Have you ever wondered about how a fence can become a place of curiosity, play and discovery?  This workshop is designed to inspire and empower participants to view the fence with a fresh perspective of opportunities for children’s play and learning. 

Workshop Highlights:

1. Expand Perceptions: Challenge conventional notions of what a fence is used for by encouraging participants to change the view of the "fence" as a symbol of limitations that can be transcended to unlock new possibilities.
2. Cultivate Creativity: Explore creative ways in which the fence can enrich children’s outdoor play.
3. Foster Collaboration: Facilitate collaborative that supports early learning professionals in sharing insights and innovative ideas for using the fence in new ways. 

Facilitator: 
Dr. Beverlie Dietze is an early childhood education consultant with a focus on staff development and program quality. Her more than 25 years’ experience as an educator, researcher, presenter, coach, mentor, consultant and partner in play with children and families continues to inspire her in bringing evidence-based practices to the sector. 
Dr. Dietze is a researcher, author and education instructor who specializes in the impact of play, specifically outdoor play, on early childhood development. Described as thought-provoking, Beverlie’s sessions provide practical strategies, grounded in global research and case studies, that help foster a thorough understanding of the importance of outdoor play. As an educational developer and researcher, Beverlie is inspired by her interest in advancing the conversations on the importance of outdoor play and experiences for and with children.  She provides a fresh and positive outlook for professionals looking for innovative ways to bring outdoor play to their communities.  

When: Tuesday October 3rd 6-8pm
Where: NSCC Burridge Campus, 372 Pleasant Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
Cost: $40 per participant

Please make sure payment is sent promptly as spaces cannot be held without payment confirmation. Cancellations must be processed before the workshop occurs. Therefore, to get a refund, please contact us at least two weeks (14 days) prior to a workshop if you are unable to attend.

Mailing address:
Early Childhood Development Support Centre – NSCC Burridge Campus
372 Pleasant Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
902-742-7832

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

Registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/vQQ3cwwwPz

“Understanding Neurodiversity & Implementing Supportive Accommodations for Neurodivergent Children” is a comprehensive professional development workshop that will help educators understand the sensory needs of neurodivergent children and how best to support them with adaptive accommodations in early learning settings. This workshop challenges educators to elevate their neurodiversity affirming practice and shift their perspective when reflecting on the image of the (disabled) child, true inclusion, and accessibility.

 In this session we will:
 Define neurodiversity and the 3 core tenets of the neurodiversity paradigm.
 Compare the pathology model to the neurodiversity model of disability.
 Understand how to respond to sensory meltdowns with compassion and co-regulation.
 Identify how we can provide supportive and accessible learning environments.
 Learn how to "reframe" our mindset and observations of children.
 Share how to talk with children and families about neurodiversity.
 Experience (and reflect on) the neurodivergent perspective.
 Discuss the sensory system, dysregulation, and stimming.
 Explore sensory profiles and how to use sensory diets/activities.

Facilitator: Melissa Castonguay            Cost: $23.00 (tax included)

Preregistration required-submit the ECDSC registration form along with payment by September 19, 2023.
Registration form: https://forms.office.com/r/Fpexz3sp9w

Step into the realm of visionary leadership and operational excellence with our immersive workshop, Mastering the Art of Early Childhood Program Leadership: A Smorgasbord of Ideas and Explorations.  This transformative workshop provides a comprehensive smorgasbord of strategies, insights, and tools to navigate the multifaceted responsibilities that define your role.

Workshop Highlights:
1.  Strategic Visioneering: Discover how to craft a compelling and forward-thinking vision for your program that inspires stakeholders, fuels growth, and positions your institution as a beacon of educational innovation.
2.  Cultivating a Culture of Excellence: Explore strategies to foster a vibrant organizational culture that champions teamwork, creativity, and continuous improvement. Uncover techniques to inspire and empower your team, cultivating a unified and motivated workforce.
3.  Parent and Community Engagement: Discuss dynamic strategies for forging strong connections with families and the local community. Harness the power of effective communication, family partnerships, and community involvement to create a thriving support network.
4.  Innovative Curriculum Design: Examine new thinking in programming with the latest pedagogical research and best practices.
5.  Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: Navigate the intricacies of fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and respected. Gain insights into cultural competence, equity, and creating an environment that celebrates differences.
6.  Strategies for Self-Care and Resilience: Explore techniques to maintain your own well-being amidst the demands of leadership. Discover strategies for stress management, self-care, and cultivating resilience to lead with vitality and passion.

Facilitator: Dr. Beverlie Dietze is an early childhood education consultant with a focus on staff development and program quality. Her more than 25 years’ experience as an educator, researcher, presenter, coach, mentor, consultant and partner in play with children and families continues to inspire her in bringing evidence-based practices to the sector. 

When: Wednesday October 4th, 2023 9-3 (lunch provided)
Where: NSCC Burridge Campus, 372 Pleasant Street, Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
Cost: $80 per participant

Please make sure payment is sent promptly as spaces cannot be held without payment confirmation. Cancellations must be processed before the workshop occurs. Therefore, to get a refund, please contact us at least two weeks (14 days) prior to a workshop if you are unable to attend.

