Fall 2013 Professional Development Workshops For Early Childhood Educators

Fall 2013 Professional Development Workshops For Early Childhood Educators Funding for these workshops is made possible through the Federal/Provincial Territorial Early Childhood Development Agreement coordinated by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. Mount Saint Vincent University 166 Bedford Highway Halifax, NS, B3M 2J6 Child and Youth Study Department

Early Childhood Education Assistance & Continuing Education Programs The Nova Scotia Department of Community Services has a recruitment and retention strategy to encourage more individuals into the field, and to assist those already in the early child care sector to deliver quality licensed child care services in Nova Scotia. They offer two programs to provide financial support; the Early Childhood Education Assistance program offers a debt reduction incentive, and the Continuing Education Program offers reimbursement for continuing education courses offered through the early childhood training institutions in Nova Scotia. For more information on these programs, please visit the DCS website: http://novascotia.ca/coms/families/provider/training/index.html ALL REGISTRATION IS NOW ONLINE Please visit our website www.msvu.ca/earlychildhoodworkshops and follow the links to register for workshops. CONFIRMATION & CANCELLATION POLICY: Participation is not confirmed until payment is received. Confirmation receipt will be sent by email upon receipt of payment. All fees are non-refundable but you may allow an alternate person to attend in your absence. Please allow 48 hours advance notice if making a substitution, otherwise a $5.00 administration fee is required for a revised certificate of attendance. CERTIFICATES: A Certificate of Attendance (including number of workshops contact hours) is given out for all workshops or workshop series. Participants must attend the full scheduled workshop session in order to receive a certificate. Workshop information & online registration is on our website: www.msvu.ca/earlychildhoodworkshops. A light lunch is provided for all full day MSVU location workshops. 2

Who Early learning & childcare program administrators or educators. What Developing leadership skills, knowledge & competency in administering & managing early learning & childcare programs. Where & When Mount Saint Vincent University; September 2013 - May 2014 Why Why Develop competence in leadership & management training. Through a mixture of lectures, presentations, guest speakers, discussions, workplace based assignments & individual &group work, participants will develop skills to effectively manage & lead a successful early learning and childcare programs. Modules Include: Management & Leadership Managerial Communication Human Resource Management ECE Policy Development Financial Management Marketing Child Care Programs Advocacy & Professionalism Strategic Planning Risk Management Curriculum Design Implementation & Evaluation Computer Application Dates: Orientation Reception; Wednesday, September 11, 2013 Friday & Saturday, 9 am 4pm Sept. 20 & 21, 2013 Nov. 1 & 2, 2013 Nov. 29 & 30, 2013 December no classes Jan. 17 & 18, 2014 Feb. 21 & 22, 2014 March 21 & 22, 2014 April 25 & 26, 2014 May 23 & 24, 2014 Graduation Reception June TBA Tuition: $700 plus $100 for course materials. A Continuing Education Certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the course. Application: Enrolment is limited. Priority consideration will be given to those currently in administrative roles in an Early Childhood facility. Applications will be available on our website in early Spring 2013. For more information, please contact: Rhonda Rees Professional Development Coordinator Department of Child and Youth Study (902) 457-6313 rhonda.rees@msvu.ca This course qualifies for the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services reimbursement Continuing Education Program.

