Workshops

About this Event
All children have rights, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In our workshop we will explore the concept of rights, what it means to hold them, and the critical importance for students of a rights-respecting school environment. We will examine how educators can use a children’s rights framework to inform their classroom, from physical design to curriculum and everything in between. Finally, we will try out some fun activities exploring children’s rights that can be brought back to your workplaces.

Margie Sanderson has been passionate about advancing young people’s rights for as long as she can remember, dating back at least to age 9 when she rallied her classmates to petition for changes at their elementary school. She has a particular interest in child-inclusive design and a background working with youth in educational contexts, including as a Reggio Emilia preschool teacher and at a K-12 Democratic Free school. She has led classes, workshops and discussion groups on children’s rights for youth and for adults. Outside of work she enjoys exploring Vancouver and BC (having recently moved here from Philadelphia, PA) and volunteering with seal pups at the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre

Sarah Rush holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of British Columbia. Sarah has over a decade of experience working with children and youth across a variety of different settings including early years centres, elementary schools and hospitals. Sarah has worked in the field of addiction and mental health at Women’s Hospital, St Paul’s Hospital and on the Downtown Eastside. Sarah’s passion for advancing children’s rights led her to the Child and Youth Legal Centre where she is able to advocate for the views of young people. In Sarah’s other role, she works at  Children’s Hospital in a consultation team for children and youth with complex mental health and concurrent disorders. In her spare time, Sarah loves to create puppet shows and plan her next kayak adventure.

 

This workshop will be held online through the Zoom platform.

You will need access to a laptop, tablet or computer with a camera or audio capabilities to join us.

A link to the presentation will be emailed to you the day before the workshop. Please click the link ten minutes before the workshop begins to join us. Further instructions will be included in the email.

For faster access you can download Zoom for free at https://zoom.us/signup

For more information please call 604 533 4425

About this Event
Children with autism bring many joys to our classrooms. However, they may require accommodations, modifications, and supports that differ from neurotypical children in order to best experience and share these joys. Often, these children receive a support person. However, for children who are awaiting their assessment or underdiagnosed without formal supports, educators are left trying their best to fill in the gaps. In the cases where a support person is in place, a lack of understanding and training in neurodiverse children and support among the team leads to a divide within the classroom. This divide is felt between the educators, the children, and the care. “The  Inclusive Classroom” will give educators the foundational knowledge of an autism diagnosis, the implications for social emotional learning, and insight how to best support children on the spectrum in an inclusive manner.

Topics covered: autism, routines, functions of behaviour, positive language, Sensory processing, and AAC.

Monica Maddison is a private behaviour consultant/educational consultant with Bloom Behaviour. With 12 years of experience supporting children with autism and their families, Monica strives for equal access to education, advocacy, and inclusive classrooms. Monica’s support experience ranges from clinic, home, school, and daycare/preschool.

 

This workshop will be held online through the Zoom platform.

You will need access to a laptop, tablet or computer with a camera or audio capabilities to join us.

A link to the presentation will be emailed to you the day before the workshop. Please click the link ten minutes before the workshop begins to join us. Further instructions will be included in the email.

For faster access you can download Zoom for free at https://zoom.us/signup

For more information please call 604 533 4425

About this Event
Together we will look at the importance of books and reading in the early years classroom, and how we as educators can use children’s stories to inspire our work. Will explore several children’s books and the possibilities that they hold in both creating and extending provocations. Come ready to explore, share ideas and collaborate with your peers.

Tara Marrington has been working in the childcare field for over 15 years, and started her career in school-age care. As her career advanced she worked towards getting her ECE and expanded her experience into 3-5 care. As her passion for inclusive education developed she went on to pursue a diploma in Classroom and Community Support, and well as a certificate Infant Development and Supported Child Development. Tara believes strongly in the principles of the Early Learning Framework, particularly around inclusive and inquiry based programming.

 

This workshop will not be held in person.

 

This workshop will be held online through the Zoom platform.

You will need access to a laptop, tablet or computer with a camera or audio capabilities to join us.

A link to the presentation will be emailed to you the day before the workshop. Please click the link ten minutes before the workshop begins to join us. Further instructions will be included in the email.

For faster access you can download Zoom for free at https://zoom.us/signup

For more information please call 604 533 4425

 

About this Event
Wondering what the BC Early Learning Framework is, where it came from, and if it really matters to you and your work? If yes, then join a group of your colleagues as we learn, reflect, and explore - join us and decide for yourself. This session will include a brief overview of the changes that led to this document, the Vision and Principles that shape the document (and how they may relate to your own values and beliefs), a brief overview of the four key practices proposed, and an invitation to consider how/if they hold meaning for you. Participants are asked to bring a handful of photos or items that represent - to them - the neighbourhood where they are providing child care…we will work with these in the session!

Alison is a long-time member of the Early Childhood community, having worked front line in child care and family support programs; managed teams of Educators in a range of settings; lead various funding/policy/development initiatives; administered Early Years investments for one of BC’s largest philanthropic organizations; as an ECE faculty member in public post-secondary settings; and as a consultant for Early Years organizations and initiatives

 

This workshop will not be held in person.

 

This workshop will be held online through the Zoom platform.

You will need access to a laptop, tablet or computer with a camera or audio capabilities to join us.

A link to the presentation will be emailed to you the day before the workshop. Please click the link ten minutes before the workshop begins to join us. Further instructions will be included in the email.

For faster access you can download Zoom for free at https://zoom.us/signup

For more information please call 604 533 4425