If you have any questions melissa.vail@nscc.ca or ann.muise@nscc.ca

Registration link:
https://forms.office.com/r/HzuSjVUMt0

Join us for our 20th Anniversary!

Exploring Horizons: Navigating the Evolving Early Childhood Education Terrain

In this thought-provoking professional learning day, we examine how the shifting landscape of early childhood education is influencing Directors’ leadership styles and processes. We will examine how to support educators with new knowledge and tools necessary to adapt to these changing times. As we navigate a world increasingly influenced by technological advancements, cultural diversity, and evolving educational philosophies, it is crucial for educators to stay updated and responsive to the needs of children, families and educators – but how do we do this in these times of staff shortages and competing demands? Through engaging discussions, practical activities, and interactive simulations, participants will explore innovative strategies and approaches to support educators in illustrating their passion, fostering their creativity and critical thinking, while meeting the needs of children. This day is intended to expand horizons and empower directors to shape the future of early childhood education in their settings and communities.

Facilitator: Dr. Beverlie Dietze (In- Person!) 

Fee: $60.00

Deadline to register: September 28th, 2023

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/ecdscws

Join us for our 20th Anniversary serving Annapolis Valley's Early Childhood sector!!

Drop in at any time to:

• Catch up with your peers!
• Write us a note
• Share your stories on our open mic

We will have light refreshments available. Feel free to send in your messages ahead of time and we'll display them at the event!

The open house is preceded by a full day workshop geared to Directors and followed by a Free workshop for ECEs! Please register for them separately.

Beverlie Dietze will be on site to facilitate!

Please contact  sara.graves@nscc.ca or justine.macdonald@nscc.ca  for more details.

Join us for our 20th Anniversary!

Celebrate with a free workshop!

Provoking Minds: Unleashing the Power of Provocations in Early Childhood Education Programs

The world of provocations and children’s curiosity are magical. Provocations in environments serve as powerful curiosity triggers for children to explore, inquire, and construct knowledge through hands-on experiences. By intentionally creating thought-provoking and stimulating environments, educators can ignite children's curiosity, inspire deep thinking, and foster meaningful learning journeys. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of provocations, explore effective strategies for setting up engaging provocations, and discover ways to document and assess children's learning in these contexts. We will unleash a world of wonder, discovery, and possibilities for children in early childhood education programs.

Facilitator: Dr. Beverlie Dietze (In- Person!) 

Fee: FREE

Deadline to register: September 28th, 2023

Please contact  sara.graves@nscc.ca or justine.macdonald@nscc.ca  for more details.

To Register: https://bit.ly/ecdscws

Adventures in Outdoor Play!

Join internationally renowned designer and author Rusty Keeler on a journey of ideas celebrating the benefits and beauty of outdoor play. With humor, insight and images Rusty will inspire you to add nature to your outdoor spaces and invite you to take bold steps to support risky play. You’ll learn why outdoor play and risk are essential to children’s healthy development and see examples from around the world of programs that say “yes” to the good stuff of outdoor play— loose parts, tree climbing, mud kitchens, bare feet, rough and tumble play, chickens, and more. Bring on the play!

Facilitator: Rusty Keeler

Preregistration required-submit ECDSC registration form along with payment by September 20.

All registration will take place using our online registration form:   https://forms.office.com/r/Fpexz3sp9w 

Date: Saturday October 14, 2023 Time: (9am—4pm) Cost: $75 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: IN PERSON
Presenter: Kathy Black

Description: Young children must explore play opportunities in all areas of development to understand their world. The role of the Early Childhood Educator is to plan & implement an enriched indoor & outdoor daily pro-gram for the children in their care. This workshop will discuss & explore several math & language activities that can be presented to young children throughout the daily routine. Participants will have an opportunity to create their own work jobs kit to take back to their early childhood classroom. The math & language activities will focus on the following learning concepts; Perception, Matching, Classification, Sounds & Letters, Sets, Number Sequences, Combining & Separating Groups & Relationships.
Objectives; Participants will discuss & explore a variety of math & language activities to plan & implement for young children. Participants will understand when to incorporate math & language concepts into their early childhood curriculum throughout the day. Participants will create a work jobs kit to take back to their early childhood environments to share with the children.

Presenter Biography;  Kathy Black has been supporting children, families, & educators for over 35 years. After graduating from MSVU she began working with infants & worked with children from infancy-school-age throughout her career. Kathy enjoys work-ing with all ages, however, finds much enjoyment spending time with toddlers because of their energy, enthusiasm, & desire to learn & explore! Throughout her career she enjoyed various roles as educator, consultant, licensing officer, faculty, & facilitator. Kathy cur-rently works at Edward Jost Childrens Centre, fulfilling the role as Inclusion Coordinator. Meeting children, families, & educators where they are at has been a practice that continues to guide Kathy throughout her career.