Workshops Online Play Continuing Education Series: Connecting, Engaging, Inspiring Children s Play and Learning * This workshop qualifies for the NS Dept. of Community Services reimbursement Continuing Education Program. For more information on eligibility & requirements, please visit the DCS website: http://www.gov.ns.ca/coms/families/provider/recruitmentretention.html Dates: Tuesday and Thursday evenings as below Time: 6 pm-9pm Cost: $175 full series or $25 per single session Total PD hours: 24 hours Location: Online from your home computer Presenter: Beverlie Dietze * Those attending the full series (all 8 sessions) will receive a continuing education certificate for 24 PD hours; all others receive a standard PD certificate of their hours Description: Play = learning how do children learn from their play experiences? The literature & our experiences working with children helps us to understand that children in all cultures learn through play. When children have environments that offer them a sense of wonder, experimentation & exploration, they acquire knowledge, skills & abilities that become the foundation for lifelong learning & development. Play is serious business for young children (Pascal, 2009). Early learning professionals benefit from continuously exploring what they know about children s play & why they value play as their philosophical framework with their work with young children. In this eight part series, participants will explore children s play from a variety of perspectives. Each session will emphasize the role of the practitioner, types of questioning strategies that may be used to expand children s sense of curiosity, how to use documentation to support children and parents in viewing play and expanding upon their play, and how to weave cultural considerations into the play environment. Each session will be interactive & participants will be required to engage in a reflective process. Beverlie Dietze, with a guest facilitator will lead each of the sessions. Session I: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 6 pm to 9 pm Have you ever wondered about how that tree got all those holes or who lives in the tree holes? This session will focus on ways of bringing a sense of wonderment and experimentation into children s play. How to use nature, environmental learning, and interesting places for children s play and wonderment will be discussed. Session II: Tuesday, October, 22, 2013 6 pm to 9 pm When I add pipes to wood I get.um.something to use with my pumps. This session will introduce different types of loose parts that may be added to the environment that are sure to trigger children s imaginations and play options. Session III: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 6 pm to 9 pm Why a play on words like I saw a yellow, mello, jello, bello spark a sense of curiosity and playfulness with children. This session will discuss ways to weave language and literacy ideas across core curriculum areas such as in art, blocks, dramatic play, water, and projects to influence children s curiosity and extend their play options. Session IV: Tuesday, December 3, 2013 6 pm to 9 pm I wonder, wonder, wonder if my idea will work maybe if I.? This session will introduce the concept of using trial balloons as a way to spark children s sense of wonderment by floating intriguing ideas as curiosity stretchers. Session V: Thursday, January 16, 2014 6 pm to 9 pm Burr its cold outside This session will focus on how outdoor play in the winter adds new dimensions to the power of play and learning. Discussions on ways to incorporate the six types of risk taking that children benefit from in the outdoor environment will be highlighted. Session VI: Thursday, February 13, 2014 6 pm to 9 pm Maybe we can build down and then across and then up and then maybe.. This session will discuss how children s play spaces can be designed to offer them options with space and materials that will trigger children experiencing vertical and horizontal construction play. Session VII: Thursday, March 13, 2014 6 pm to 9 pm Let s go to the cave Creating inspiring spaces and places for play. This session will introduce participants to how new forms of play can be experienced through the creation of discovery gardens, caves, holes with a purpose, or play that is high and play that is low. Session VIII: Thursday, March 27, 2014 6 pm to 9 pm I can make rainbows with all these things. This session focuses on how children s creativity changes when their indoor and outdoor environments stimulate them to explore their play spaces by examining new possibilities, options and ways 4 of messing about.

Free Online Collaborate Practice Session Date: Tuesday September 17, 2013 OR Thursday January 9, 2014 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm Cost: FREE Total PD hours: 0 Location: Online from your home computer Presenter: Beverlie Dietze Description: This free online practice session is for those participants hoping to sign up for an online PD workshop who would like some prior practice to introduce and familiarize themselves to the online Collaborate workshop site. To register for this free session contact rhonda.rees@msvu.ca Practical Ways To Encourage Positive Behavior in Young Children Date: Saturday September 28, 2013 Halifax Time: : 9 am- 4 pm Cost: $50 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 358 Presenter: Kathy Black Date: Saturday November 16, 2013 Antigonish Time: : 9 am- 4 pm Cost: $50 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Claymore Inn & Suites; 137 Church Street, Antigonish, Nova Scotia Presenter: Kathy Black Description: Why Do Children Misbehave? This workshop will discuss reasons why many children may present challenging behaviors. Understanding effective guidance techniques will assist participants to reduce behavior problems in their early childhood classroom. Presenter Biography: Kathy Black has been in the field of early childhood education for over 25 years. Kathy worked as an early childhood teacher for 15 years, and continues to stay connected with the early childhood sector, when facilitating early childhood workshops. Throughout her career as an Early Childhood Development Officer and Licensing Officer, Kathy has had an opportunity to view a variety of early childhood environments throughout the province. Inclusion Strategies for Preschoolers with Autism Date: Saturday September 28 and Saturday October 5, 2013 Time: 9 am 4pm Cost: $100 Total PD hours: 12 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 Presenters: Debbie Thompson & Heather Hiscock Description: This two day long workshop will provide information to early childhood educators on the updated diagnostic criteria of Autism Spectrum Disorders and describe the current process for receiving services in Nova Scotia. Participants will spend most of the day working through the process of identifying learning styles and developing behavioural and learning strategies best matched to individual strengths and needs. Presenters will provide examples of hands on teaching tools and materials and share suggestions with participants on how to customize materials based on children s individual needs and interests. PLEASE NOTE: Participants should have previous basic knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders and be comfortable working in groups sharing experiences and developing strategies. Presenter Biographies: Debbie Thompson is a Mount graduate, with a Degree in Child & Youth Study BAA (CHYS). She has always had a passion for teaching & has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) for over ten years. Debbie started her career at Wee Care Developmental Centre as a teacher in the integrated preschool, becoming their first Resource teacher, having helped the center develop & implement the position. She has created & delivered many workshops on various topics including Transitions, Circle time, Creative learning, Music & Movement for the Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education. Debbie has also developed & delivered custom workshops at the request of many preschools. She currently works at the IWK Health Centre as a Program Implementer for the Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention program (EIBI) for children with Autism, where she continues to work closely with preschools, children & families. Heather Hiscock completed her Bachelor of Applied Arts in Child & Youth Study at Mount St Vincent University. She has also completed several courses in the Masters of Child & Youth Study program. Since entering the ECE field, she has worked in daycares in several capacities-as classroom teacher, as a one-to-one support worker, as a resource teacher at the Mount s Child Study Centre &, currently she works as a Program Implementer, for the IWK, spending much of her time, teaming with daycare centre staff in the development & implementation of behavioural programming for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 5

