Saturday, April 23rd, 2016 Fleming College

‘In Beautiful Peterborough, Ontario ~ It’s a Natural’
Saturday, April 23rd, 2016
Fleming College
Keynote speaker: Susan Stacey
Workshop Highlights:
A Child’s Journey of Grief ~ Storytelling: Beyond the Book
Connections: Pedagogical Documentation as a Support for the Educator/Family Relationship
Creating Environments for Meaningful Play & Learning ~ Facilitating Creative Art Expressions
Forest and Nature School ~ Fun Mindful Activities to Help Regulate Behaviour
He’s Pushing my Buttons ~ Mandalas: Pathways to Peacefulness
Math Can’t Wait: Weaving Counting Concepts into Everyday Activities
Navigating Challenging Practice Issues ~ Seven Grandfather Teachings
Why Do Educators look to Reggio for Inspiration ?
Yoga and Meditation for Self Care
Conference Agenda
Registration Opens 8:15
Light morning refreshments
Keynote Address 9:00
Morning Workshops
10:30 - 12:30
Lunch 12:30 - 1:30
Lunch will be from 12:30 to 1:30
with time to enjoy your meal, shop
at the vendor village, or take a walk
on the college grounds.
Vendor Village:
8:15 - 9:00
10:00 – 10:30
12:30 - 1:30
Afternoon Workshops
1:30 - 3:30
H2O:
Bring your own water bottle this year. Fleming has committed to
leading in sustainability and no longer sells bottled water. There
are water stations available to refill your own refillable bottles.
Vendors
Wintergreen
Scholar’s Choice
Gerri’s Arts and Crafts
Avron
The Toy Shop
NuNu
Organo Gold Coffee
Lemon Lily
Jamberry Nails
The Pampered Chef
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Keynote
9:00 - 10:00
Susan Stacey: Where are you now?
Emergent Curriculum as a Journey into Reflective Practice
Morning Workshops
10:30— 12:30
A1. Pedagogical Documentation as a Support for the Educator/ Family
Relationship
Facilitator: Susan Stacey
Through discussion, reflection and hands-on work, we will explore the possibilities that documentation holds for creating a shared understanding with families about ‘the how and the why’ of our
work with their children. We will also explore the opportunities that exist for families to be a part of
documentation, bringing them into a partnership with educators in the Cycle of Inquiry.
A2. Creating Environments for Meaningful Play and Learning (repeat offering)
Facilitators: Cheryl Herder RECE and Mary Lou Lummiss RECE
What do we know about best practices in the Early Years? Does our practice truly reflect our image
of the child, our image of the educator, and our image of the family? Learning together is a journey
and we are glad to share it with you. Reflection, discussion and play will be the foundation for our
learning at this workshop. Bring your passion for play and your openness for sharing.
A3. “Math Can’t Wait”: Weaving Counting Concepts into Everyday Activities
Facilitators: Nancy Doherty RECE and Rick Sloukji RECE
Math can be scary; but learning math is a foundational part of child development, and this process
begins very early in a child’s life with simple counting concepts. In this workshop, we will look at
the fundamental importance of counting at an early age. Discussion and hands-on activities will
guide us through an exploration of how to bring counting concepts to the forefront of our infant and
toddler programs, turning ideas into practice.
(* for work with infants and toddlers)
A4. Yoga and Meditation for Self-Care
Facilitator: Tiina Kivinen
This workshop will focus on self care through Yoga and Meditation. It will offer a presentation
about Yoga and the benefits of Mindfulness for the body, mind and nervous system. There will also
be an experiential learning component of some guided meditation and yoga postures, followed by a
time for questions and discussion. Participants may wish to wear comfortable clothing.
A5. Fun and Mindful Activities to Help Regulate Behaviour
Facilitators: Michelle Erridge RECE and Kelly Nesbitt-Cullon
This active workshop for Early Childhood Educators will prepare them to teach age appropriate
mindfulness practices, games, activities and skills based on social-emotional learning. Activities will
target skills that help school age children to pay attention, strengthen focus, increase impulse
control, regulate behaviour, and cultivate tolerance, compassion and empathy for themselves and
others. (* for work with school age children)
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Morning Workshops Continued
A6. Facilitating Creative Art Expressions
Facilitator: Geri-Lynn Cajindos - Henry RECE
This workshop gives hands on experiences and examples of how one can facilitate the creativity in
anyone through the intentional use of loose parts, natural materials, and invitations. We will take
some time to think about our interpretations of “what is art?” and “what makes someone creative”?
Then we will take a look at various ways children express this to us every day.
Be prepared to get your hands dirty!
A7. A Child’s Journey of Grief: What to Expect and How We Can Help
Facilitator: David Kennedy
This workshop will examine the basic understandings of grief that can be present as a result of
many types of loss children experience (not just death). Specifically we will explore how children at
various developmental stages experience grief and how to identify specific grief responses. The
workshop will provide practical suggestions for how to assist others with this and to help the care
provider be more confident in working with children and families in grief.
Afternoon Workshops
1:30—3:30
P1. Navigating Challenging Practice Issues
