Bachelor of Early Childhood Education 2024 Symposium (2024)

“The Importance of Physical Literacy in the Early Years”

Mireille A. Chalha

Mireille Chalha-Gonzalez is a fourth year student at Brock University studying to complete a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She works at a local school board as an Early Childhood Educator in a full-day kindergarten class. Mireille has plans to continue education in teachers college, and has a passion for working with children, striving to make a difference in their lives.

Resources

• Active for Life – Individual physical activity lesson plans
• Sport for Life – Certifications for educators from a non-profit organization
• PHE Canada – The PHE learning center provides access to practical and fun physical and health education activities for in-person and remote learning-in addition to PHE Community connections, self-care strategies, and professional development programs

“Challenges Faced by Early Childhood Educators: Stress, Burnout and Mental Health”

Taylor Henderson

Taylor Henderson is a fourth-year Brock University Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Student. She is a registered early childhood educator working for Durham Region Children’s Services at a childcare centre. Taylor is passionate about working with children and providing high-quality care within inclusive environments. She believes in lifelong learning and in understanding how children learn and develop, and as an educator, she shares the same belief on her learning journey

Resources

• College of Early Childhood Education: Wellness Resources – At the college, one of their key goals is to help build a resilient and sustainable profession, and supporting early childhood educators’ wellbeing is an important part of that.
• Brightwheel: 53 Easy Ways for Early Childhood Educators to Prioritize Mental Health in 2024 – The website provides tips for early childhood educators to prioritize their mental health and
  support their wellbeing.
• Harvard Graduate School of Education: 5 Easy Steps to Helping Early Childhood Educators De-stress – The website provides tips on how early childhood educators can destress and avoid burnout.
• CQEL: Managing Stress and Burnout in the Early Childhood Education Field – The website provides information on the importance of self-care, mindfulness, setting boundaries, and seeking professional support to ensure the well-being and productivity of educators.

“Impact of COVID-19 on Young Children’s Mental Health” Sydney Worron

Sydney Worron is a fourth year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Honors Program at Brock University. She conducted a year-long research project on young children’s mental health as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sydney’s plans to continue her education into the Consecutive
Education program with the end goal of working as a primary/junior teacher. Sydney is passionate about education future generations of children while providing an inclusiveenvironment for all children to feel safe and welcome.

Resources

• Kids’ Mental Health Resources – This website provides additional resources and information about mental health challenges that
  young children may be facing. It is an informative website for parents, educators, and children to learn about the different mental health challenges and where they can get additional support from.
• Mental Health Resources in Schools – This resource is a place to learn about mental health in schools and how to find supports for
  students of Ontario. This provides a central hub for information on mental health in school as
  well additional information on resources available for student with mental health.
• Mental Health Learning Hub – This learning hub provides information on many different mental health challenges children may be experiencing. It provides information about the different mental health challenges as well as resources for specific needs of each challenge.

“How to Support Children with Mental Health Concerns in the Classroom “

Preeti Ahluwalia

Preeti Ahluwalia is currently in the Bachelor of Child Development program at Brock University. She has completed an Early Childhood Education diploma and completed a Humanities degree at York University. Her overall goal is to learn that as a future educator how can to provide a classroom environment that incorporates inclusivity and allows children to learn to the best of their abilities and investigate about how much of an impact mental health makes when children are learning in a classroom.

Resources

• Canadian Mental Health Association – In this website it talks about mental health issues can cause children to have difficulty
  with building relationships in the classroom, and how important it is to have schools provide
  ways to help deal with mental health.
• Association for Childs Mental Health – Problems at school: Association for Children’s mental health. This website talks about how schools can offer support regarding mental health and what are the specific accommodations that educators can apply to classroom objectives. Also creating an understanding about what changes can applied in the overall classroom environment that help children have an easier learning experience that suit their needs in the classroom.
• World Health Organization – This website talks about the effects of mental health and how it can be detrimental to health and how it affects the overall motivation of students in the classroom. The importance of being aware of the consequences that come with mental health is crucial. Therefore as educators it is important students are aware about mental health in the classroom.

“The Impact of COVID-19 on Children’s Mental Health”

Julie Wright

Julie Wright is a 4th year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student at Brock University. She has conducted a thesis that researches the topic of The Impact of Covid-19 on Children’s Mental Health. It has always been a dream for Julie to become a teacher and next year she will be attending Queen’s University in the Bachelor of Education – ITEP program.

