Chatham-Kent Heartwork is pleased to offer free learning opportunities for early years professionals who work with and support the children and families in Chatham-Kent.
All Chatham-Kent Heartwork workshops are FREE and are intended for all professionals working with children in Chatham-Kent early years settings.
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Stepping Side By Side
A Professional Learning Pathway for Early Childhood Educators
Stepping Side By Side Login
In Chatham-Kent, we know that Early Years professionals pride themselves on staying current with information on early childhood development. They strive to provide quality programming while holding the four foundations of HDLH at the core of their work with children and families.
Stepping Side By Side Chatham-Kent is a professional learning and mentoring opportunity. This initiative was created to be used individually as well as in group settings to support reflection, collaboration and growth within the role of early childhood education. It is a modulated program intended for those:
- stepping into the field of early childhood education
- currently working in the field
- rising leaders and leaders
Stepping Side by Side was created by ASCY for Early Learning Professionals to dig deeper into topics related to their scope of practice. Chatham-Kent is excited to partner with this initiative to support the mentorship and Professional Learning needs of our community.
Upcoming Events
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Big Ideas for the Care of Tiny Humans Module 5: Self-Regulation (presented by the Chatham-Kent Heartwork Committee)
As care professionals, we play an important role in shaping infant and early years mental health and contributing to a healthier community. Come together in a Community of Practice led by the Chatham-Kent Heartwork Committee, supported by the video series and work of Dr Jean Clinton and Lorrie McGee's 'Big Ideas for the Care of Tiny Humans', and dive deeper into the concept of 'Self-Regulation' (Video 5 of the series).
*Registration Required
Location: Retro Suites Hotel, Derby Room, 2 King St. W., Chatham (doors open at 6:00 pm for registration, food and networking)
- Wednesday, March 26, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
School-Age: Be Kind to Your Mind Part 3 (presented by Chatham-Kent Heartwork Committee and Mike Masse)
Many of us extend kindness to others, yet we often struggle to show the same compassion to ourselves. Led by Mindful Mike, we will explore proven methods that empower us to effectively respond to stress amid the demanding nature of our roles, especially when working with school-age children. These practical tools will help cultivate a sense of well-being, support self-care, reduce burnout, and guide us in being kinder to ourselves.
Mike Masse is a mindfulness consultant, public speaker and best selling author who specializes in mindfulness based stress reduction. For over a decade, he has been teaching adults, youth and children mindfulness skills to help reduce their levels of stress and anxiety. Mike's engaging and encouraging teaching style will have you feeling excited and hopeful about what mindfulness can do to transform your well-being and your professional practice.
*Registration Required
Location: Chatham Cultural Centre Studio One (75 William St. N., Chatham)
- Monday, March 24, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
*This workshop is intended for School-Age staff only.
Environments that Provoke Wonder, Joy, and Awe (presented by Discovery Professional Learning)
In this 2 part series, we'll explore creating inclusive, responsive learning environments that support all children. We'll also address strategies to effectively support high-stress moments, smooth transitions, and challenging behaviors, equipping educators to foster environments that embody the values of "How Does Learning Happen?"
Karen Eilersen (RECE, Forest School Practitioner) is the founder and Director of Discovery Child Care Centre, one of Ontario's first licensed child care centres certified as a Forest and Nature School since its inception in 1998.
Jessica Holder (RECE, BSc, Forest School Practitioner) has been a dedicated leader in Early Childhood Education for over a decade. As the Pedagogical Leader at Discovery Child Care Centre, she collaborates with educators to reflect, grow, and co-construct meaningful programs with children and families.
*Registration Required
Location: St. Angela Merici C.S. (801 McNaughton Ave. W., Chatham)
- Thursday, April 3, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Playful Planning: Exploring the Planning Process with the Emergent Curriculum Approach: Part 2 (presented by Tina Geers)
Playful learning experiences promote a sense of curiosity, exploration, and confidence, which are what we all strive to achieve when we plan for our early childhood environment and our children's experiences. One of the most popular and best approaches to achieve this is the emergent curriculum approach. This approach lets the child lead the playful experiences and follow their own learning path. Our job, as early childhood educators, is to observe their interests and plan to either complement or extend these interests. Being intentional about how we prepare a responsive environment is a key element to emergent planning. Join Tina as we discuss planning strategies that work for everyone. There is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to planning for children's play, so let's explore what your journey is with the children and how you can plan for play!
Tina Geers is the owner of Inspired Minds ECC and the president of a nonprofit play advocacy group, Alberta Early Childhood Play Connection Network (AECPCN), a member of the World Forum Working Group on Play, and a member of the International Play Association and CCCF. Join her as we discover the passion of Play!
*Registration Required
Location: Virtual
- Wednesday, April 23, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
*This workshop is intended for Home Child Care Providers only.
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