The City of Brantford and County of Brant will be joining municipalities across southwestern Ontario to recognize Monday, May 9, 2022, as the first regional Professional Development Day (PD Day) for all early years and child care staff in licensed child care and EarlyON programs. The themed “Heartwork and so much more” PD Day will take place virtually with over 400 local participants expected to attend the educational sessions.
The event was created and will be hosted by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. A group of internationally-renowned experts will present during the event, including: Dr. Emis Akbari, Ph.D., Professor and Program Coordinator, School of Early Childhood, Dr. Jean Clinton, BMus MD FRCP(C), Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University and Armine Yalnizyan, Senior Economist, The Atkinson Fellow on the Future of Workers.
“The growth and development of children in our community relies on an educated and professional developed early learning workforce. We support our early learning and child care community as they embark on this wonderful opportunity,” said County of Brant Mayor David Bailey.
The May 9th PD Day, as well as the local in-person PD Day to be held in October 2022, are supported by one-time federal funding through the Canada-Ontario Early Childhood Workforce Agreement that allows for educators to attend training during their usual work day where participating child care sites will be closed and parents will not be charged fees. Historically, professional learning occurred during unpaid time.
“Quality child care and early learning is essential for a child’s development and building a passion for learning. That passion begins with our Registered Early Childhood Educators and child care staff having access to professional development opportunities throughout their careers. That’s why the City of Brantford is committed to supporting this initiative that is a step towards achieving our goals outlined in the Child Care and Early Years 10 Year Plan – Building Our Community From the Kids Up,” said City of Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis.
The Canada-Ontario Early Childhood Workforce Agreement funding will also support other local workforce projects, including a French language learning event, training for summer camp staff, peer mentorship opportunities, child care support for student placements, and efforts to support local ECE college recruitment.
Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) and child care staff are committed to ongoing professional development in order to enhance their expertise in how children learn and develop.