Resources

• COVID-19 Pandemic Response – Provides informative webinars and information on various topics relating to COVID-19 pandemic and the mental health needs in young children.
• Mental Health Services for Children and Youth – This website provides access to mental health services for children and youth. It is a Ministry of Health website that will help you find mental health support for children and youth.
• Caring For Kids – Information for Parents From Canadian Paediatricians – This website provides valuable information for parents from the Paediatric Society of Ontario. This information will help parents and caregivers learn how to support their children and get to know the symptoms to be on the lookout for.

“Kindergarten Teachers’ Perceptions of Implementing a Play-Based Curriculum”

Olivia Arnold

Olivia Arnold is a 4th year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student at Brock University. She has conducted a thesis revealing kindergarten teacher’s perceptions of implementing a play-based curriculum. Olivia currently works as a registered early childhood educator at a daycare and has a passion for helping children learn and develop while implementing play-based programming. She hopes to become a primary school teacher in the future.

Resources

• • The Ontario Kindergarten Program – The document provides curriculum and learning expectations for children attending kindergarten in Ontario schools.
  • How Does Learning Happen? – The document provides information about Ontario’s pedagogy for the early years, emphasizing the importance of relationships, environments, and partnerships in supporting children’s learning and development.
  • TVO Learn – Focus on Kindergarten – The TVO Learn website (Focus on Kindergarten) section focuses on providing
    educational resources and support tailored for Kindergarten students.

“The Significance of Play-based Learning to Enhance Cognitive Development in Early Childhood”

Agna Biju

Agna Biju is a fourth year BECE graduating student from Brock University, currently working in the Before and Aftercare program at Hamilton Wentworth Catholic Childcare Centre. She loves working with children and her hobbies are Baking, video editing, and traveling to new places.
She loves playing with her dog.

Resources

• Enhancing children’s cognition with physical activity games – The book helps us to understand the relationship between physical activity and cognition among children. There is information about the patterns of movement how games can help children learn, and how to motivate young children to learn through physical activity (Tomporowski, P. D., McCullick, B. A., & Pesce, C. 2015)
• Play an important tool for cognitive development – This newsletter is very informative as it reviews the need for play in young children’s lives as
  play is very important to develop cognitive skills. The article also helps to understand the components of executive function and working memory. The responsibility of the educators is also stressed in this article.
• Promoting Literacy during Play by Designing Early Childhood Classroom Environments – This Journal helps educators understand how classroom environments can be changed to support the learning of young children. It is an excellent journal, I found to be very helpful for educators.
• Play in Early Childhood, The Role of Play in Any Setting on YouTube – This video helps us learn how complex actions involved when children play, can build their brains. This is a video from The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.

“The developmental Benefits of Play-Based Learning”

Natalie Iavarone

Natalie Iavarone is a 4th-year student at Brock University’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program, transitioned from an early childhood
education, drawn by her passion for working with children. Natalie frequently enjoys outdoor activities with friends and embarking on adventures to new
and captivating destinations.

“The Play-Based Learning Method: How Can play be a beneficial teaching method In Preschool”

Pareese Papadimitriou

Pareese Papadimitriou is a current Early Childhood Education student completing the Bachelordegree program at Brock University. She is conducting research focussing on the play-basedlearning method within preschool classrooms and how it’s a beneficial and impactful way oflearning. Pareese is usually seen outside or at her full time workplace within her classroomexploring all the possible new discoveries and skills that can be made.

“An Applied Behaviour Analysis Approach to Understanding and Supporting Behaviour in Children Diagnosed with Autism” by Sydnee Brooks

SYDNEE BROOKS

Sydnee Brooks, a 4th year Bachelor of ECE (Honours) student, has conducted research analyzing the effects of applied behaviour analysis on children diagnosed with autism. Currently working in the field, Sydnee is especially interested in working with children who have autism and their families to make lasting changes which help them achieve goals that are important to them and will positively affect their overall well-being.

Resources

• Autism Speaks: Applied Behaviour Analysis – Learn more about applied behaviour analysis services, how they work, and see answers to
  questions individuals often have related to ABA.
• Child Mind Institute: Complete Guide to Autism – Learn more about autism and read a guide which provides information related to how autism is
  diagnosed, how autism can affect children, as well as potential behavioural treatment options.
• Government of Canada: Autism: Supports – Learn more about different types of support available to individuals who have autism and how they could make a difference in an individual’s life.
• Government of Ontario: Ontario Autism Program – Learn more about the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) as well as view the requirements to see who can qualify for funding through the OAP.

