Culturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia’s Early Learning and Child Care Settings is a 12-hour module developed in response to the ongoing enhancements to Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework (NSELCF). Three (3) sub-modules have been designed to create a safe and ethical space for examining the nature of biases, prejudice, and assumptions. The modules unpack privilege and encourage participants to reflect on the historical and systemic roots of discrimination and racism. The modules reflect on the lived experiences of people who face these challenges in Nova Scotia. Each module is accompanied by home learning that will continue the conversations between modules.

Through a reflective approach, participants will become deeply aware of their own identities and the identities of the children, families, and communities they serve.

Disclaimer: The modules have been developed for synchronous learning. Participants are required to move through each of the modules in sequence, and with the same cohort. The inability to commit will result in a “restart” of the entire training. The objective of the modules is to demonstrate cultural responsiveness, thus, participants must demonstrate this understanding throughout. To do so, participants scheduled for online learning must work from an operational computer, with a working mic and camera.

Module 1: Laying Face and Foundation

Module Objectives:

• Understand who the Mi’kmaq are

• Understand who the Acadians are

• Understand who the Gaels are

• Understand who the African Nova Scotians are

• Explore and contextualize our understanding of culture

• Explore and contextualize our understanding of intersectionality

• Explore and articulate the intersections of race, nationality, gender, and sexuality

Module 1 provides space for the four (4) historical cultures of Nova Scotia to share themselves in a meaningful way. Participants will better understand the four (4) historical cultures, languages, and beliefs. Participants will explore and contextualize specific intersections and how they relate to culture and themselves.

Module 2: Faces of Discrimination

▪ Explore and contextualize our own privileges, biases, and opinions

▪ Explore and contextualize discrimination

▪ Explore and contextualize racism

▪ Explore and contextualize systemic racism

▪ Explore the Indian Act, Residential Schools, Africville, Racialized Policing, “All lives Matter” and, Social Determinants of Health

▪ Explore and contextualize micro-aggression

Module 2 requires participants to explore and contextualize their own privileges, biases, and opinions. Participants will explore how these interrelate with discrimination, racism, and moreover, systemic racism. Participants will specifically explore contemporary racism in Nova Scotia.

Module 3: Faces of Reconciliation

▪ Explore and contextualize reconciliation

▪ Explore Truth and Reconciliation

▪ Explore and review Education Calls to Action

▪ Explore Black Lives Matter

▪ Explore and review United Nations Rights of the Child

▪ Explore Educator’s role in the classroom

▪ Explore 7 Sacred Teachings as a tool

▪ Explore racism from birth onward

▪ Explore Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework

▪ Explore and articulate culturally responsive practice

▪ Explore and contextualize Allyship

Module 3 provides space to explore the different types of reconciliation while acknowledging the need to act now. Participants explore their own roles in this work; specifically exploring cultural responsiveness as it relates to Early Learning and Child Care Settings and moreover the Early Learning Curriculum Framework.

Pre-registration agreements

• I agree to participate from an operational computer with a working mic and camera.

• I agree all information is confidential and will not be shared outside my group discussions or cohort of participants

• I agree to commit to the entire 12-hour schedule to receive credit.

• I agree to conduct myself in a professional manner and be respectful of other people’s perspectives, opinions, and ideas.

• I agree that I will show up fully committed and engaged in the work.

Facilitators:

Sieun Palmer

Carrie Melsom

Session Dates and Times:

Session 1: Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 2: Thursday, October 17th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 3: Saturday, October 19th, 2024 (online), 9:00am-1:00pm

Session 4: Tuesday, October 22nd 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 5: Thursday, October 24th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nscece-culturally-responsive-practice-online-tickets-858984013307?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl 

Creating a Respectful Workplace in an Early Learning  Environment

Please note: This session face to face at NSCC Burridge

Creating a Respectful Workplace in an Early Learning  Environment is a session where participants will engage in the different components of exhibiting respect and how it applies within the early learning environment workplace. Case studies, developed based on survey results, create a hands on and applicable learning environment.  Videos shown display common issues found in the workplace and demonstrate appropriate ways to manage them in the real world.
Workshop Goals: 

• To provide an understanding of what appropriate practices are for employers and employees in relation to creating a respectful working environment in an early learning setting.
• To provide participants with the knowledge to detect and respectfully address inappropriate practices.

