NSCC Kingstec -  
Saturday, June 7th ⋅9:30am – 2:00pm & Saturday, June 21st 9:30am - 2:00pm (You must attend both days to receive your certificate)

Description:  The "Celebrating Neurodiversity Series" is a 4-part professional development workshop that is meant to dig deeper into our general understanding of neurodiversity and how best to implement supportive accommodations for neurodivergent children and educators in early learning and childcare settings. 1. "Beyond Behaviours" is inspired by the work of Dr. Mona Delahooke and will give educators the tools they need to recognize the inherent traits of neurodiversity and characteristics of neurodivergent trauma. 2. "Responsive Relationships" reflects on the importance of building secure, nurturing relationships with neurodiverse children and their families. 3. "Sensory-Friendly Spaces" is driven by a comprehensive and practical approach that will help educators assess and understand the sensory profiles of neurodivergent children, including how best to support sensory processing needs within adaptive multi-sensory environments in early learning settings. 4. "Accessible Workplaces" approaches our work environments from the perspective of neurodivergent ECEs. The information in this session will encourage meaningful conversations and acknowledge educator support needs in our early learning settings. 

Facilitator: Melissa Castonguay

Melissa Castonguay is an Early Childhood Educator, a neurodiversity movement advocate, an advisor for child care transformation in Nova Scotia, and the parent of a neurodivergent child. She is also a professional consultant, facilitating workshops focused on neurodiversity affirming pedagogical practice and the implementation of supportive accommodations for neurodivergent children in childcare settings. She is striving to inspire truly inclusive early learning for all children by empowering educators to embrace a new mindset as she shares openly from her own experiences. Melissa believes whole-heartedly in the value of meeting children where they are, accepting them for who they are, and supporting them in reaching their lifelong potential.

Fee: $80

Deadline to register: May 30,  2025

This workshop will be facilitated in-person. Requirements:

• Own water bottle or flask
• Pen and notebook
• Bring own lunch, only snacks provided by NSCC Kingstec

Registered participants will receive detailed instructions.

Please Note Our Payment Process 

1. Credit card or VISA Debit payment
2. Cheque
3. Cash
(Instructions below)

- Registration form AND payment are to be received by us at least TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE (unless otherwise noted), not simply postmarked by the deadline.
- Registrations cannot be processed, nor spaces held, until both registration form and payment are received.
- Cancellations must be processed before the workshop occurs. Please contact us at least 1 week prior to a workshop if you are unable to attend.

Please contact  nova.jones@nscc.ca or justine.macdonald@nscc.ca  for more details.

*please keep our workshop guidelines in mind* https://www.nscc.ca/ecdsc/professional-development/kingstec-guidelines.asp

To Register: https://bit.ly/ecdscregistration

Organizer: Early Years Professional Development
Early Years Professional Development

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: Adam Braye & Lea Anne Joudrie

Session Dates and Times:

June 2 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

June 4 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM   

June 9 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM 

June 11 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

June 16 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

June 18 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

To register click on the link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1277818031129?aff=oddtdtcreator

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: Adam Braye & Lea Anne Joudrie

Session Dates and Times:

June 2 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

June 4 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM   

June 9 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM 

June 11 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

June 16 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

June 18 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

To register click on the link:https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1277818031129?aff=oddtdtcreator

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 footware and bring a waterbottle

Session Dates and Times:

June 14th 9:00am-4:00pm (Lunch not provided)

9:00am-12:00pm-NSCC Pictou Campus (39 Acadia Avenue, Stellarton, NS)

1:00pm-4:00pm-Park (To Be Determined) It will be about a 20 minute drive to the park from NSCC Pictou Campus. 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/1269391998639?aff=oddtdtcreator

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: Adam Braye & Lea Anne Joudrie

Session Dates and Times:

June 2 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

June 4 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM   

June 9 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM 

June 11 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

June 16 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

June 18 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

To register click on the link:https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1277818031129?aff=oddtdtcreator

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: Adam Braye & Lea Anne Joudrie

Session Dates and Times:

June 2 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

June 4 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM   

June 9 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM 

June 11 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

June 16 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

June 18 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM

To register click on the link:https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1277818031129?aff=oddtdtcreator