Facilitator: Melanie Dixon RECE
While the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice is printed in black and white, there are many
times when you need to use your professional judgement to deal with the grey areas of your
ethical and professional practice. Join your colleagues to discuss some of the challenging issues
that you can face as a registered early childhood educator. Become aware of College of Early
Childhood Educators resources that may assist in guiding you through ethical dilemmas and
consider some real life examples where RECEs have been challenged in their practice, decision
making and behaviour.
P2. Storytime: Beyond the Book
Facilitator: Laura Murray
In this workshop, participants will discuss elements of a storytime and what it means to move
"beyond the book" when delivering a storytime to a group of children. Participants will have an
opportunity to see some active storytime techniques demonstrated, as well as to work in groups on
these techniques and present them to the larger group. Finally, we will work together to come up
with a list of tips and tricks that participants can take away and use as a resource when planning
and delivering storytimes in the future.
P3. The Seven Grandfather Teachings
Facilitators: Ashkineeg-kwa Whetung and James Mixemong
This workshop will be a teaching and discussion about the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings as
the presenters have been taught about them. We acknowledge that there are many different teachings
on the Seven Grandfathers and that no teaching is right or wrong. The Sacred Grandfather Teachings
are: Respect, Love, Courage, Honour, Truth, Humility and Bravery.
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Afternoon Workshops Continued
P4. Forest and Nature School
Facilitators: Kelly Birch-Baker RECE, Lindsey Hartung RECE and Eva May RECE
Forest and Nature Schools Canada (FNSC) offers a sophisticated land based learning environment
focusing on First Nations pedagogy and community connections. In the Forest School setting, a group
visits the same forest, natural play-space, beach, farm, etc. on an ongoing basis. The focus is on the
holistic development of the child, and the environment is viewed as an educator in the learning process.
Studies show spending time in nature fosters creativity, independence, confidence and develops resilient
learners. These qualities will enhance continued development, overall well-being and life-long love of
learning as the children form a connection to the natural world, others and themselves. We will explore
the history and benefits, and engage in some hands on activities such as fort building, ropes, tools, fires,
storytelling and magic spots. Even if you don't have access to a forest or park, you will discover how you
can implement some Forest School practices into your program.
A5. Mandalas: Pathways to Peacefulness
Facilitator: Shelley Secrett RECE
Mandalas, which simply mean "circles" in ancient Sanskrit, are timeless and cross-cultural tools for
peacefulness. In this uniquely created workshop, you will learn the origins of mandalas, and their
benefits, along with creative ideas about how to incorporate their beauty and meaning into your
early learning environment and curriculum. Many educators have found them to be a valuable
curriculum tool for creating calming rituals and moments of peacefulness for children, increasing
focus and promoting mental health and wellness. By setting a collective intention, with willing
hands and hearts, participants will create collaborative mandala art pieces using a variety of
materials. Through small group discussions, videos and hands-on activities, you will actively be
engaged in a way that will open your mind to new ideas and you will leave the workshop able to
transfer this new knowledge, meaningfully and directly, into your professional and personal lives.
P6. Why Do Educators Look to Reggio for Inspiration? Reflections from Reggio
Emilia, Italy Canadian Study Tour
Facilitator: Dianne Traynor RECE
Educators from Reggio Emilia, a small town in Italy, have been inspiring the world with their
educational philosophies for generations. Dianne will share her inspirations and reflections from the
Ontario Reggio Association Canadian Study Tours. She will share passionate stories about intentionality, identity and image. Bring questions and curiosity to an interactive session.
P7. He’s Pushing My Buttons
Facilitator: Mary Stuart RECE, E.C.E.D.H.
Keeping your cool with challenging behaviour is difficult even for the most seasoned teacher. Knowing
how to manage your own emotions is an essential life skill and is key to being the professional you
want to be. In this workshop you will:
* Learn the concepts of emotional literacy
* Understand “why” our buttons are pushed
* Discover strategies to increase positive adult-child interactions
* Learn simple strategies to enhance emotional regulation in yourself
* Leave the sessions with ideas to create an emotionally rich environment
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Presenter Biographies
Kelly Birch-Baker, Lindsey Hartung and Eva May
Kelly, Lindsey and Eva are all RECEs who are educators in the Forest School Program at Emmanuel at
Brighton Childcare Centre. Kelly is also a Level 3 Certified Forest and Nature School practitioner and
Eva is currently working on certification. All are very passionate about connecting children to nature and
enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. They are very excited to share their Forest School experiences
