Welcome to the EYPDC

The Early Years Professional Development Committee consists of representatives of provincially funded Training Institutions and Support Sites. Committee members share their insights, needs assessment observations and professional development plans in order to coordinate, communicate and deliver quality professional development for all early childhood educators and other early years professionals in Nova Scotia.

Upcoming Workshops

Information about professional development workshops is shared by participating Early Years Professional Development Committee members. All registrations are processed by the individual sites. Please contact hosting site directly to register for your session.
November 20, 2024
  • MSVU Your Image of the Child: What does it look like in practice?

    View Details


    November 20, 2024  6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
    Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, NS B3M 2J6, Canada

    Dates: Wednesday November 20 (6:30-8:30 pm Online) AND Saturday November 23 2024 (9am-12 noon (In Person) Cost: $60 Total PD hours 5 hours Location: ONLINE and IN PERSON Presenter: Liz Hicks
    Description: Many centres have their statement of their image of the child, as do many ece’s have their own beliefs about their image of children. In this workshop we will reflect on what exactly does this mean? What does this look and feel like in our centres?
    We will briefly examine individual/centre images of the child, and their ‘why’ do they believe this. Then focus with discus-sion, reflection and ideas of what the NSLF Image of The Child - Capable, Confident and Curious - would look like in practice.
    We will return to individuals Image of The Child and spend time discussion, reflecting, and hands on work by asking, ‘Do your practices reflect these beliefs?’ We will look through the lens of the environment – inside and outdoors, the daily rhythms (schedule), interaction, and explorations and most importantly our dispositions.
    Presenter Biography: Liz Hicks, 41 years in early childhood, in various capacities, & at present a private consultant working in early childhood education in NS, providing consulting & professional development in a variety of topics.
    ‘I believe children are capable, curious & have an innate need to connect with people & the world around them, which is also a belief I have for the educators that work with the children.’

    Location:  ONLINE AND IN PERSON

    5  PD hours

    $60

     Registration for our MSVU workshops, along our PD brochure with full workshops details, descriptions and presenter bios is found online    www.msvu.ca/earlychildhoodworkshops    


     



    See more details

November 21, 2024
  • NSCC Cumberland Capable, Confident & Curious Module 2

    View Details


    November 21, 2024  6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
    Online

    Module 2: Pedagogical Leadership

    ‘Pedagogical Leaders demonstrate credible knowledge of the teaching and learning process and draw on those principles to guide individuals and groups.’ (Coughlin and Woodburn, 2016)

    This module, designed for any type of leader in our field who is working in a regulated child care setting or Pre-primary Program, will focus on how pedagogical leadership supports educators in reflecting upon, and learning more about, their practices with children.

    We will address - through experiences and dialogue – the questions: What is an effective pedagogical leader? How do we work through growth and change in positive ways? How do we encourage innovative practices?

    Participants will:

    -develop an understanding of the role of a pedagogical leader, how this role can be improved through reflection, and how this type of leadership can support the vision and goals of their setting.
    -explore ideas around leading others through change and growth, while making connections to the framework, as they practice motivating, coaching, and mentoring skills.
    -reflect upon what it means to be a leader in terms of curriculum decisions; how we develop programs that are play-based, intentional, and connected to the practices described in the framework.

    **this is a 2 evening online session, you must attend both in order to receive a certificate**

    November 19th 6:30pm-9:00pm & November 21st 6:30pm-9:00pm

    Facilitators: Jane MacKenzie & LeaAnne Joudrie

    To register, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1041047470007?aff=oddtdtcreator

    See more details

  • NSCECE - Capable, Confident, and Curious: Module 1

    View Details


    November 21, 2024  6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

    Module 1: The Image of the Child

    It is an exciting time in the Nova Scotia Early Learning and Child Care field! In anticipation of the release of the revised curriculum framework, the NEW Module 1 - Image of the Child - is here!

    It will uncover the possibilities for using the first part of the Framework, and the "whys" of being able to use your Image of the Child in practical ways. Join us for this interactive session that will be the foundation for the rest of the Framework.

    This is a 2 evening online session, you must attend both in order to receive a certificate.

    Tuesday, November 19th, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM & Thursday, November 21st, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

    If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at circulation@nscece.ca.

