On November 28, Conestoga’s Early Childhood Professional Resource Centre (PRC) hosted Roots and Wings, a professional learning day for more than 1,400 educators at Bingemans Conference Centre in Kitchener.
On November 28, Conestoga’s Early Childhood Professional Resource Centre hosted Roots and Wings, a professional learning day for more than 1,400 educators.
Sponsored by the Region of Waterloo Children’s Services Department, the event was significant as it marked the first, in-person, paid, professional learning event for those working in licensed childcare and EARLYon programs.
The day began with a welcome from Regional Chair Karen Redman who highlighted the importance of those working in the early years sector and their contributions to children, families and community.
Ontario’s first Poet Laureate, Randell Adjei, delivered a reflective keynote address, and Barb Cardow, director of Children’s Services with Waterloo Region, and Goranka Vukelich, executive dean, School of Community Services, at Conestoga College, also welcomed guests. Anishinaabe language keeper James Shawana joined the event to share a land acknowledgement.
Throughout the day, participants were invited to engage in workshops that focused on the importance of pedagogy, positive team culture, mental health and wellness, equity, diversity and inclusion.
“We are so encouraged by the feedback we have received,” said Corie Schweertman, manager of the Professional Resource Centre. “When asked what they plan to take back to their workplace from this event, many participants said they gained new knowledge and skills they plan to apply in their day-to-day practices. We’ve also heard the event left participants feeling informed, empowered and motivated about the importance of their work and the impact of their role in society.”
The Early Childhood Professional Resource Centre (PRC) opened in 2010 and is located at Conestoga’s Kitchener - Doon campus. The centre is designed to successfully respond to the diverse system needs of the early learning and childcare sector and provides educational resources including books, media, research articles, reference materials, curriculum kits and educational materials to support early learning and care professionals. Continuous learning opportunities such as workshops, symposiums, conferences and networking are offered to build community capacity and quality learning. The PRC also provides on-site pedagogical consultation to Waterloo Region’s early years sector.
To learn more, visit the PRC website.