Having Difficult Conversations with Parents Date: Wednesday October 9, 2013 Time: : 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Cost: $25 Total PD hours: 2 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 306C (located on the second floor, up the steps opposite the main front doors) Presenter: Denise Stone Description: Come explore the challenges of relaying difficult information to parents of children in your program. Participants will review the steps necessary to objectively identify a problem and how to bring it to the attention of parents in a empathic, respectful way. A review of basic communication principles and barriers to communication during adult/ adult conversations will be discussed. Presenter Biography: Denise Stone (BCS) has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 20 years. A graduate of MSVU with a Bachelor of Child Studies & Master of Education degrees, she has worked in several provinces, & held a wide variety of positions including supervision of child care programs, early intervention, teaching ECE courses, workshop delivery & in licensing. Her main areas of concentration include children with special needs, behaviour guidance & human relations. Autism and the Implications of Play Date: Saturday October 19, and Saturday November 2, 2013 Time: 9am-12 noon each day Cost: $50 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 both dates Presenters: Erin Dooley & Carly Kehoe Description: Free play can be a challenging time for children with autism. As ECE's we forget some of the basic language and social communication skills that are crucial to being able to play during free play. Participants will learn practical strategies and techniques to support children in participating during free play. Participants will participate in group discussions and hands-on play activities that they will be able to easily implement at their own centres. Presenter Biographies: Erin Dooley has supported children with autism for ten years working at the Child Study Centre. She has a bachelor degree in Child and Youth Study and is currently working on her graduate degree. Carly Kehoe currently works as an ECE at the Child Study Centre. She is passionate about insuring all of the children are able to participate positively and successfully within her classroom. She has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and is currently working on her graduate degree in Child and Youth Study. 6

Inspiring Spaces and Environments Date: Saturday October 26, 2013 Time: : 9 am - 4 pm Cost: $50 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 Presenter: Beverlie Dietze Description: This full-day workshop will introduce the participants to principles of inspiring spaces. Four early learning centres will be visited for the purpose of viewing how their indoor and outdoor play spaces are designed to provide children with a sense of curiosity and expand play options. Discussions and ideas on ways in which environments could inspire children, parents and the community will occur. (participants will be provided with a box lunch, and will be bussed to the centres, departing and returning to MSVU) Mount Saint Vincent University Child Study Centre http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/community/childstudycentre/ Play, Learn, Grown in Bedford http://www.play-learn-grow.com/ Voyageur Lakes Kids Academy http://www.kidsacademy.ca/ Foxhollow Child Care Centre https://www.facebook.com/foxhollowchildcarecentre Presenter Biography: Beverlie Dietze is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Child & Youth Study department at Mount Saint Vincent University. She has been an educator for many years on early childhood education topics & is author of many articles related to children s play & staff development. Beverlie has conducted a number of research studies on issues related to outdoor play & staff development. Supporting Children Who Struggle; The Role of Observation and Documentation Date: Saturday November 2, and Saturday November 30, 2013 Time: 9am-4pm November 2, 2013 AND 9am 12noon, November 30, 2013 Cost: $75 Total PD hours: 9 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 both dates Presenters: Susan Adams & Judy Elliot Description: : This one and a half day workshop will focus on developing appropriate observation and documentation skills to support those children who are struggling behaviourally, emotionally and socially. Critical information about the child s functioning can be gathered through effective observation and can be valuable both within the centre, with the parents and with other community stakeholders. Participants will have the opportunity to practice observation and documentation during the workshop. Presenter Biographies: Susan Adams, BA.,B.Ed.,M.Ed & Judy Elliot, BA., B.Ed., MA have over 50 years experience between them working with children & youth in the Mental Health field, in both classroom & group settings. They have developed & facilitated skill building & process groups, & worked extensively with families & schools to support children & youth in their emotional & social growth, & academic success. Susan & Judy recognize the important role that caregivers & educational staff have in the child s life, & the need to work as a team on their behalf. They strongly believe that all aspects of a child s growth are enhanced by positive strategies, interaction, & planning. Handle with Care: Workplace Well Being of Educators Date: Saturday November 9, 2013 Time: 9 am - 3 pm Cost: $50 Total PD hours: 5 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 Presenter: Denise Stone Description: The wholistic health of educators plays a significant part in their efforts to promote children's mental health. This workshop will be an inter-active discussion on the challenges of balancing the priorities of family, work and self. Issues related specifically to working in an early childhood environment will be explored and strategies for building a "balance plan" will be shared. * will include discussions on work/life balance, stress/burnout, physical and emotional demands of working in child care, workplace 'personality', building working relationships Presenter Biography: Denise Stone (BCS) has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 20 years. A graduate of MSVU with a Bachelor of Child Studies & Master of Education degrees, she has worked in several provinces, & held a wide variety of positions including supervision of child care programs, early intervention, teaching ECE courses, workshop delivery & in licensing. Her main areas of concentration include children with special needs, behaviour guidance & human relations. 7

