Keynote:

“Place-Making: Creating places where amazing experiences happen.”

with Martin Liberio - a truly engaging speaker!

Workshop Highlights:

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words ~ The Beat Goes On

Building Connections to Nature ~ Children in Nature: Building a Toolkit

Climbing the Fence: Incorporating Risky Play

Cultivating Peace among the Fireworks: Self-Care and Personal Well-Being

Democracy at Heart ~ Exploring STEM through Children’s Books

Helping Young Children Manage Stress ~ Let’s Go for a Story Walk

Mind in the Making: 7 Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs

Supporting the Settlement of Immigrant Children and Their Families

The Theory of Loose Parts ~ You’re the Chef !

Saturday, April 22nd, 2017

Fleming College

‘In Beautiful Peterborough, Ontario ~ It’s a Natural’

2

Conference Agenda

Registration Opens 8:15

Light morning refreshments

Keynote Address 9:00

Morning Workshops

10:30 - 12:30

Lunch 12:30 - 1:30

Afternoon Workshops

1:30 - 3:30

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

Vendors

Avron Wintergreen

NuNu Scholar’s Choice

Gerri’s Arts and Crafts Scentsy

Jamberry Nails Everybody Wants Some

H2O: Bring your own water bottle. Fleming has water stations

available to refill your own bottles.

3

Keynote 9:00 - 10:00 Martin Liberio:

Place-Making: creating places where amazing experiences happen

Morning Workshops 10:30— 12:30

A1. Democracy at Heart

Facilitator: Martin Liberio

This workshop introduces participants to a contemporary, no-blame approach to behaviour devel-

opment and management, which is about developing children and managing behaviour with

respect, compassion, love and fairness. Participants will understand the importance of adopting a

democratic intervention style to guide children’s behaviour. They will learn to distinguish this style

from the more traditional authoritative and “laissez-faire” approach. Negative behaviour, by nature,

is difficult to manage, and adults look for logical, fast and easy consequences “to stop” these behav-

iours. Looking for democratic solutions that change behaviour is more effective!

A3. Helping Young Children Manage Stress

Facilitator: Jill Levine

Research demonstrates that stress, both positive and negative, has a profound impact on the devel-

opment of a child’s brain. A child’s ability to cope with stress in the early years has consequences for

physical and emotional health throughout life. This interactive workshop focuses on ways that early

learning professionals can become more aware of and attuned to the signs and symptoms of stress

in children and provides concrete and practical examples of techniques and approaches that have

been shown to be effective in reducing and helping children learn to manage stress.

A2. Let’s Take a StoryWalk®

Facilitator: Nancy Doherty RECE

The StoryWalk® provides an opportunity for children to follow the pages of a book that have been

mounted along a path or throughout a playground. In this interactive workshop we will talk about

the origins of the idea, how it can be used and the benefits of presenting a story in a non-traditional

way. Be prepared to get creative and think about how this idea could be adapted and used in your

early learning environment.

* The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in

collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.

A4. Mind in the Making: Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs

Facilitator: Michelle Erridge RECE

This infant and toddler focused workshop based on Ellen Galinsky’s book “Mind in the Making,”

will explore the 7 essential life skills every child needs to thrive now and in the future. Research

suggests this is a critical time in children’s brain development, and there are simple, everyday

things that we can do with children to help them build “essential life skills.” Through facilitated

learning, educators will participate in hands on activities within the Mind in the Making approach

and free resources will be shared.

4

A7. Exploring STEM through Children’s Books

Facilitator: Susan Scoffin RECE

Have you ever considered that the story of 'Big Sarah’s Little Boots' is not just a wonderful story

but also a rich example of the scientific method in action? It beautifully illustrates how frequently

in their play children act as scientists, using principles of science, technology, engineering and

mathematics (STEM) to develop and test theories. Paying attention to STEM in the early years is a

recognized way to understand and support the complexity of children’s play. In this interactive

workshop participants will discover how to use popular picture books to enrich and extend

children’s explorations of STEM while making connections to literacy.

A5. Cultivating Peace among the Fireworks: Self-Care and Personal Well-Being

Facilitator: Julie Brundle MA, C.Psych.Assoc.

ECE professionals know all about nurturing, supporting, encouraging and teaching young minds

and bodies. This workshop will be an opportunity for them to explore and experience some of the

same just for themselves. Borrowing from the latest research, some theory will be covered for

educational/informational purposes. This will be accompanied by discussion as well as a safe, non-

threatening experiential component intended to provide ‘a taste’ of true self-care and nurturing in

the moment. Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably as gentle movement and possibly

some interactions with colours (i.e. markers and paints) may be encountered.

