In excess of 500 local early childhood educators will converge on the Bradley Centre in Chatham next week for a large-scale professional development day.
The event, known as Heartwork and So Much More… will feature keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities for attendees to connect with other early years professionals.
Session topics will focus on reconnecting to the core concepts of high-quality early childhood education, Indigenous language and cultural teachings, and the well-being of early learning professionals, children and families, and their communities. Attendees will learn about the latest trends and best practices in these areas and share their experiences and insights.
Specific topics include, among others, the crucial role of relationships and connectedness in early brain development, land-based and sustainable early childhood learning practices, and creating inclusive early learning spaces for 2SLGBTQAI+ families.
“We are beyond excited to have the opportunity to bring such a diverse and talented group of professionals together for this Heartwork and so much more conference,” said Kelly Emery, director of child care, early years & recreation with the municipality, in a media release. “Our goal is to provide a platform for meaningful discussions and exchanges of ideas that will ultimately benefit the children in our care.”
The day is made possible thanks to provincial and federal funding, the PD day, organized by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Child Care and Early Years division, will feature keynote speakers,
The conference will also feature special guest Stephen Hurley of voicED Radio, who will host podcasts throughout the day on topics important to the current and future state of early years education in Ontario.
Registration for the conference has reached capacity and is now closed. For more information, visit the conference website at Heartwork and so much more | Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent (letstalkchatham-kent.ca).
