Welcome to PlayCon'24

The importance of play cannot be overlooked. For educators, play is a tool. It is the optimal pedagogical approach. For children, play is a language. It is their way to express curiosity, wonder, emotion, creativity, and themselves. An invitation to play is an opportunity for connection. For all of us, play is a pathway. Let's journey down pathways to discover how play in various forms is interwoven within our world - science, culture, environment, language, society - and realize play as a fundamental thread connecting our human experience. Let's consider how we might build inclusive pathways for play to enrich the connection in our own practice with children, families, and colleagues.

CHANTEL LUSSIER NAPIER
Chantel, an educational leader with 20+ years of experience, prioritizes inclusive and environmental education, emphasizing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability. She advocates for children, families, educators, and students through her roles at the University of Alberta and Northwestern Polytechnic, mentoring teachers and teaching science pedagogy.

Welcome to Self-Care 1010! This session includes a detailed discussion outlining what self-care is and is not and strategies and ideas to help determine and meet your individual self-care needs. Information on the many facets of self­ care will be provided, promoting optimal health and well-being

TENILLE MILLSAP CCC, Certified Teacher (IPC), MA Counselling Psychology, BEd., BSc. Nutrition & Food Sciences
Tenille, a practitioner in Counselling and Psychotherapy with a trauma­ informed approach in Grande Prairie, has over 25 years of experience in health sciences. She is involved in the community, a mother of four, and an alumna of GPRC and UofA.

Early childhood education for sustainability (ECEfS) is necessary in our evolving world, where climate change impacts educators' practices. Sustainable practices in children's play address how play changes with emerging pedagogies with an environmental and nature-based focus. Concepts explored include nature-connectedness, weather worlding, common-world pedagogies and how this impacts pedagogies, daily practices, and children's play

AMANDA YOUNG
Amanda is a third-year Early Childhood Education student at Brock University with a psychology background from Thompson Rivers University and a diploma in early childhood education. Working at Building Blocks Daycare, she is passionate about children's play and outdoor exploration and draws inspiration from Brock's Education for Sustainable Practices course for teaching.

Northwestern Polytechnic Children's Centre Demonstration Daycare Participants will have the opportunity to tour this awe­ inspiring ELCC program where you will see innovative, natural, magical spaces for young children.

ANGELA BIRNIE BROWN
Angela Birnie-Browne is the Children's Centre Demonstration Day Care Manager at Northwestern Polytechnic. She has worked in the Children's Centre since 2012. She received her Early Learning and Child Care Diploma at NWP (formerly GPRC) in 2010. She had the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, working alongside children and families in the Grande Prairie community for over twenty years.

Moe the Mouse curriculum is an innovative early speech and language resource that uses Indigenous toys and stories to enhance language development in children ages 3-5. The program was first created in British Columbia by speech pathologists Anne Gardner and Margaret Chesterman. The GPFC Head Start team discovered the program on their first trip to a conference in BC. They immediately knew it would be a perfect addition to the program and have used him since. In 2022, Joleen was invited to lead the project of adapting the curriculum to fit Alberta. Also included in this adaptation is Metis cousin Joe, created by the GPFC Aboriginal Head Start staff.

JOLEEN BATEMAN
Joleen, Program Coordinator of GPFC Aboriginal Head Start program, with a background in Early Childhood programs, introduced Moe the Mouse program in Grande Prairie and expanded it to Alberta, focusing on literacy and inclusivity.

KATHLEEN ANDERSON
Kathleen, a Classroom Supervisor at GPFC Aboriginal Head Start, is passionate about working with children and families. She introduces children to Moe the Mouse, collaborates with Joleen on a story about Moe's journey to Alberta, and facilitates parent programs.

Taking kids outside doesn't have to be a chore. Let's chat about how to make the outdoors fun and educational without a lot of equipment, set-up, or plans. We will bring books, play materials, and ideas for getting outside in all weather for all ages. Bring your questions (and some shoes) for walking outside.

JOHANNA UHL
Johanna Uhl, a Forest School Practitioner at A Wilder Calm Forest School, promotes outdoor experiences for mental and physical health. With expertise in Crisis Response Management and Early Childhood Outdoor Learning, she encourages children to engage with nature through sensory outdoor learning.

In this session, we will examine how engagement can support some of the challenging behaviours we see in classrooms and how to become the detective in those moments. Using Pyramid Model strategies, we will discuss some tools and tips to support you in preventing some of those challenging moments.

AMY YOUNGMAN
Amy, in childcare since 2010, has experience as an educator, supervisor, and program lead. A mother of two preschoolers, she emphasizes self-care and wellness, believing in the importance of maintaining one's well-being.

An interactive session (yes, participants will have an opportunity to use loose parts!) where you will explore how to introduce and provide open-ended exploration to foster creativity and provide opportunities for children to manipulate and construct different ideas and extend interests through play. We will also discuss our role as co-learners and how our image of the child can really change the way we integrate materials into our environments. This session will be delivered off-site.

Participants' own transportation to and from the location will be required. 