P1. Loose Parts Theory

Facilitator: Heather Jackson RECE

Loose parts are an essential component of a Reggio-inspired classroom. In How Does Learning

Happen?, open-ended materials are encouraged and preferred choices in early childhood class-

rooms. Children need and deserve beautiful materials to play with. Loose parts are part of playful

inquiry for young children. Discover how you can incorporate loose parts into your classroom. We

will also play with loose parts and beautiful materials. Teachers must have opportunities to play so

that they value play. We will also look at HDLH? and how to integrate loose parts into your day-to-

day practice.

A6. Building Connections to Nature

Facilitator: Mary Lou Lummiss RECE

As Early Childhood Educators, we have the honor and privilege to be able to support children’s

growing knowledge of the world and to influence their connections to nature. In this workshop

educators will discover opportunities that will influence their practice through inquiry and experi-

ential activities. We will explore: what is the educators role, how do we overcome barriers, can I do

this work with infants and toddlers and how do our values influence and direct our ability in build-

ing sustainable environments for young children both indoors and in the natural world? Also, learn

about a newly developed "Roadmap" on learning approaches in nature education.

Afternoon Workshops 1:30—3:30

P2. Climbing the Fence: Incorporating Risky Play - Reflecting on our Values as

Educators

Facilitator: Chris Barnes RECE

In this workshop we will be discussing the importance and value of physical and risky play. How

can you, as an educator or team, be comfortable with this kind of play, bring visibility to the value of

it and develop boundaries that work for the children, families and for yourself.

5

P3. What Are Your Pictures Saying?

Facilitators: Angela Hoar RECE and Laura Howell RECE

It takes practice to analyze and choose the photos that will capture fascinating and meaningful mo-

ments in the lives of children. This session will offer an opportunity for participants to look together

at photographs and gain new perspectives on intentionality and focus. If a picture is worth a thousand

words, what are your pictures saying? Learn practical tips on taking photos that help tell the story and

capture your audience.

P7. You’re the Chef!

Facilitators: Laura Abbasi, Erica Diamond , Lauren Kennedy and Elaine McCarthy

HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health, with funding from the Healthy Kids Com-

munity Challenge, are pleased to offer local school age program staff the opportunity to learn how to

lead an interactive program with children (grades 1-6) in their care called

“You’re The Chef”. School aged educators/staff will learn how to lead a hands on

cooking program. This program is designed to help develop skills and confidence

necessary for children to prepare healthy and tasty recipes highlighting healthy

hydration, emphasizing vegetables and fruit.

* Note: This workshop starts at 1:15 and ends at 3:45.

Afternoon Workshops Continued

P5. The Beat Goes On

Facilitators: Kathy Connelly RECE and Lisa Miles RECE

Studies show that music recognition begins before a child is even born…that we as humans are the

only species that use music and rhyme as a form of recreation and pleasure. In this ‘make n’ take’ and

musical workshop we will rediscover how children move, explore, sing and use materials to experience

music in their daily lives. We will focus on recycled materials, group activities and reflective practices.

* Allergy alert: some containers we are using have come into contact with peanut butter, eggs,

citrus.

P4. Supporting the Settlement of Immigrant Families and their Children

Facilitator: Julie Dotsch

Understanding the unique needs of immigrant children and their families is a challenge, especially

when you don't share the same language. Your program may be their first experience a child has of

separating from their parent. Severe separation anxiety is one of the common symptoms of culture

shock in children. Communicating with children and their families can also be difficult. Immigrant

families often have unique child rearing practices, including different expectations for acceptable be-

haviour. Through demonstration, group work and discussion, participants will gain practical ideas and

tips for adapting their programs for immigrant and refugee children and their families.

P6. Children in Nature: Building a Toolkit

Facilitator: Craig Brant

Taking children in nature is important for their development and it’s also fun for children and adults.

Experiences in nature can be really ‘magical’. This will be a largely hands on workshop with lots of

activities and experiences in the outdoors. We can help children form lifelong bonds with the natural

world by introducing them to it in small ways regularly and by engaging their senses as well as their

sense of wonder and curiosity. Participants will have the chance to build their toolkit for taking chil-

dren into nature with ideas for leading/guiding children in their investigation of the outdoors. In this

age of ‘screen time’ it is more important than ever.

6

Presenter Biographies

Chris Barnes Chris is an RECE and has been working for Compass Early Learning and Care since 2011 in Preschool

and School Age programs. In these roles he has been an advocate of big body play and physical literacy,

encouraging all sorts of activities that involve running, jumping, climbing, sliding and racing.