    See more details

  • NSCECE - Culturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia's Early Learning and Child Care Settings (Online)

    View Details


    November 21, 2024  6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
    Online

    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, November 12th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

    Session 2: Thursday, November 14th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

    Session 3: Saturday, November 16th, 2024 (online), 9:00am-1:00pm

    Session 4: Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

    Session 5: Thursday, November 21st, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

    To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nscece-culturally-responsive-practice-online-tickets-858988938037?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

    See more details

November 23, 2024
  • NSCC Sydney Waterfront - FASD: What Educators Need to Know

    View Details


    November 23, 2024  9:00 am - 1:00 pm

    See more details

  • MSVU Your Image of the Child: What does it look like in practice?

    View Details


    November 23, 2024  6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
    Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, NS B3M 2J6, Canada

    Dates: Wednesday November 20 (6:30-8:30 pm Online) AND Saturday November 23 2024 (9am-12 noon (In Person) Cost: $60 Total PD hours 5 hours Location: ONLINE and IN PERSON Presenter: Liz Hicks
    Description: Many centres have their statement of their image of the child, as do many ece’s have their own beliefs about their image of children. In this workshop we will reflect on what exactly does this mean? What does this look and feel like in our centres?
    We will briefly examine individual/centre images of the child, and their ‘why’ do they believe this. Then focus with discus-sion, reflection and ideas of what the NSLF Image of The Child - Capable, Confident and Curious - would look like in practice.
    We will return to individuals Image of The Child and spend time discussion, reflecting, and hands on work by asking, ‘Do your practices reflect these beliefs?’ We will look through the lens of the environment – inside and outdoors, the daily rhythms (schedule), interaction, and explorations and most importantly our dispositions.
    Presenter Biography: Liz Hicks, 41 years in early childhood, in various capacities, & at present a private consultant working in early childhood education in NS, providing consulting & professional development in a variety of topics.
    ‘I believe children are capable, curious & have an innate need to connect with people & the world around them, which is also a belief I have for the educators that work with the children.’

    Location:  ONLINE AND IN PERSON

    5  PD hours

    $60

     Registration for our MSVU workshops, along our PD brochure with full workshops details, descriptions and presenter bios is found online    www.msvu.ca/earlychildhoodworkshops    


     



    See more details

November 26, 2024
  • CAPENÉ Module 1 partie 2/2 (FRENCH)

    View Details


    November 26, 2024  6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

    Il faut avoir complété partie 1 du Module1 (le 19 novembre, 2024) Le lien d'inscription est au calendrier le 19 novembre.

    See more details

  • JNC - One Step Forward Club (Community of Practice)

    View Details


    November 26, 2024  6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
    Online via Zoom

    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

    See more details

  • ECE Community of Practice

    View Details


    November 26, 2024  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    See more details

November 30, 2024
  • MSVU Providing a Culturally Sensitive Early Childhood Program

    View Details


    November 30, 2024  9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, NS B3M 2J6, Canada

    Date: Saturday November 30, 2024 Time: 9am-4pm pm Cost: $75 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: IN PERSON  Presenter: Kathy Black
     
    Description: All early childhood programs have a responsibility to create a culturally sensitive experience for all chil-dren and families enrolled in their care.
    During the morning session, participants will discuss how staff, curriculum, environment and family involvement can create a culturally sensitive program.
    In the afternoon educators will discuss a variety of culturally sensitive strategies to implement into their early childhood programs.

    Goals: Participants will understand the value in hiring a diverse team
    Participants will learn how to create a culturally sensitive environment
    Participants will understand how to increase parent and community involvement.

    Presenter Biography; Kathy Black has been supporting children, families, & educators for over 35 years in the Early Childhood field. Throughout her career she has enjoyed various roles as an early childhood educator, consultant, licensing officer, ECE faculty and workshop facilitator. Kathy currently is fulfilling the role as Inclusion Coordinator at Edward Jost Children’s Centre. Meeting children, families, & educators where they are at has been a practice that continues to guide Kathy throughout her career.