“Classroom Support for Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”

jia gao

Jia Gao graduated from Niagara College’s Early Childhood Education program and has worked in a kindergarten for more than five years. Wanting to further her education and expertise, she continued my studies at Brock in 2019. Combining knowledge and practice in the professional field is Jia’s overall goal.

Resources

• CHADD – CHADD empowers people affected by ADHD by: providing evidence-based information, supporting individuals, their families, and professionals who assist them throughout their journeys; and advocating for equity, inclusion, and universal rights.
• Attitude – ADDitude Magazine, established in 1998 and now under the operation of WebMD, LLC, is a quarterly publication focused on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related conditions like depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities such as dyslexia.
• CADDAC – CADDAC: Canadian ADHD Awareness | Education | Advocacy. CADDAC is a national charity providing leadership in awareness, education, and advocacy for ADHD across Canada. CADDAC is committed to increasing the understanding of ADHD.
• Pacer Centre – Families and their children or young adults with disabilities or special health care needs from birth through adulthood. Educators and other professionals who work with students with or without disabilities. Parents of all children and schools working together to encourage family involvement in education .

“Investigating General Early Childhood Educators Perceptions of Inclusion of Children with Autism within General Education Classrooms”

katrina hornsby

Katrina Hornsby is a 4th year graduating student in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Brock University. Katrina is currently pursuing herteacher’s degree in the primary stream to further her education and continue her development in the education field. Katrina believes in being a hands-on educator where she too engages in activities and games with students to foster positive connections. Katrina hopes to help shape the minds of further generation and leave a positive impact on all her students.

Resources

• Autism Speaks Supporting Children with Autism in the Classroom – Autism Speaks offers suggestions on how to support children with autism within the classroom. This resource offers a list of five things educators can immediately do to best support children with autism within their classrooms. This resource also provides teachers throughs on how they wish to teacher better and their love for teaching.
• NAEYC Early Childhood Inclusion – Early Childhood Inclusion is a paper that speaks about inclusion. This resource shares a definition of early childhood inclusion, and recommendations on how to implement the ideas shared in this paper to improve early childhood services.
• People for Education: People for Education offers an explanation of special education – This resource provides a list of additional resources and research that education and parents can access.

“Exploring Inclusive Early Childhood Education: Fostering Diversity and Supporting Children with Disabilities”

Sophie Motoban

Sophie Motoban is an enthusiastic early childhood educator dedicated to inclusive practices. With a personal experience of overcoming challenges due to her disability, Sophie is passionate about ensuring all children, regardless of ability, have access to supportive learning environments where they can thrive.

Resources

• Policy on Accessible Education for Students With Disabilities | Ontario Human Rights Commission – This resource provides information on policies related to accessible education for students with disabilities, offering insights into legal frameworks and guidelines for promoting inclusive practices in educational settings.
• Early Childhood Education: Foundations for Lifelong Learning | GGI Insights – GGI Insights offers valuable insights into the foundations of early
  childhood education, highlighting the importance of quality childcare practices in fostering lifelong learning and development.
• Challenges Facing Early Childhood Education: Key Issues and Solutions | GGI Insights – his resource explores the challenges facing early childhood education and offers solutions to address key issues, including strategies for promoting inclusivity and equity in childcare settings.

“Supporting Elementary Children with ADHD in a Classroom Environment”

Jessica Stevenato

Jessica Stevenato is a 4th year graduate in the BECE program at Brock university. She works as an early childhood educator at a local school board in the kindergarten classroom. Jessica’s dream is to become a primary/junior teacher one day. Jessica loves to read and spend time with her son exploring the outdoors or watching movies drinking hot chocolate

Resources

• Canadian ADHD resource alliance (CADDRA) – CADDRA provides guidelines, assessment tools, and treatment information that can be
  very helpful for parents trying to navigate the ADHD landscape in Canada.
• Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) ADDA – Offers information resources, webinars, and virtual support groups for adults with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD.
• Understood.org – This is a comprehensive resource for parents of children with learning and attention issues that oEers personalized support, expert insights, and tips for managing ADHD at home and school.
• Children and Adults with Attention-Defiant/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) – CHADD is a leading non-profit organization providing information, advocacy, and support for individuals with ADHD.

“Addressing the Absence of Resources for Caregivers of Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder”

Emily Elizabeth Cronin

Emily Cronin is a fourth year graduating student in the BECE program at Brock University. She currently works for the Huron Perth Catholic district school board as a RECE. After completing this program, she is furthering her education and going to Teachers College to pursue a career in teaching.