Julie Brundle

Julie Brundle, MA, C. Psych. Assoc. is a registered Psychological Associate with Practice in Clinical and

Counselling Psychology. Julie began her career as a Child & Youth Worker in the Education system and

went on to work with children and families for a time before finding her passion working with adults

with serious mental health issues. She has 16 years experience working in hospital-based Mental Health

Services and is currently in private practice in Peterborough. Deeply aware of the mind-body relation-

ship and dynamic, Julie is also a registered yoga teacher offering trauma-sensitive yoga programs that

support recovery from psychological stress and trauma, and that promote improved emotional/mental

health.

Laura Abbasi Laura is a registered dietitian who completed her BSc. in Nutrition at Acadia University and her Intern-

ship at London Health Sciences Centre. She has worked in the ICU, paediatric oncology and outpatient

eating disorders clinic. In 1995, she started at the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge Health Unit working

in chronic disease prevention. Realizing she wished to learn more, she completed a Masters in Public

Health. In 2007 she returned to the HKPPRHU to work with the Family Health Department. She works

closely with families as well as supporting local organizations including the childcare community in Port

Hope, Lindsay and Haliburton. Laura is also a busy mom of a 3 year old son and is learning firsthand

the challenges and joys of feeding a preschooler.

Craig Brant Craig has managed and taught at the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre since 2009. He has worked

in outdoor education for 15 years and spent a lifetime taking kids into nature through summer camps

and as a parent. With a team of excellent leaders, he has developed and grown many programs and

experiences for kids to immerse in nature on an ongoing basis. He has a five year old daughter named

Lily. With his wife Kathleen and their colleagues, they have established a powerful all ages nature

connection mentoring program/network called the Art of Mentoring in Ontario which has been ongoing

since 2009.

Kathy Connelly Kathy is an RECE and has worked in the Early Childcare field for over 30 years. She worked in the City

of Toronto, the GTA and now is enjoying the rural community of Douro. Kathy has worked with all age

groups from 0 to 12 and has supervised and mentored many students and staff over her years in the

childcare field. Kathy has had thorough training in the HighScope curriculum and is an enthusiastic

educator in the play-based philosophy.

Erica Diamond Erica Diamond is a Registered Dietitian/Public Health Nutritionist with Peterborough Public Health.

Erica enjoys working with parents and child care providers on a variety of nutrition topics including

feeding young children, menu planning, food skill development/cooking, and family meals. Erica feels

that bringing young children into the kitchen, and involving them in cooking from an early age is essen-

tial to get them get excited about new flavours and foods while helping them to develop healthy eating

habits that will last a lifetime!

7

Nancy Doherty

Nancy Doherty is a Registered Early Childhood Educator who has been working with families for more

than 30 years. She currently works at the Peterborough Family Resource Centre, as the Early Literacy

Program Coordinator. Through training and experience she has developed an understanding of the

importance of early literacy experiences in everyday life. Toddlers are her teachers as she observes and

tries to figure out how to support their learning.

Julie Dotsch

Julie Dotsch is well known for her interactive and informative workshops. Her training, research,

articles and books focus on helping young children and their families successfully settle.

Michelle Erridge Michelle is an RECE whose 29 year career has focused on children and their families in mental health

services, specialty health care and early education settings. She is currently a Resource Teacher consult-

ant with Five Counties Children’s Center providing training and technical assistance to childcare, early

intervention providers and families. Her major interest is the development and evaluation of individual-

ized intervention for young children with challenging behaviour while supporting their families and

teachers through functional assessment and the positive behaviour support process.

Angela Hoar and Laura Howell

Angela and Laura are educators and RECEs at Compass Early Learning and Care. They both share a

passion for documentation and specifically photography. Angela has been working as a Pedagogical

Team Leader supporting educators in their practices and documentation. Laura has always been inter-

ested in capturing moments in photography and brings this passion and skill to her classroom and team.

Heather Jackson

Heather is an RECE and graduated from Humber College. She has worked in the field of early childhood

education for over 35 years. In the past 20 years she has been inspired by the work being done in Reggio

Emilia, Italy. Heather has travelled to Italy twice on the Reggio Emilia Study Tours, which in her profes-

sional opinion was a professional development experience of a lifetime. She has been the Director of The

Sunflower School in Orangeville, Ontario for the past 7 years. Heather does presentations on Loose

parts, sewing and weaving with young children and on emergent curriculum.