STEPHANIE SHORT
Stephanie obtained an Early Childhood Diploma in BC, became a Level 3 Educator, and worked with children aged eight months to school-aged. Her passion shifted to supporting and advocating for educators. She supported programs and educators, taught about environments and documentation, and extended mentorship in the Grande Prairie area through Supports to Early Learning.

Documentation is a vital part of early childhood education, but too often, it's seen as just one more thing educators have to do in their already busy lives. This workshop will explore how to capture and celebrate children's work, focusing on what children are interested in and proud of. We'll discuss strategies for capturing and displaying children's work in a way that reflects their unique perspective and values their contributions.

DESIREE KLAUSE
Desiree Klause, an early learning and child care instructor at NWP, integrates theatre into education to enhance children's cognitive and emotional development. Inspired by her own children, she is pursuing a Masters in Early Learning. Desiree aims to advance early childhood education through her practical experience and commitment to learning. 

Every child comes into the world seeking a secure relationship with her/his caregivers. The Circle of Security programs helps provide that security. In this session, participants will be provided with an overview of circle of security and how this early childhood attachment program can be used with children.

JOLEEN BATEMAN
Joleen, Program Coordinator of GPFC Aboriginal Head Start program, with a background in Early Childhood programs, introduced Moe the Mouse program in Grande Prairie and expanded it to Alberta, focusing on literacy and inclusivity.

KATHLEEN ANDERSON
Kathleen, a Classroom Supervisor at GPFC Aboriginal Head Start, is passionate about working with children and families. She introduces children to Moe the Mouse, collaborates with Joleen on a story about Moe's journey to Alberta, and facilitates parent programs.

This session will outline the presenter's experience with professional and personal burnout. Jeanie will discuss and present information on burnout warning signs, ways to seek help, and tips for prevention. While the topic is serious, some jokes will be thrown in for good measure. Come prepared to do some personal reflection and discussion. Trigger warning: topics such as self-harm, suicide, addiction, and domestic violence will be touched upon.

JEANIE ROSS
Originally from Alberta, Jeanie Ross has worked as a social worker, teacher, and now an instructor at Northwestern Polytechnic. She enjoys skiing, yoga, reading, and caring for her rescue cat. With numerous degrees, she looks forward to pursuing a doctorate.

Join Johanna on an outdoor experience exploring child-led learning for groups of children who have different interests and abilities in an uncontrolled setting. Discover how to plan best and manage to ensure all needs are met in the outside world. Come prepared to explore the enchanted outdoor spaces that surround NWP.

JOHANNA UHL
Johanna Uhl, a Forest School Practitioner at A Wilder Calm Forest School, promotes outdoor experiences for mental and physical health. With expertise in Crisis Response Management and Early Childhood Outdoor Learning, she encourages children to engage with nature through sensory outdoor learning.

This session aims to equip playschool educators with effective strategies for supporting small children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the classroom. Participants will gain insights into understanding ADHD, explore practical approaches to managing behaviors, and learn to create an inclusive and supportive environment conducive to the learning and development of children with ADHD.

ASHLEY SALES
Ashley is a wife and mother of two boys, one with ADHD, leading to her own ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta (2007) and a Master of Education from St. Francis Xavier University (2024). Currently researching women with ADHD and their resilience in post-secondary education.

Join us for an engaging session. We will journey into the captivating world of Small Worlds, which will ignite young children's imaginations. Discover how to bring these beloved stories into educational settings, nurturing creativity and a love for reading. Let's explore together the wonderful worlds of children's books and unlock the magic within!

TARA DRYDEN
Tara has over 20 years of experience in childcare, working in various settings. Currently, she is the Kinder Plus Instructor at St. Patrick's Catholic School in Grande Prairie. She enjoys turning books into children's play activities creating imaginative small worlds for storytelling. 

AMANDA PERKS
Amanda Perks has over 20 years of childcare experience and works as the Kinder Plus Instructor at St. Catherine Catholic School in Grande Prairie. She enjoys storytelling, using homemade props, and creating small worlds with children in the classroom.

Ever wonder why every day is a challenge for both educators and children? How can we unlock their imaginations-discovering, creating, and playing without interruptions? Join us as we discover the hows and whys of invitations to play!

LEAH JUPP
With over 20 years of experience, Leah owns the Sexsmith Child Development Centre. She excels in early childhood education, providing nurturing and responsive environments tailored to the children. Under Leah's guidance, the center is recognized for high-quality and compassionate childcare. 

HANNAH SISCAR
Hannah, a licensed teacher from the Philippines, pursued further education in Canada, specializing in early learning and child care, inspired by her own children. With nearly two years of experience in the ELCC field, she aims to share valuable insights and experiences to support others in early learning and child care. 

What are your first thoughts when you hear the phrase "risky play"? My goal is to give you an overview and some ideas about how you can incorporate this into your daily practice with confidence. Open your eyes to the possibilities!

LINDSAY CAMPBELL
Lindsay Campbell has been in childcare for 17-plus years. She has been a front-line educator, executive director, Flight facilitator, as well as other work with ARCQE. She is looking forward to sharing her passion with you all.