“Enhancing All Children’s Abilities When Offering Inclusivity for All”

Mackenzie Hore

Mackenzie Hore is a current student at Brock University finishing the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program. She is currently working in the field and is dedicated to nurture young mind. Her passion for creating enriching learning environments where all children can grow, develop, and feel accepted.

“Educators’ Attitude to Inclusion of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)”

Helen Idiake

Helen Idiake is a graduating student of Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Brock University and a program lead in an early childhood setting. Her journey in Brock university has ignited her passion for conducting research. Helen is enthusiastic about pursuing a Masters degree in early
childhood education and it is her desire to contribute her talents to education field in Canada.

Resources

• Autism Canada – This resource is a website of a national advocacy organization which is dedicated to promoting solutions for people with ASD and their families throughout their lifespan.
• How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years. This is a helpful resource about learning through relationships for those who work with young children and their families in Ontario.
• Inclusion in Early Childhood programs (Allen, K et al., 2020). 7th edition. This resource examines the education and care of children with special needs from birth through school age and discusses various strategies to support them. It is a very useful resource
  for effective classroom management of inclusive education. It is available as hardcopy and e-
  textbook but not on-line,

“Rooted in Culture: Fostering Indigenous Education Through Culturally Responsive and Land-Based Teaching”

Lexus Hall

Lexus Hall is an educator and advocate for Indigenous education. She was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and is deeply connected to her
Cree heritage. At the early age of two, she lost her father to Lymphoma. Despite this loss, she draws strength and resilience from the unwavering love and support of her mother, stepfather, family and friends. Growing up with this circle of support, Lexus has developed a strong sense of community and connection to her Indigenous roots, which continue to shape her both personally and professionally. Further to this, Lexus is committed to advocating for Indigenous rights, empowering youth, promoting, and preserving Indigenous culture and traditions. Education is a powerful tool for reconciliation, and she is dedicated to driving positive change. To rest and recharge, Lexus finds outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping help her to rejuvenate
her spirit while spending time with her family and three dogs.

Resources

• Indigenous Ways of Knowing – Provides a worldview perspective of Indigenous Knowledge.
• Indigenous Read Alouds – This website provides some great suggestions on read alouds to be incorporated into the classroom.
• ECE Indegenous Reconciliation Toolkit – Support guide for Early Childhood Educators in working toward fulfilling Call to action 63.

“Indigenous Early Learning: Breaking The Cultural Boundaries Between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Communities”

Muyu Ni

Muyu Ni is a current undergraduate student in the 4th year of the Early Childhood Education degree program at Brock University. After completing this program, she is ready to work as an RECE and has dreamed about further research in this field. Muyu hopes to use the knowledge to help children and families to meet their needs and foster development. In her free time, she likes spending time with her friends and their children for outdoor activities. In the future, Muyu would like to do continuous learning in the education field to expand the learning aspects.

Resources

• Government issued frameworks and resources
• Reliable resource providing help and knowledge about early learning for Indigenous children
• Training program for educators that can learn about Indigenous early childhood
  education

“Impact of outdoor play on preschool children’s cognitive development”

Hardeep Kaur

Hardeep Kaur is a child development supervisor working in the early childhood education and care field for more than 7 years. She has worked with different age groups in childcare, while also enhancing her knowledge working in different management roles. While studying in Year 4 of BECE program at Brock University, she is also working full time as a director at a childcare centre in Calgary, Alberta. She hopes to become a childcare licensing officer, after graduating from BECE program, to be able to use her knowledge and expertise in the best way possible.

Resources

• Outdoor play Canada – This is a national organization that promotes and preserve access to outdoor play for all people in Canada.
• The Outdoor Practitioner magazine – This is a free online magazine created by an organization called Muddy Faces. This online magazine offers articles, ideas & activities to support educators and families to work, learn & play outdoors.
• A Teacher’s Guidebook for Bringing Learning Outside – This is a guidebook to support the educators in connecting the children with nature through the activities mentioned in the guidebook, especially for educators introducing outdoor curriculum for the first time.

