.The Mohawk College ECE Mentor Placement Support Hub https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/mohawkcollegeecefieldplacementpracticumsupporthub/ The general email for Field Placement Specialist (FPS) : earlychildhoodeducation@mohawkcollege.ca 

In this episode ASCY’s Sue Lepore chats with Malinda Lockhart, Cassidy Taylor and Jackie Wilson from Imagineers Early Learning Centre in Hamilton about the use of Tools For Life, Early Years Edition. Their program has been enacting TFL for many years and are seasoned and skilled long time practitioners of this approach.  They have dedicated their practice to social emotional learning and making their entire centre a place whereby all children thrive to the best of their potential.Watch a two-part recorded session on Tools For Life (Vimeo): https://vimeo.com/765900374?share=copyListen to the two-part recorded session on Tools For Life (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/episode/2p1sXAOAscL6zSt8uXKtpF?si=35b593ee0042413fFor more information about TFL: https://www.tflearlyyears.com/

Marissa Patryshon, an Occupational Therapist from Lynwood Charlton, dives into the vital topic of sensory-sensitive environments. She discusses the innovative sensory kit crafted for educators, aimed at helping children understand their sensory preferences. The conversation highlights the power of multi-sensory engagement in boosting learning and the benefits of obstacle courses for physical and emotional development. Marissa also shares practical insights for creating inclusive educational spaces that cater to diverse sensory needs.