An Exploration of Trauma Informed Theory & Practice: Understanding the Impact of Complex Trauma on Child Development & How to Support Recovery in Multiple Settings Date: Saturday November 23, 2013 Time: : 9 am - 4 pm Cost: $50 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 Presenter: Stacy McRae Description: This workshop will offer early childhood educators an exploration of how resilience, competency and attachment can be promoted among children who have a history of complex trauma and exposure to harm in their care giving relationships. This workshop will allow participants to examine the definition of complex trauma, the subsequent impact on neurobiological function and other developmental domains, as well as examine specific trauma informed approaches applicable in a number of settings. Participants will be provided with concrete examples of trauma informed practices as well as a tool kit for implementation in the early childhood setting. Resources for supporting self care practices in the context of trauma informed services will also be provided. Presenter Biography: Stacy McRae is the Director of Clinical Services for Chisholm Services for Children a residential program for Children 12 and under who have been exposed to complex Trauma. Stacy holds a Bachelor degree in Social Work as well as a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology and Special Education. Stacy s practice and research interests have focused on the area of resilience and competency among children exposed to complex trauma and the trauma informed approaches that assist their development. Family Matters: Engaging Families in Child Care Settings Date: Saturday November 30, 2013 Time: 9am-4pm Cost: $50 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 Presenters: Bronwen Lloyd & Shelley Thompson Description: This session will explore the need for early childhood educators, administrators and professionals to connect in meaningful ways with children, families and communities. This interactive workshop will support participants to inspire each other through sharing their experiences, vision and passion about working with families and contributing to a culture of respect and hope for children. Activities and discussion will be focused on how we can engage families in creating early learning settings that celebrate childhood and set children on positive learning and developmental trajectories that will sustain them for the rest of their lives. Some key concepts around effective communication, conflict and change management, intergenerational influences, child development theory and human dynamics/leadership will be explored within the context of delivering high quality child care. Presenter Biographies: Bronwen Lloyd has been in the field of early childhood education for over 17 years. Throughout her career, Bronwen has worked as an educator, college/university professor, researcher and consultant. While her studies and work has taken her to many places in Canada and abroad, Bronwen has always been passionate about the field of early childhood education. Currently, Bronwen works as a Child Care Centre Policy Analyst for the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services in Early Childhood Development Services. Shelley Thompson has been in the Early Childhood Education field since the early 1990s. Since then she has held a variety of positions related to early childhood education & care & currently works for the Department of Community Services in the area of policy development related to licensed child care. 8

ALL REGISTRATION IS NOW ONLINE Please visit our website www.msvu.ca/earlychildhoodworkshops and follow the links to register for workshops For additional information or to receive a copy of our electronic brochure please contact: Rhonda Rees Professional Development Coordinator Department of Child and Youth Study (902) 457-6313 rhonda.rees@msvu.ca http://www.msvu.ca/earlychildhoodworkshops 9