“Learning Beyond the Four Walls”

Holly Scime

Holly Scime, a fourth-year student in Brock University’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program, embodies a profound commitment to inclusive education. Infused with personal narratives and academic perseverance, her journey is driven by a deep-seated passion for immersive learning. Holly’s deep respect for nature stems from her childhood adventures exploring her grandparents’ vast acreage, experiences that have stayed with her since.
Guided by the ethos that getting dirty equals fun, she champions experiential education as a gateway to holistic development. Inspired by the transformative potential of outdoor education, Holly is drawn to its alignment with contemporary educational theories, particularly the constructivist perspective of “How Does Learning Happen?” As an advocate for outdoor learning, Holly seeks to intertwine her love for nature with pedagogical innovation, fostering curiosity and environmental stewardship among future generations.

Resources

• Child & Nature Alliance of Canada – A non-profit organization dedicated to connecting children with nature across Canada. They work to promote outdoor play, environmental education, and advocacy for the importance of nature in child development and well-being.
• Outdoor Play Canada – A collaborative network of organizations and individuals striving to enhance outdoor play in Canada. They focus on research, policy development, and public education to support children’s active, outdoor lifestyles and address outdoor play barriers.
• Nature Explore – A program created by the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation. It aims to connect children with nature by designing and enhancing outdoor learning environments, such as nature-based classrooms and play areas, to foster hands-on experiences and exploration in natural settings.
• Children & Nature Network: A a global movement connecting children with nature. They work to increase equitable access to nature, promote nature-based education, and advocate for policies supporting outdoor experiences for children and families, recognizing nature’s numerous benefits to child development and health.

“Pedagogical ECEfs in Canadian Curriculum: Examining global curriculum comparisons”

Mary Wigle

Mary Wigle is a fourth-year honours student working toward a bachelor’s degree in ECE at Brock University. She has focused her studies on pedagogy,
sustainability and focuses on socio-emotional development in elementary learning. She plans to continue on in school for her teaching graduate degree next. She looks forward to working in a Halton elementary school to bring rich learning and increase professional development.

“Environmental Impacts on Cognition within the Early Years: A Systematic Review of Land-Based Education”

Madelynne Gratton

Madelynne Gratton is an education scholar completing her final year of the BECE degree at Brock University. She is a dedicated community member and educator who hopes to establish inclusive opportunities with connection to learning through land and environment. Madelynne aspires to further her learning through graduate studies, implementing her research to provide adequate learning opportunities for all.

Resources

• Land-Based Learning Stories – The National Centre for Collaboration Indigenous Education (NCCIE) offers opportunity to hear from various Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders who share stories of traditional knowledge sharing and land-based learning experiences.
• Knowledge Exchange – A Comprehensive list of resources. The Indigenous Centre of Excellence for Early Years and Child Care compiled a
  comprehensive list of resources for educators in form of literature, videos, and additional websites through filtered keywords and tags.
• Learning the Land Program Guidance – Learning the Land is a well-developed land-based program aligned with the Treaty Education Alliance that provides resources and workshops for educators while also offering enhanced programming through established schools.
• Exploring Your Program through the Lens of Land-Based Learning – The First Nations Health Authority has developed a webinar to support educators in reflecting on their program through the mindset of land-based learning and Indigenous embodied frameworks.

“Literacy Learning in the Outdoor Space”

Stephanie Oldfield

Stephanie Oldfield is a fourth year Brock student completing her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education before continuing to the Concurrent Teacher Education Program this fall. Stephanie has been an educator for over fifteen years and seeks to use the outdoor space as a learning venue as much as possible. She believes in following the natural inquiry of the child and the power of positive attending, and prides herself on her ability to connect children with nature.

Resources

• Bienenstock Foundations of Literacy Outdoors Professional Development and Website. This resource discusses the impact of the outdoor space on the development offoundational physical skills that improve later literacy success as well as workshops thatgive hands on opportunities to engage in literacy education in the outdoor space and improve literacy curriculum.
• Take Me Outside – Workshops and Certification for Educators about Learning in the Outdoors. This resource hosts a variety of free workshops, blogs and podcasts for educators to strengthen the connection to the outdoor space and the learning possibilities as well as certification programs and connections to partners who support education in the outdoors.
• 1000 Hours Outside– Aim to have Children Outside for 1000 Hours a Year. This resource promotes the importance of outdoor education and provides resources to support children, families and educators to spend 1000 hours a year outdoors by informing of the benefits, giving incentives and building community through sharing resources to track the days and rationale to what literacy and pre literacy skills are forming in the outdoor space.

“Racial Bias in Early Childhood Education”

Shevon S. Bridgeman

Shevon Bridgeman is a first generation university student graduating from the bachelor honors BECE program at Brock University. Education is important to her and she aspires to continue education to become an elementary teacher.

