Can We Talk?: Conversations In The Early Years

In this special episode, we’re highlighting a unique professional learning and mentoring process called Stepping Side By Side (SSBS).Stepping Side By Side is an innovative, pedagogical approach to onboarding and mentorship, designed for those stepping into the field of Early Childhood Education, and for those stepping up to support others. Developed in partnership with the City of Hamilton and Affiliated Services For Children and Youth (ASCY)  in 2021 as part of the City of Hamilton’s Workforce Planning Table, SSBS fosters reflective practice, continuous learning, and a sense of belonging and well-being among educators.In this episode, you’ll hear testimonial-style reflections from seven educators and leaders who have engaged with SSBS. Each was asked the same three questions and their responses offer a rich, personal look at how SSBS has impacted their professional journeys, their insights, and their relationships.Bianca Fatia is a Registered Early Childhood Educator at Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic Child Care Centres. As a newer educator, Bianca shares how Stepping Side by Side helped her build confidence, embrace vulnerability, and deepen her relationships with children, families, and colleagues through intentional listening and reflection.Jessica LaForme is a Supervisor and Registered Early Childhood Educator at YWCA Hamilton Downtown Child Care Centre. She reflects on how Stepping Side by Side supported her in leading a fresh team of educators, fostering deeper connections, and building a culture of intentional practice and peer mentorship.Nicola Lau is an Early Childhood Assistant at YWCA Hamilton Downtown Child Care Centre. She offers a grounded classroom perspective, describing Stepping Side by Side as a practical guide for applying tools and knowledge, and shares how it transformed her approach to reflection, documentation, and collaboration. Kelli McCarles is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and Pedagogical Leader at Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic Child Care Centres. With over 35 years of experience, Kelli brings a deep passion for mentorship and reflective practice, and shares how Stepping Side by Side has helped her support educators in meaningful, personalized ways.Anna Minnitti is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and Pedagogical Leader at Little Peoples Daycare. Her reflections highlight how Stepping Side by Side reignited passion across her team, supported educators at different stages of their journey, and created space for meaningful conversations and growth within her centre. Cassidy Taylor is a Registered Early Childhood Educator at Imagineers Early Learning Centre. She describes Stepping Side by Side as a tool for growth and leadership, and shares how it helped her reflect more deeply on her role, build confidence, and support others in the workplace.Jackie Wilson is a Registered Early Childhood Educator at Imagineers Early Learning Centre. She reflects on how Stepping Side by Side has become a reliable resource for mentorship and guidance, especially when supporting new staff and navigating challenging conversations with families. Listener Note : With seven inspiring voices in this episode, we know it might be challenging to follow along. To support your listening experience, a full transcript (voice AI software used) is available in the show notes feel free to read along as you listen.For more information about Stepping Side By Side:In Hamilton and Haldimand Norfolk, contact your Professional Learning Consultant.Outside of Hamilton, contact Paola Hohenadel phohenadel@ascy.ca

In this episode, ASCY’s Amanda Karr connects with Amanda McGowan, an EarlyON Coordinator from Today’s Family, who participated in the Language of Art workshop series and has since become a passionate advocate for art, learning and leadership. This six-part series, inspired by Ann Pelo’s book The Language of Art, invites educators to move beyond product-focused art and into a world of process, reflection, and identity.Together, they explore how the series sparked a personal and professional shift, redefining art spaces, embracing vulnerability, and reconnecting with the inner artist. Amanda McGowan shares how materials became a language for expression, healing, and connection, and how this journey continues to shape her work with children, families, and colleagues.Whether you’re an educator curious about process art, or someone passionate about creating inclusive, expressive environments for children and families, this conversation offers heartfelt insights into the role of art in early years learning.For more on this topic, be sure to check out Episode 53: A Conversation About The Language of Art.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.

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