with other educators in the community.
Geri-Lynn Cajindos - Henry
Geri-Lynn’s life before becoming an RECE was consumed with travel, nature, art and expression. The
joys seen in each child as they express themselves has been what’s fueled her passion as an RECE for the
past 13 years, 10 with Compass Early Learning and Care. This year Geri-Lynn has taken on a new
adventure, fusing her 2 passions together, children and art, with the start of her business, “The Rolling
Art Studio”, which offers a studio experience whichever way the wind blows. Although her strengths are
with children, she aims to bring this experience to adults as well, offering more of a therapeutic
appealing approach to art and one’s inner creativity.
Melanie Dixon
Melanie Dixon is the Director of Professional Practice for the College of Early Childhood Educators and a
registered early childhood educator. She has professional and volunteer experience in a variety of early
learning and child care settings, including as an ECE and supervisor in licensed child care centres and
family resource programs. She has taught post secondary courses in early childhood education. Melanie
worked at the Ministry of Child and Youth Services prior to joining the College.
Nancy Doherty
Nancy is an RECE who has been working with young children for 30 years. She is currently working at
the Peterborough Family Resource Centre as a program coordinator where her focus is early literacy and
numeracy. Nancy completed a training session on the Little Counters® program developed by Nancy
Kotsopoulos and was lucky enough to participate in the program with her granddaughter. Recently, she
and her co-worker facilitated this parent-child program to introduce foundational basic mathematical
concepts to young children through play. Nancy is keen to share these hands on experiences that focus
on children’s early mathematical learning.
Michelle Erridge
Michelle is an RECE whose 28 year career has focused on children and their families in mental health
services, specialty health care and early education settings. She is currently a preschool consultant with
Kinark Child and Family Services providing training and technical assistance to childcare, early intervention providers and families. Her major interest is the development and evaluation of individualized
intervention for young children with challenging behaviour while supporting their families and teachers
through functional assessment and the positive behaviour support process.
Cheryl Herder
As the ECE Program Coordinator at Fleming College and part of the ECE teaching faculty team, I gain
daily inspiration from my colleagues and the students that I teach. I am passionate about learning and
networking with others who share my passion. Prior to my role at Fleming College, I taught Kindergarten for 20 years and gained my daily inspiration from the wisdom of 4 and 5 year olds. I have dedicated
my life to creating learning environments and fostering relationships with children and their families in
various preschool programs, home day care environments, and nursery schools. My husband and I have
raised three boys who are now young men. I have two beautiful grandchildren who continue to teach me
how to wonder, how to explore, how to dream and never, never stop asking why.
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David Kennedy
Born and raised in Peterborough, David is an accomplished facilitator and presenter who brings a wonderful
combination of theory, skilled knowledge and life experience. David has worked professionally in various
fields including health, education and grief counselling. In 2008, he joined Hospice Peterborough as
bereavement coordinator. He oversees the bereavement aspects of Hospice Peterborough, working with
children, teens, and adults, as well as community education. He also supports those actively dying and their
families. David serves as faculty for the Canadian Centre for Bereavement Education and Counselling as part
of the Continuing Education program through the school of Social Work at U. of T. and has published
several articles. David's focus on grief and loss goes beyond death loss and includes issues of adoption and
mental health. He also served as a co-facilitator for an FASD support group in Peterborough County.
Tiina Kivinen
Tiina is a Yoga instructor based in Peterborough and the founder of Peterborough Living Yoga and Amrita
Living Yoga Teacher Training. Tiina has over 12 years of experience teaching yoga and meditation and over
1000 hours of training. Tiina specializes in yoga that integrates mindfulness meditation for all levels and
with an emphasis on compassion, inner wisdom and empowerment.
Mary Lou Lummiss
My love for children brought me to this profession. Currently I am a full time ECE faculty at Fleming College
in Peterborough but my most important credential is that of being the mother of three boys and a grandmother of twin two year olds. These two little characters have rekindled my joy of seeing how learning truly
happens. Exploring ideas for early learning environments that inspire new ideas, spark curiosity and engage
children in their own learning is a passion that drives my work with college students. As together we explore
the nuances of children’s love for play and the environments they learn in, I am inspired by this quote of
Rachel Carson’s: “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at
