Our role as early childhood educators is to create relationship-driven, responsive, inclusive and thoughtful environments in which each child can thrive.

As we shift into a new year, take the time to reflect on the changes in your life. How do you view and adapt to these changes? Understanding ourselves will help us to understand others, including the children and families we support as they navigate the changes in their lives.

Recognizing the impact family has had in shaping your identity is central for recognizing the important role families have in the lives of the children you nurture – and it opens up possibilities to engage with families in deeper ways. Welcoming families into early learning spaces helps honour and support the foundations families are building for their children.

Together let’s step up to empower children, to hear their voices and honour all the ways they change the world. Help children’s voices get heard. When we listen to what children have to say and use their ideas, they have the power to inspire a better world for everyone.

As students return to school, early childhood educators also have an opportunity to nurture curiosity and creativity, to focus on personal growth, learning and development. Spend time this month learning, listening and reflecting on the role early childhood educators have in reconciliation.

Playing and learning outdoors creates a sense of place, a sense of connection to the land and to others. It supports children in every aspect of development. We encourage and invite you to find as many ways as possible to spend your days with the children in your care playing and learning outdoors.

August 9, 2022

Enhanced bursary funding is available for non-credit learning and professional development opportunities to support early learning professionals to grow their skills.