Facilitator: Michelle Doucette, NSCC Faculty

Please note this is the same session that Michelle has offered online and self directed in the past.

When: Saturday, October 19th from 9-4 (1 hour lunch on own)
PD Hrs: 6
Where: NSCC Burridge Campus, Yarmouth

Cost: $70  
Limited spaces, which cannot be held without payment.
The deadline to withdraw from a workshop without penalty is two weeks to allow us to modify our supplies and contact our wait list. Withdrawals received by the deadline will result in a credit for a future workshop.

Please make arrangements to pay by cheque, credit card or you can drop off on campus.
Mailing address for cheque:
Early Childhood Development Support Centre – NSCC Burridge Campus
372 Pleasant Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2

Credit card payments can be made through NSCC Student Services at 902-742-0760. Receipts will be emailed. Open hours are 9:00am to 4:00pm.
If you have questions reach out to melissa.vail@nscc.ca or 902-742-7832

https://forms.office.com/r/LxaHbVrABX

Culturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia’s Early Learning and Child Care Settings is a 12-hour module developed in response to the ongoing enhancements to Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework (NSELCF). Three (3) sub-modules have been designed to create a safe and ethical space for examining the nature of biases, prejudice, and assumptions. The modules unpack privilege and encourage participants to reflect on the historical and systemic roots of discrimination and racism. The modules reflect on the lived experiences of people who face these challenges in Nova Scotia. Each module is accompanied by home learning that will continue the conversations between modules.

Through a reflective approach, participants will become deeply aware of their own identities and the identities of the children, families, and communities they serve.

Disclaimer: The modules have been developed for synchronous learning. Participants are required to move through each of the modules in sequence, and with the same cohort. The inability to commit will result in a “restart” of the entire training. The objective of the modules is to demonstrate cultural responsiveness, thus, participants must demonstrate this understanding throughout. To do so, participants scheduled for online learning must work from an operational computer, with a working mic and camera.

Module 1: Laying Face and Foundation

Module Objectives:

• Understand who the Mi’kmaq are

• Understand who the Acadians are

• Understand who the Gaels are

• Understand who the African Nova Scotians are

• Explore and contextualize our understanding of culture

• Explore and contextualize our understanding of intersectionality

• Explore and articulate the intersections of race, nationality, gender, and sexuality

Module 1 provides space for the four (4) historical cultures of Nova Scotia to share themselves in a meaningful way. Participants will better understand the four (4) historical cultures, languages, and beliefs. Participants will explore and contextualize specific intersections and how they relate to culture and themselves.

Module 2: Faces of Discrimination

▪ Explore and contextualize our own privileges, biases, and opinions

▪ Explore and contextualize discrimination

▪ Explore and contextualize racism

▪ Explore and contextualize systemic racism

▪ Explore the Indian Act, Residential Schools, Africville, Racialized Policing, “All lives Matter” and, Social Determinants of Health

▪ Explore and contextualize micro-aggression

Module 2 requires participants to explore and contextualize their own privileges, biases, and opinions. Participants will explore how these interrelate with discrimination, racism, and moreover, systemic racism. Participants will specifically explore contemporary racism in Nova Scotia.

Module 3: Faces of Reconciliation

▪ Explore and contextualize reconciliation

▪ Explore Truth and Reconciliation

▪ Explore and review Education Calls to Action

▪ Explore Black Lives Matter

▪ Explore and review United Nations Rights of the Child

▪ Explore Educator’s role in the classroom

▪ Explore 7 Sacred Teachings as a tool

▪ Explore racism from birth onward

▪ Explore Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework

▪ Explore and articulate culturally responsive practice

▪ Explore and contextualize Allyship

Module 3 provides space to explore the different types of reconciliation while acknowledging the need to act now. Participants explore their own roles in this work; specifically exploring cultural responsiveness as it relates to Early Learning and Child Care Settings and moreover the Early Learning Curriculum Framework.

Pre-registration agreements

• I agree to participate from an operational computer with a working mic and camera.