least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live
in.”
Laura Murray
Laura grew up in London, Ontario. In 2004, she completed an H.B.A. at the University of Guelph, and in
2008 she finished a Masters in Library and Information Sciences from Western University. She has spent
time travelling and working in various capacities with children. In 2009, she started working at the Peterborough Public Library as the Children’s Librarian. This position allows her to incorporate many of her passions
and values, such as: books and reading, learning and literacy, children’s services, freedom of information,
conservation, community and fun! In her free time, she likes to hike, cross-country ski, write and spend time
with loved ones.
Kelly Nesbitt-Cullon
Kelly has 35 years of work experience in frontline, consultation and assessment in the field of children’s
mental health. They include residential treatment, education services, family work, Triple P educator,
presenter and preschool consultation services. Recently, her work has been through educating and
integrating Early Mental Health Interventions within the childcare community.
Shelley Secrett
Shelley is an early childhood educator at Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care in Waterloo. She has taught
Philosophy of Early Childhood Education in the ECE Apprenticeship program at Conestoga College. Shelley
is an enthusiastic DrumFIT instructor and also has a passion for presenting workshops on creating visibility
of LGBTQ families in child care settings. She has volunteered for the YMCA’s International Peace Week
initiatives and also at the Non-Violence Film Festival. Shelley is the owner of Secrett Events and appreciates
the opportunities to bring people together for community building experiences.
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Rick Sloukji
Rick, RECE, BA has been working with the Peterborough Family Resource Centre for close to 5 years to
strengthen families in the community. Rick has always been especially passionate about fostering literacy and math skills in the early years. He has had the opportunity to do so in new ways after receiving
training from Dr. Donna Kotsopoulos to facilitate the Little Counters® program with parents of
toddlers in the community. Rick is excited to share the benefits of this program with other RECEs
working in the community.
Susan Stacey
Susan has been engaged with young children and their teachers in many ways over the last 30 years, as
an Early Childhood Educator, Director, Practicum Supervisor, and Teacher Educator. Much of her work
has been in ECE laboratory school settings, where she was able to work with student teachers during
their learning journey, and also conduct action research. Susan’s practices and writing are based on
inquiry-based, emergent approaches, and she presents frequently on emergent curriculum & documentation, reflective practices, and inquiry. She is the author of Emergent Curriculum in Early Childhood
Settings, Unscripted: Emergent Curriculum in Action, and most recently Pedagogical Documentation,
all published by Redleaf Press. Susan was raised and educated in England, received her graduate degree
from Pacific Oaks College, and now lives in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia where she teaches for the N.S.
College of Early Childhood Education.
Mary Stuart
Mary Stuart, E.C.E.D.H., RECE is the Director and founder of Childlife…Solutions 4Life with Kids! With
a background in Early Childhood and Special Education, she has been working with teachers and
parents consulting, training and coaching for over 30 years. Mary is passionate about understanding
children’s behaviour and development and is dedicated to helping teachers find strategies that work so
they can inspire a child’s best and activate their potential!
Dianne Traynor
Dianne is an RECE and Pedagogical Team Leader from Compass Early Learning and Care. Beginning
her career with children in 1989, she has experience as an educator, administrator and professional
leader. She brings a wealth of knowledge and reflective thinking to the communities of City of Kawartha
Lakes and Peterborough. She has had opportunities to study in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and Auckland, New
Zealand and has networked with childcare programs and educators across North America. She promotes
and facilitates an attitude of learning to learn, a culture of inquiry, daily professional development and
reflective practice. As a pedagogical leader, Dianne spends her days in this joyful and fulfilling work to
support best practice and the values and beliefs of Compass ELC. Together, alongside dedicated and
thoughtful educators, she focuses on learning with children.
Ashkineeg-kwa Whetung and James Mixemong
Ashkineeg-kwa and James have both been raised in traditional homes while maintaining mainstream
society lifestyles. Meeting in July of 2015, they quickly built a strong relationship and have recently
started providing teachings together. Living a traditional life in today’s society isn’t always easy, but it is
something they strive for and hope to share with those willing to learn.
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Fleming College
Sutherland Campus,
599 Brealey Drive
Peterborough, ON CANADA
K9J 7B1
For directions from your location visit:
www.flemingcollege.ca
Thank you to the above for their support:
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PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING YOUR
REGISTRATION FORM:

