Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada.

 

From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.

 

Topics for the 12 lessons include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions.

Session One (January) is looking at:

• What is culture, with some reflection activities – this is to refresh the conversation we had in November.

• Science of the brain and how that relates to culture and culturally responsive practices.

• The importance of trauma informed care, including safety and choice for families

• The wheel of privilege 

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Session Two (February) is looking at:

• Safety and choice through language and names

• Reflective practice as a tool, to support an awareness of and exploration of  experiences, actions, decisions, and underlying assumptions 

• Bias and unconscious bias

• Engaging with families

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Session Three (March) is looking at:​

• Supporting family routines as part of culture

• Physical space and materials

• Cultural influence in play with reflection

• Creating a culture of self care

At the Innisfail & Area Family Day Home Society, this day is a reflection of our deepest values. Our Educators are the hands and hearts that bring our mission to life, serving as the "workforce behind the workforce" for families in Innisfail, Penhold, Springbrook, Olds, Three Hills and Red Deer County.

 

To our incredible team of Educators: We see your passion, your persistence and your professionalism. You are not “just” Educators; you are mentors, healers, and community builders. Because of you, our children are taking flight.

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This May, we are taking a moment to celebrate the heartbeat of our community: our Early Childhood Educators (ECEs). On Saturday, May 23, 2026, we invite our Educators to come together to celebrate all that makes you each unique and special. 

​The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI) has developed an online course to make Brain Story science available to professionals and the public. Brain Story Certification is designed for those seeking a deeper understanding of brain development and its consequences for lifelong health. The course is also designed for professionals seeking certification in a wide range of fields.

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A free, in-depth course for anyone who wants to learn more about the science of brain development.

• Videos of more than 30 leading experts in neurobiology and mental health

• Certification in Brain Story science

• 20 modules self-paced 

 

The content has been streamlined and is more concise, but continues to provide a deeper understanding of brain development and its connection to addiction and mental health.

In the context of early education, CoPs are spaces where educators, leaders, and other stakeholders come together regularly to exchange ideas, solve problems, and build knowledge through shared experiences. These communities create a safe environment for exploring new methods, offering peer support, and collectively tackling the challenges that arise when shifting towards learner-centered models.

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Nicole will support our staff and educators with a deeper conversation following the formal training received each month. We will collaborate on learning about cultural humility an cultural competence, along with a collective look at our mission, vision, and values and how they may or may not support culturally responsive practices.

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During one of our sessions, Emi will be sharing her experience working in a Japanese kindergarten.  

Janessa McIvor is a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant with a background in psychology, child development, child-centered support, and healthcare. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Red Deer Polytechnic and also holds a Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant diploma from Medicine Hat College.

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Janessa is passionate about early learning, speech and language development, and supporting children and families through collaborative, strengths-based care. She is dedicated to empowering families, promoting early intervention, and helping children develop the communication skills needed to
thrive at home, in school, and in their communities.

 

We will have an opportunity to learn and discuss:

¨ Speech and language delays, and behaviours

¨ Speech and language hierarchy

¨ Speech sound development

¨ How speech and language can be supported in early childhood settings

¨ What supports look like after day home, in the school setting

The Alberta Resource Centre for Quality Enhancement (ARCQE) offers accessible programming to the Early Learning and Care Service sector, helping professionals deliver quality practices that support community, children and families.

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Are you curious about where to start and how to align Flight with current educator practice and interactions with children? As a provincial support agency, ARCQE has been awarded a contract to guide curriculum implementation support for all licensed program types with a variety of options to support engagement with curriculum concepts.

 

ARCQE is pleased to share news of expanding opportunities for support with implementation of Flight framework principles in practice.

ECE Leadership Development Program, Early Learning and Child Care Department is pleased to share an invite to a second ECE Changemakers event that will be held at Red Deer Polytech in Room 2602 on Saturday, April 18th from 1:00-4:00pm. 

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There will be a keynote address from the Don Giesbrecht of the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF) from 1:00-1:45 and then an interactive panel discussion from 1:45-3:45 with representatives from AECEA, ARCQE, AFCCA (Alberta Family Care), SACDA (School-Age Care), CAFDHA (Central AB Family Day Homes), and Alberta Leader’s Caucus.

 

Coffee/tea and cookies (with gluten-free options) will be served.

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Bring your curiosity and passion for the field of ELCC as you build and nurture connections and networks and explore personal leadership and advocacy  possibilities!

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Please use this form to RSVP by April 10th, 2026.