Hundreds of educators are gathering in Chatham-Kent to network, learn, and strengthen the quality of early years and child care services in the municipality.
As part of a professional development day for early childhood educators, the municipality is holding an event Friday morning at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre in Chatham to highlight the professionalism, expertise, and dedication of those who support children and families in the community.
“I think the benefit is to bring all of the educators and the people who are working in this field together and celebrate all of the work we do throughout the year. And not only celebrate that hard work, but develop that work as well,” said Justin Langlois, an Early Years Strategy Specialist with the municipality. “We want to show that it is a field and a career opportunity across not just Chatham-Kent, but all of Canada.”
The event, entitled “Heartwork and So Much More”, will feature keynote speakers, educational workshops, vendor showcases, and opportunities for educators to connect with other colleagues.
Early Years Strategy Specialist Mary Smith said the event topics will focus on inclusion services, self-regulation, early literacy, art and food.
“Our educators spend time in reflective practice. They engage with other colleagues and do some work and [develop] learning tools that they’re able to then bring back to the children and implement in their work,” she said.
Smith said roughly 620 early childhood educators are expected to attend, along with administrative staff, supervisors, and others who work in the child care field.
“Having these respected professional learning days really amplifies how we work as professionals in the sector,” she said.
The professional development day was initially launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to support attraction and retention efforts. This marks the eighth time the event has been held in CK.