• I agree all information is confidential and will not be shared outside my group discussions or cohort of participants

• I agree to commit to the entire 12-hour schedule to receive credit.

• I agree to conduct myself in a professional manner and be respectful of other people’s perspectives, opinions, and ideas.

• I agree that I will show up fully committed and engaged in the work.

Facilitators:

Sieun Palmer

Carrie Melsom

Session Dates and Times:

Session 1: Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 2: Thursday, October 17th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 3: Saturday, October 19th, 2024 (online), 9:00am-1:00pm

Session 4: Tuesday, October 22nd 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 5: Thursday, October 24th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nscece-culturally-responsive-practice-online-tickets-858984013307?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl 

Culturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia’s Early Learning and Child Care Settings is a 12-hour module developed in response to the ongoing enhancements to Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework (NSELCF). Three (3) sub-modules have been designed to create a safe and ethical space for examining the nature of biases, prejudice, and assumptions. The modules unpack privilege and encourage participants to reflect on the historical and systemic roots of discrimination and racism. The modules reflect on the lived experiences of people who face these challenges in Nova Scotia. Each module is accompanied by home learning that will continue the conversations between modules.

Through a reflective approach, participants will become deeply aware of their own identities and the identities of the children, families, and communities they serve.

Disclaimer: The modules have been developed for synchronous learning. Participants are required to move through each of the modules in sequence, and with the same cohort. The inability to commit will result in a “restart” of the entire training. The objective of the modules is to demonstrate cultural responsiveness, thus, participants must demonstrate this understanding throughout. To do so, participants scheduled for online learning must work from an operational computer, with a working mic and camera.

Module 1: Laying Face and Foundation

Module Objectives:

• Understand who the Mi’kmaq are

• Understand who the Acadians are

• Understand who the Gaels are

• Understand who the African Nova Scotians are

• Explore and contextualize our understanding of culture

• Explore and contextualize our understanding of intersectionality

• Explore and articulate the intersections of race, nationality, gender, and sexuality

Module 1 provides space for the four (4) historical cultures of Nova Scotia to share themselves in a meaningful way. Participants will better understand the four (4) historical cultures, languages, and beliefs. Participants will explore and contextualize specific intersections and how they relate to culture and themselves.

Module 2: Faces of Discrimination

▪ Explore and contextualize our own privileges, biases, and opinions

▪ Explore and contextualize discrimination

▪ Explore and contextualize racism

▪ Explore and contextualize systemic racism

▪ Explore the Indian Act, Residential Schools, Africville, Racialized Policing, “All lives Matter” and, Social Determinants of Health

▪ Explore and contextualize micro-aggression

Module 2 requires participants to explore and contextualize their own privileges, biases, and opinions. Participants will explore how these interrelate with discrimination, racism, and moreover, systemic racism. Participants will specifically explore contemporary racism in Nova Scotia.

Module 3: Faces of Reconciliation

▪ Explore and contextualize reconciliation

▪ Explore Truth and Reconciliation

▪ Explore and review Education Calls to Action

▪ Explore Black Lives Matter

▪ Explore and review United Nations Rights of the Child

▪ Explore Educator’s role in the classroom

▪ Explore 7 Sacred Teachings as a tool

▪ Explore racism from birth onward

▪ Explore Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework

▪ Explore and articulate culturally responsive practice

▪ Explore and contextualize Allyship

Module 3 provides space to explore the different types of reconciliation while acknowledging the need to act now. Participants explore their own roles in this work; specifically exploring cultural responsiveness as it relates to Early Learning and Child Care Settings and moreover the Early Learning Curriculum Framework.

Pre-registration agreements

• I agree to participate from an operational computer with a working mic and camera.

• I agree all information is confidential and will not be shared outside my group discussions or cohort of participants

• I agree to commit to the entire 12-hour schedule to receive credit.

• I agree to conduct myself in a professional manner and be respectful of other people’s perspectives, opinions, and ideas.

• I agree that I will show up fully committed and engaged in the work.