Resources

• Wrinkler, E.N. (2009). Children Are Not Colorblind: How Young Children Learn Race – This article is for families and educators to have a better understanding about how children learn about race and develop racial biases. The article provides scientific research behind racial awareness in early childhood and the importance of talking about race with young children.
• Escayg, K-A. (2019). Exploring Anti Racism in Early Childhood Education: Teaching Identity and Classroom Practices – This article is for educators to develop a deeper understanding of how to implement anti racist classroom practices through ongoing self reflection and facilitating
  meaningful discussions with students to disrupt racialized stereotypes and prejudices.
• Ralli, J. and Madison, M. and Roxas, I. (2021). Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race – This children’s book is for families and educators and can be used as a starting point to discussing race with children. The targeted age group is for children ages two to five. It consists of topics surrounding race including but to limited skin colour, self awareness racism and racial discrimination.

“Abolishing Racism in Early Years”

Khansaa Jutt

Khansaa Jutt is in her fourth year at Brock University’s BECE program, where she channels her curiosity and enthusiasm into the field of education. Travel ignites her love for diverse cultures, while cooking and cherishing moments with her family anchor her. Her academic journey is marked by a proud achievement — making the Dean’s Honours List in her third year, a testament to her commitment and hard work. Khansaa is looking forward stepping into the field of education and creating a difference in children’s lives

Resources

• Anti-Racism Resources for Educators – Essential teaching materials and guidelines to foster an inclusive and informed classroom environment, equipping educators with knowledge and strategies to address and dismantle racial prejudice.
• Diverse Book Finder – A curated collection highlighting children’s literature that showcases a rich diversity of characters and stories, aimed at promoting inclusivity and broadening young readers’ perspectives.
• Teaching Tolerance: Classroom Resources – An array of educational tools designed to help teachers integrate principles of social justice and anti-bias into their curriculum, fostering a classroom culture of respect and equity.

“Parent Involvement: Educational Impacts Influencing Academic Milestones?”

Meagan Walker

Meagan Walker, is a fourth-year BECE student at Brock University. She have worked as a registered Early Childhood Educator for the past 15 years, and my future goal is to become a Primary/Junior teacher. This year, her thesis focused on parental involvement’s effects on students’ reaching academic milestones. She can often be found exploring nature outside while camping and hiking with her four children, husband, and dog Corsa.

Resources

• Stay involved in your child’s education – This resource provides tips and educational support for parental involvement in a student’s education, such as how to demonstrate interest, participate in parent-teacher interviews, and stay informed.
• Parent involvement for education – This website provides multiple supports to enhance parental involvement, offered in various languages that can be utilized by educational staff and parents.
• Parental Involvement as an Important Factor for Successful Education – This article discussed specific attributes that highlight the importance of parental involvement and provided examples of supportive parental involvement.

“Striving for Balance: Male Educators Experience in Ontario’s Early Years Sector”

Jewel Pascoe

Jewel Pascoe is a fourth-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECE) student at Brock University. Jewel’s professional aspiration is to become an elementary teacher where she can apply her love of learning to inspire and empower children to discover their potential, making a lasting impact within her community.

Resources

• Gaining a Better Understanding of Men in Early Childhood Education – The College of Early Childhood Educators share statistics and preliminary information about what trends they have noticed related to men in the sector and profession and efforts and bring in the perspectives of male educators from Ontario.
• Men in ECE – The World Forum Foundation is a resource for male educators, offering them a place to interact and share experiences. The website also has articles and webinars for all educators to support inclusion.
• Men in ECE – The Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (AECEO) provides links to various articles discussing the absence and importance of men in education bringing insight from various countries around the world.

“Challenges English Language Learners and Educators Face in Educational Settings”

Monica Figueiredo

Monica Figueiredo is a 4th year BECE student, who has worked in the field for over 15 years. She lived in Brazil for 11 years and worked as a Junio Kindergarten teacher in a Canadian bilingual school. The idea for her research came from her own experiences having been a multiple language learner herself when she arrived in Canada at a young age and having two children which are both MLL students. She wishes to continue impacting the lives of the children in her care through her admiration for the early years by pursuing her Bachelor of Education.