Deadline for registration forms and payment is April 1st, 2016.

Registrations received without payment will not be processed. (Payment may
be made by credit card over the phone.)

Delegates will be registered in workshops on a first come, first serve basis and will
be placed according to availability at the time of registration.

Each registrant must complete a registration form. At this time, we cannot
accommodate the sharing of packages.


Confirmations will be sent by email once each delegate has been processed.
If you have not been contacted by April 1, please get in touch with the organizer.
Cancellations

Cancellations will be accepted upon receipt of a written request postmarked no
later than April 1, 2016 or an email no later than April 1, 2016.

A processing fee of $15.00 will be deducted from each registration qualifying for a
refund.

No refunds will be issued after the April 1, 2016 deadline.

Non-attendance does not constitute cancellation.
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REGISTRATION FORM
Name: ____________________________________________________________________
Organization: ______________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________Postal Code: __________________________
Day time Phone: ____________________________________________________________
Dietary restrictions: _________________________________________________________
Email Address : _____________________________________________________________
* Registrations received without payment will not be processed until payment arrives
* Registration Confirmation and updates will arrive via EMAIL
Registration Fees
* Working in early learning in Peterborough City and County
$60.00
* Working outside Peterborough County
$85.00
* ECE Students (fulltime students only)
$40.00
Workshop Selection - Please indicate your 1st , 2nd, and 3rd choices for each workshop session by entering
the code and workshop title.
Morning Workshop
Afternoon Workshop
First Choice
Second Choice
Third Choice
Cancellations and Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted upon receipt of a written request postmarked no
later than April 1st, 2016 or an email by April 1, 2016. A processing fee of $15.00 will be deducted from each
registration qualifying for a refund.
NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER THE April 1st DEADLINE.
Payment Method:
Payment may be made by credit card over the phone.
Cheques should made payable to :
(705) 749-3488
Compass Early Learning and Care ( * Attention IIQ )
Please mail, email or fax completed registrations and payment to: Conference: Investing In Quality
550 Braidwood Ave. Peterborough, ON K9J 1W1
Fax : 705—749—9788
Email: katherine@investinginquality.ca
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