Jill Levine

Jill Levine is currently the Director of Early Learning Network Services Inc. delivering workshops and

training to communities across Canada, the United States and the Middle East to frontline professionals

dedicated to working with young children and families in the Early Learning sector. She has worked

frontline in early intervention and prevention consulting with educators and families around healthy

child development and positive parenting. She has been a trainer with The Psychology Foundation of

Canada delivering ‘Kids Have Stress Too!’ workshops and trainings since its inception and is passionate

about supporting children’s mental health and helping professionals in their work with children and

families.

Lauren Kennedy

Lauren is a Registered Dietitian/Public Health Nutritionist at Peterborough Public Health. Lauren

specializes in nutrition for school-aged children. She supports schools, classrooms, student nutrition

programs, and community settings. Finding ways to help children enjoy healthy eating can be fun, realis-

tic, and can set the stage for life-long healthy habits!

Presenter Biographies

8

Martin Liberio

Martin has been working in the field of early childhood education for over 15 years and is a graduate

from McGill University. He has taught at the primary and college levels for over 10 years as well. Martin

has contributed his expertise as co-author of "Educators in Native Childcare Services, is the author of

the Educational Program: "Learning through Play ", and has written and created many pedagogical

platforms for various early childhood organizations. Martin also offers professional educational consult-

ing services ranging from overall professional development, project managing, creation of pedagogical

platforms, playroom design services and quality childcare services.

Elaine McCarthy

Elaine has been cooking professionally for over 20 years and in the past 6 has been teaching cooking

classes with adults, teens and children. Elaine believes that everyone should have access to nutritious

food and should also have the skills to prepare it. Elaine really enjoys teaching the educator and believes

that through building cooking skills we will bring better food and nutrition to families and to the com-

munity.

Mary Lou Lummiss Mary Lou Lummiss is a full time faculty member in the Early Childhood Education program at Fleming

College. After attending Centennial College to obtain her ECE, she worked in the early learning field,

designing new programs and running several child care programs in the Kawartha Lakes Region as well

as teaching part time at Fleming College. Upon completion of a Psychology Degree from Trent Univer-

sity, she became a full time faculty at Fleming. She continues her passion of connecting children to

nature through research and collaborative training opportunities during her yearlong sabbatical from

teaching. Being a Grandmother of four very young children has also afforded her the opportunity to play

and explore nature through a whole different lens.

Susan Scoffin

Susan had demonstrated in her 30+ year career a deep commitment to and engagement with the early

learning sector. This includes many years of experience working directly with children from infants to

school age in licensed, centre based programs, program development, and advocacy. In her recent work

with Investing in Quality, Peterborough she supported early learning environments to grow and sustain

quality through various initiatives. As a lifelong learner Susan has qualified as a primary junior teacher

and earned a Master’s degree, worked as a research assistant and taught at the post- secondary level in

the ECE program at Fleming and currently in the School of Education at Trent University. Susan’s

research interests include understanding children’s explorations of mathematical concepts in their play

and creating literacy rich environments. She is very pleased to be serving a 3 year term as an elected

member of the College of ECE Council.

Lisa Miles

Lisa Miles has over 30 years experience working with children, providers and families in the child care

field. As an RECE, Lisa is passionate about child care programming and believes that every child

deserves a day filled with music, adventures and fun!

Presenter Biographies

9

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.

10

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING YOUR

REGISTRATION FORM:

Deadline for registration forms and payment is March 31st, 2017.

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 3, please get in touch with the organizer

(katherine@investinginquality.ca).

Cancellations

Cancellations will be accepted upon receipt of a written request postmarked no

later than March 31, 2017 or an email no later than March 31, 2017.

A processing fee of $15.00 will be deducted from each registration qualifying for a

refund.

No refunds will be issued after the March 31, 2017 deadline.

Non-attendance does not constitute cancellation.

Registration may be switched to another person if the original registrant is unable

to attend.

11

REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Organization: ______________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________Postal Code: __________________________

Day time Phone: ____________________________________________________________

Dietary restrictions: _________________________________________________________

Email Address : _____________________________________________________________

* Working in early learning in Peterborough City / County $60.00

* Working outside Peterborough County $85.00

* ECE Students (fulltime students only) $40.00

Registration Fees

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

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

Cancellations and Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted upon receipt of a written request postmarked no

later than March 31st, 2017 or an email by March 31, 2017. A processing fee of $15.00 will be deducted from each

registration qualifying for a refund. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER THE March 31st DEADLINE.

Payment Method:

Payment may be made by credit card over the phone. (705) 749-3488

Cheques should made payable to : 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

* Registrations received without payment will not be processed until payment arrives

* Registration Confirmation and updates will arrive via EMAIL