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.

F acilitators:

Liz Hicks

Anne Briscombe

Session Dates and Times:

Session 1: Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 2: Thursday, April 18th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 3: Saturday, April 20th, 2024 (online), 9:00am-1:00pm

Session 4: Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 5: Thursday, April 25th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nscece-culturally-responsive-practice-online-tickets-858930282597?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.

F acilitators:

Liz Hicks

Anne Briscombe

Session Dates and Times:

Session 1: Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 2: Thursday, April 18th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 3: Saturday, April 20th, 2024 (online), 9:00am-1:00pm

Session 4: Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 5: Thursday, April 25th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nscece-culturally-responsive-practice-online-tickets-858930282597?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.

F acilitators:

Liz Hicks

Anne Briscombe

Session Dates and Times:

Session 1: Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 2: Thursday, April 18th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 3: Saturday, April 20th, 2024 (online), 9:00am-1:00pm

Session 4: Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

Session 5: Thursday, April 25th, 2024 (online), 6:30pm-8:30pm

To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/nscece-culturally-responsive-practice-online-tickets-858930282597?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Back in March 2023, Melissa Castonguay did a workshop for us -  Understanding Neurodiversity &Implementing Supportive Accommodations for Neurodivergent Children. Thisworkshop left people wanting more, so Melissa has developed a workshop seriesto dive further into this very important topic.

Workshop #1 (Jan, 16,2024 – 6:30-8:30)

“Beyond Behaviors”

Expanding our Understanding of Behaviors in NeurodiverseChildren

Workshop #2 (Feb. 21, 2024 – 6:30-8:30)

“ResponsiveRelationships”

Building Respectful and Meaningful Relationships withNeurodivergent Children and Their Families

Workshop #3 (Mar. 19,2024 – 6:30-8:30)

“Sensory-FriendlySpaces”

Creating Flexible and Inclusive Environments for theNeurodiversity of Children in our Care

Workshop #4 (Apr. 23, 2024 – 6:30-8:30)

“Accessible WorkPlaces”

 ImplementingInclusive Policies and Accommodations for Neurodivergent ECEs in Child CareSettings

$100 for all 4 workshops

Or

$30 per workshop

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

Implementing a Gender Flexible Pedagogy

Offering practical steps for adults who work with young children to build inclusive and intentional spaces where all children recieve positive messages about their unique gender selves. 
Exploring and deconstructing the gender binary in the early years sector. These workshops increase awareness about gender identity, gender-inclusive language and what it truly means to be an ally.
This series is based on modern understandings of gender and intersectionally, as well as research on child development, and gender health. 
By including the voice and lived experience of a transgender early childhood educator.
Contextualizes what it means to rethink early learning programs with a commitment to gender justice and gender equality for all children.

Part 1 (April 24)
The Gender Question
Expand our understanding of gender through history and how it manifests differently across cultures.

Part 2 (May 22)
Gender Responsive Eduators
Expand our knowledge and improve practices around gender stereotyping in the early years through practical tools and framework.

Part 3 (June 12)
Creating Safe Spaces
Create gender expansive environments, implementing inclusive policies for children, families and gender diverse educators.

Cost $75.00

6:30-8:30 each evening

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

Pre- Conference - More Details soon! 

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: Registration coming soon

Date: Saturday April 27 (9am-3 pm) AND Monday May 6, 2024 6:30-8:30 Cost: $85 Total PD hours: 8 PD hours
Location: INPERSON & ONLINE Presenter: Blair Hill

Description:  Join Early Childhood Education Faculty & former Childcare Director Blair Hill for this custom-designed workshop: “Difficult Conversations for Leaders”.
As Directors & Leaders, you are often in the position of having to initiate sensitive conversations with staff & parents. In fact, having these discussions is a critical part of your role.
Goals of Workshop
Understand why having difficult conversations is important to the success of your program?
Gain tips for having difficult conversations with employees
Gain tips for having difficult conversations with parents

Presenter Biography: Blair Hill has worked in the field of early childhood education for over 38 years & holds diplomas in Early Childhood Education & Adult Education. As a life-long learner he continues to take courses to fur-ther his education & stay current in the field. He is the Lead Faculty for the Early Childhood Education Program at NSCC, Marconi Campus. He also is a faculty & Subject Matter Expert for the NSCC Early Childhood Education Ad-vanced Certificate Program. Blair has been facilitating workshops for the ECE sector for over 25 years & is a Provincial Facilitator for Capable, Confident, & Curious: Nova Scotia’s Early Years Curriculum Framework. He has also been in-volved with the SHEY (Sexual Health in the Early Years) committee since its beginning. Blair lives with his cat Max & enjoys travelling & spending time in the outdoors.

Date: Saturday June 1, 2024 9 am –1 pm Cost: $50
Total PD hours: 4 hrs Location: IN PERSON Presenter: Sebastian Gaskarth

Description:  This workshop includes two sessions aimed at imparting knowledge on gender & its role in early child-hood education. Participants will receive tools & strategies to create gender-inclusive environments & support children & their families.
Session 1: Introduction to Gender. The first part one of this workshop will explore the historical significance of gender in early childhood education within the Canadian context. The presentation will encompass a wide range of topics, in-cluding gender roles, trajectory & constructs, social reproduction & reification, pronoun usage, & the rights of gender-diverse children.
Session 2: Gender & Inclusivity in Practice. In the second part of the workshop, attendees will receive practical strat-egies for fostering a gender-inclusive practice & environment. Additionally, the session will provide helpful tools for fa-cilitating gender-diverse conversations with children & their families. Finally, the workshop will end with a question-& -answer period.
Objectives:
To gain knowledge of gender & its role in early childhood education
To develop tools & strategies for gender inclusivity & supporting families
To apply knowledge to specific practice & discussion

Presenter Biography: Sebastian Gaskarth (they/them) is a queer and non-binary social worker, parent, and a graduate student in the Child and Youth Study Department at Mount Saint Vincent University. Sebastian’s diverse work history includes experience as a child and youth care worker, keyworker, community educator, young adult facilitator, coach, student mental health peer supporter, and Pride Centre Coordinator. They serve as an intensive case manager, assisting individuals experiencing homelessness, and as a relief worker for Phoenix Youth Programs. Beyond their professional work, Sebastian's human rights complaint against a gender-affirming care policy in Nova Scotia resulted in a significant legal precedent and policy change for gender-affirming care for non-binary individuals. Their experiences have influ-enced their research interests, focusing on critical gender study, gender inclusivity, and gender-affirming care for children and youth.

Spring Conference - More Details soon! 

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: Registration coming soon