    Location:   IN PERSON

    6  PD hours

    $75

     Registration for our MSVU workshops, along our PD brochure with full workshops details, descriptions and presenter bios is found online    www.msvu.ca/earlychildhoodworkshops    


     



    See more details

  • NSCC Sydney Waterfront - Culturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia's Early Learning and Child Care Settings

    View Details


    November 30, 2024  9:00 am - 4:00 pm

    See more details

December 2, 2024
  • NSCC Kingstec - Going on a Sensory, Sound and Movement Safari: A Hands-On Exploration of Experiences for and With Infants

    View Details


    December 2, 2024  6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
    Online

    Just imagine how a world of wonder and exploration can be created and extended to infants. This interactive workshop is designed to explore how various experiences such as tactile textures and sights and sounds open new opportunities of discovery. We will explore how these experiences lay the foundation for language development, motor skills and social connections with infants.

    Facilitator: Dr. Beverlie Dietze

    Dr. Beverlie Dietze is the Director of Learning and Applied Research at Okanagan College, in British Columbia. Beverlie grew up in New Brunswick and frequently engages in many research projects and training events in the Maritimes. She has written 7 textbooks that are used in a number of Early Childhood Education college and university programs and has published a variety of peer-reviewed articles on topics related to early childhood programming and staff development.

    Fee: $20

    Deadline to register: November 25,  2024

    This workshop will be facilitated online. Requirements:

    • Internet
    • PC (Desktop or laptop)
    • Access to email (we’ll send you a link to the session)
    • Headset (you can borrow one from us)

    Registered participants will receive detailed instructions and may request a practice session to test your technology prior to the first session.

    It is the participants’ responsibility to make sure their equipment, including headphones, will work with the session. As per our policy, refunds will not be issued less than one week before the workshop.

    Please Note Our new payment process (September 2023)

    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  sara.graves@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

    See more details

December 3, 2024
  • NSCC Kingstec - Capable, Confident, and Curious: Pedagogical Leadership Module 2

    View Details


    December 3, 2024  6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
    Online

    Module 2 - Pedagogical Leadership

    Pedagogical Leaders demonstrate credible knowledge of the teaching and learning process and draw on those principles to guide individuals and groups.’ (Coughlin and Woodburn, 2016)

    This module, designed for any type of leader in our field who is working in a regulated child care setting or Pre-primary Program, will focus on how pedagogical leadership supports educators in reflecting upon, and learning more about, their practices with children.

    We will address - through experiences and dialogue – the questions: What is an effective pedagogical leader? How do we work through growth and change in positive ways? How do we encourage innovative practices?

    Participants will:

    • develop an understanding of the role of a pedagogical leader, how this role can be improved through reflection, and how this type of leadership can support the vision and goals of their setting.
    • explore ideas around leading others through change and growth, while making connections to the framework, as they practice motivating, coaching, and mentoring skills.
    • reflect upon what it means to be a leader in terms of curriculum decisions; how we develop programs that are play-based, intentional, and connected to the practices described in the framework.)

    Facilitators: Paula Milbradt and Theresa Macleod

    Deadline to register: December 2,  2024

    This workshop will be facilitated online. Requirements:

    • Internet
    • PC (Desktop or laptop)
    • Access to email (we’ll send you a link to the session)

    Registered participants will receive detailed instructions and may request a practice session to test your technology prior to the first session.

    It is the participants’ responsibility to make sure their equipment, will work with the session. 

    Please contact  sara.graves@nscc.ca for more details.

    **this is a 2 evening online session, you must attend both in order to receive a certificate**

    December 3 6:30-9:00 & December 5 6:30-9:00*

    To Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nscc-kingstec-capable-confident-curious-module-2-tickets-1038121508377

    See more details

  • NSCECE - Culturally Responsive Practice in Nova Scotia's Early Learning and Child Care Settings (Online)

    View Details


    December 3, 2024  6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
    Online

    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:

    Liz Hicks


    Aram Kim

    Session Dates and Times:

    Session 1: Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

    Session 2: Thursday, December 5th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

    Session 3: Saturday,December 7th, 2024 (online), 9:00am-1:00pm

    Session 4: Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

    Session 5: Thursday, December 12th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

    To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nscece-culturally-responsive-practice-online-tickets-858996209787?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

    See more details

To view all upcoming workshops, please click here

About Us

The Early Years Professional Development Committee consists of representatives of provincially funded Training Institutions and Support Sites  
Meet the Committee

Contact Us

To contact one of the individual centres directly, please use the form on the Contact Us page  
Contact Us