Resources

• Multilingual Learning Tool Kit – This site is a resource for teachers and school coordinators to help with implementing strategies for ELL and MLL students. They have a step by step resource kit including checklists to help educators see what things they are doing and what is also not being done.
• Talking Points – This site is a tool for teachers to communicate with MLL parents. It automatically translates messages from the family language into English and vice versa, creating an easier form of communication with families.
• Colorin Colorado – Although this site is bilingual (Spanish and English) it has many different videos and guides to help educators implement different activities with ELL/MLL students and families.
• This article posted on the Edutopia site, has many links to sites and teacher created sources such as reading materials that will give teachers different ideas of activities that others have implemented. There are also online tools such as apps that can be shared with families.

“Examining the Impacts of Participating in Peer-to-Peer Support for Parents/Caregivers in Katutura, Namibia”

Nicole Ford

Nicole Ford is a fourth-year student at Brock University, currently studying for her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. She owns and operates four early learning centers in Prince Edward Island. She enjoys researching the importance of community support, cultural influences, and the impact of the
family unit on a developing child. She enjoys spending time learning and exploring new places.

Resources

• Triple P is a parenting support program that allows parents to build on their current skills and expand their knowledge of their child.
• This is a list of community-based supports for parents broken down by province.
• Halton offers a variety of online parenting programs to help transition new parents to parenthood.
• UNICEF offers a short article on parental support and the importance of early childhood.

“Visual Arts in the Early Years: Prospects and Challenges in Implementation”

Kornelia Misko

Kornelia Misko is a fourth-year student who is determined to make a difference in the world. She is also a proud mother of an 11-year-old daughter who
shares her passion for art and music. During her free time, Kornelia indulges in a love for plants and flowers, which has become one of her biggest hobbies. As an educator, shebelieves that music and art are two essential tools to help students unlock their full potential. Kornelia currently works with children at Continual Education/HWDSB, where she is committed to nurturing and developing their skills.

Resources

• The Educational Hub of Visual Arts in Early Childhood Education is an excellent resource that aims to bridge the gap between research and practice. This hub provides access to high-quality and practical evidence from research and practice, which can help you develop effective strategies for teaching visual arts to young children.
• HiMama Blog is another great resource that provides webinars designed specifically for early childhood educators. Whether you are a childcare
  center owner, director, teacher, or other staff member, you can benefit from the variety of webinars about visual art in the early years available through this blog.
• Martha Skogen’s TED Talk on The Power of Children’s Art explores the importance of children’s art and asks thought-provoking questions that will help you see your student’s artwork in a new light. By examining their drawings and understanding their ideas, you can help your students develop their creativity and self-expression.

“Enhanced Sensory Experiences to Support Early Development Post COVID-19”

Nicole Bailey

Nicole Bailey is an educator fulfilling the role of kindergarten program support at Childventures Early Learning Academy alongside the program director. When she is not supporting her kindergarten students, she can be found throughout the center making connections with children attending other program settings in the facility, ages infants, toddlers and preschoolers at the school. Nicole can often be found dancing with the children.

Resources

• The Importance of Sensory Play by By Kelly Hantak & Vanessa van der Graaf – The above resource provides the educators with a overview of the key comonents of sensory based play and learning experiences in early childhood.
• Playdough Power by NAEYC – Playdough Power by the NEAYC provides its readers with insight to the developmental benefits of early childhood experiences using playdough, included is also a homemade playdough recipe.
• Exploring Sand Play by By Dr. F. Joyce Gerber – This article includes detailed overview of sand play and the many benefits it has on early
  childhood development.
• The Importance of Sand and Water Play by Sarah Taylor – Included in this resource is a description of the benefits of sand and water sensory
  experiences as well has how teachers can further support this growth in the learning environment.

“Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Impact on Child Development”

Ashleigh Lisa Mac Adam

Ashleigh is a 4th year graduating student in the Bachelors of Early Childhood Education program. Ashleigh will begin her journey in Brock’s Teacher’s Education program where she will be following her dream of becoming a Kindergarten teacher. Outside of Ashleigh’s studies she is a full-time registered early childhood educator where she shapes the young minds of 10 tiny preschoolers!

Resources

• Anti-Racism Resources for Educators -Essential teaching materials and guidelines to foster an inclusive and informed classroom environment, equipping educators with knowledge and strategies to address and dismantle racial prejudice.

“Supporting Social and Emotional Development in Young Children Experiencing Parental Divorce”

Amanda De Jesus & Brooke Bechtel

Brooke Bechtel is currently completing her Bachelors of Early Childhood Education degree at Brock University. Her research interest includes understanding the effects that parental divorce has on young children and their development. Brooke has experience educating children of all ages, is respite certified and has a passion for helping children thrive in their development

Amanda De Jesus is completing her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Brock University. She has experience across all age groups in the early learning years. Her interest in how educators can support children’s social and emotional development who are experiencing parental divorce or separation stemmed from her personal experience of divorcing parents in Kindergarten and her brother in preschool.