Facilitators:

Sieun Palmer

Carrie Melsom

Session Dates and Times:

Session 1: Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 2: Thursday, October 17th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 3: Saturday, October 19th, 2024 (online), 9:00am-1:00pm

Session 4: Tuesday, October 22nd 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 5: Thursday, October 24th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nscece-culturally-responsive-practice-online-tickets-858984013307?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl 

Date Saturday October 26, 2024 (9am –4 pm) Cost: $75 Total PD hours: 7 PD hours Location: IN PERSON Rosaria Student Centre Multi Purpose Room (Room #303) Lunch is provided

Description:  Description:  
Much about our understanding of inclusion is in transition including the language we use. Language matters. The language we use goes beyond a list of correct words and terms.  Inclusive language is more than just a trend; it is a powerful tool for creating a more equitable and respectful society.  
Our morning will begin with a panel presentation where community representatives from various fields will share their thoughts on the language of inclusion; how language shapes our interactions and impacts social inclusion
After lunch participants will engage in facilitated discussion, where we will learn from each other and hear from those in the inclusion community. 
 
Key takeaways participants may expect from this day long event include: 
•    Gain a clear understanding of what inclusive language is and why it matters in today’s diverse society.
•    Discover practical strategies for incorporating inclusive language into everyday communication.
•    Learn how to avoid biased language and make conscious word choices that respect all individuals.
•    Hear real-world examples and best practices from the inclusion community
•    Learn to communicate in a way that respects and centers the voices of historically marginalized groups.
•    Understand the impact of inclusive language on creating welcoming and respectful environments.
•    Gain insights into how inclusive language can enhance community engagement and foster a sense of belonging.
•    Recognize that inclusive language is dynamic and evolves over time.
•    Be encouraged to stay informed and adapt to new developments in inclusive communication.

Learning with Mi'kma'ki is a new professional development opportunity for early childhood professionals in Nova Scotia. This training provides an opportunity for participants to see the natural environment, Earth science, sustainability, reciprocity, and interconnectedness, with two eyes — Etuaptmumk (ed-do-up-dm-momk). The work represents Mi’kmaw-first voice, with the support and advice of a standing committee.

The 6-hour course is an introduction for Early Childhood Educators to explore their immediate relationship with place and how this knowledge can be integrated in learning environments for Early Learners. The field book, which is a part of the training, requires participants to reflect on knowledge and teachings. It helps guide participants in understanding how they, as members of this place, are to be present and, in turn, how being present can be directly linked to the work of Early Learning and Child Care.

TOPICS EXPLORED:

Part 1: Indoor Presentation and Reflection

Explore Mi’kma’ki
Explore Land Acknowledgments
Explore the traditional territory and seven (7) districts
Explore who are the Mi’kmaq
Explore Mi’kmaw ways of knowing and being
Explore the teachings of Netukulimk
Explore the differences between a gift economy and a wage economy
Explore how this knowledge relates to early learners
Explore the importance of play
Explore the differences between outdoor education, outdoor learning, and land-based learning
Explore personal skill sets
Explore Etuaptmumk
Explore relationships with place

Part 2: Outdoor Activities and Discussions

Sitting with Land Activity
Observe – Memorize – Compare Protocol: bird watching
Observe – Memorize – Compare Protocol: plants and trees
Talking Circle reflection
Etuaptmumk – Two-Eyed Seeing
Case study on outing with children – reflection and discussion.

Please come prepared to spend at least 3 hours outdoors, dress for the weather and have appropriate footwear and bring a water bottle.

Session Dates and Times:

October 26th 9:00am-4:00pm (Lunch not provided)

9:00am-12:00pm-NSCC Cumberland Amherst Learning Centre (147 South Albion Street, Amherst, NS)

1:00pm-4:00pm-Tidnish Provincial Park (Prounis Park, Amherst, NS) It is a 26 minute drive here from the Amherst Site. We ask that you bring your lunch or grab something on your way to the park.

To register, click on the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/932515477897?aff=oddtdtcreator

The One Step Forward Club strives to raise awareness about issues of injustice and inequality and to effect change within ourselves, and our community. The One Step Forward Club is a refreshing alternative to a traditional book club.  It provides a platform for engaging discussions without the hefty time commitment.  Creating a community of kind, thoughtful people, and discuss one great article/film every month.

This community of practice is free of charge.

If interested contact Jane MacKenzie
jane.mackenzie@janenorman.ca