Resources

• Voice and Support: Programs for Children Experiencing Parental Separation and Divorce (Government of Canada) – In this resource provided by the Government of Canada, parents and educators are able to find numerous programs for children of separating and divorcing parents (Government of Canada, 2022). There is a single Canada-wide program titled Rainbows. There are also province-specific programs. The type of program, program description and evaluation are provided for each program.
• Families Change: A Parent Guide to Separation and Divorce – This resource provides parents with several means of support as they experience parental divorce. In this resource you can find TED Talks, parenting planning worksheets, federal support guidelines, and co-parenting resources. In addition, you can find resources for children. For example, there is a video provided by Sesame Street that discusses divorce as well as many booksthat discuss the topic in an age-appropriate manner (Families Change Ontario, 2024).
• Children and Divorce (HelpGuide.org) This resource is specific to a home setting. Though our topic was focused on how researchers can support children, this resource is impactful as educators to relay important information to parents on how they can support children in a home setting. The topics include how to help children through a divorce, how to talk to children about divorce, how to help children grieve the divorce, providing stability, the importance of parents taking care of themselves, and professional help for children following a divorce (Kemp et al., 2024).

“Implications of Socio-economic Disparities on Early Childhood Development”

Olivia Pontrelli

Olivia Pontrelli is a BECE Student in her 4th year of studies at Brock University. She is currently in her 3rd year working as a professional early childhood educator, with hopes of getting her Ontario Teaching Certificate in the year future. Olivia plans to continue educating at the primary grade level, and has a particular interest in promoting literacy development.

“Does Technology Impact Young Children’s Language and Literacy Skills Development?”

Satvir Jugpall

Satvir Jugpall is a 4th year Brock University student in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program. She works as a supply ECE for the local school board and is looking forward to continuing her education to become an elementary school teacher. In her spare time, Satvir loves reading mystery and thriller novels.

Resources

• Helping your family use TV, phones, and tablets in healthy ways. Description: This page lists 4 general ways to allow children between the ages of 3 and 8 to engage with technology in healthy and safe ways.
• Technology and interactive media as tools for young children. Description: A page by the NAEYC referencing technology use, along with articles, blogs, and a book list for further learning.
• TEDx Talk with Marli Hoffman: Preschoolers and technology. Description: Marli Hoffman talks about the importance of introducing technology to young children.

“Technology in Education”

Ramanpreet Kaur Bains

Ramanpreet Kaur Bains is a 4th year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student at Brock University. She works with preschool children and enjoys integrating inclusion practices in the classroom. She loves spending time with the children and helping them build the best experiences in the classroom. Raman also loves to spend time with her family and in nature.

Resources

• An Introduction to Technology Integration – This video highlights the importance of the integration of technology builds engagement and
  helps them become creators of the upcoming future.
• How can educators engage children with technology? Educational technologies can help children engage in learning experiences and make changes in daily routines.
• SAMR and TPACK model – Both models help educators reflect on the technological tools that are planned to be used in
  the classroom and avoid the potential impacts of technology.
• Technology tools – Provides parents and educators with the tools to integrate in the curriculum.

“The Impact of Online Education on Children’s Learning: Can It Be Done Better?”

Griffin Terryberry

Griffin Terryberry is a student in the Bachelor of Education Program at Brock University. He is in his last year of the program and will be attending Teacher’s College next year. He studies well and enjoys being outdoors, going to social gatherings, and writing his graphic novel about teenagers with superpowers.

“Digital play: The role of early childhood educators”

May Graham

May Graham is currently a full-time student attending the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program at Brock University, as well as working full-time as a registered early childhood educator. May thoroughly enjoys being enrolled in education, as it expands her knowledge and positively impacts her practice as an educator.

Resources

• Digital play fosters skills – The Lego Foundation is an excellent tool for early childhood educators to discover the benefits of digital play, which include but are not limited to developing skills, intrinsic motivation, and creativity (The Lego Foundation, 2021, p. 3).
• Visible learning – The NYAEC has created a great article concerning how early childhood educators can engage in digital play and document children’s learning.
• Skills are essential – ICTE Solutions Australia (n.d.) does an excellent job in relaying specific examples of digital play that have fostered the development of various skills. Early childhood educators can use these experiences as examples for their own practice.