The District of Muskoka hosted its second Pedagogy of Care Conference on March 31, which brought early learning and child care professionals, educators, and experts together under one roof, to explore the critical role of high-quality child care in promoting children’s well-being and success.
Over 130 attendees experienced the opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about providing the best possible early learning experiences care for children in Muskoka.
What does Pedagogy mean? The Foundation of a Resilient Community
The Pedagogy of Care is an educational philosophy and approach emphasizing the importance of providing caring and nurturing environments for children’s learning and development. It recognizes that children’s social, emotional, and physical well-being are closely intertwined with their cognitive development and that providing high-quality care and support is essential for their success in later years of schooling and in life.
The Pedagogy of Care approach emphasizes the need for early learning and child care providers and educators to create safe, stimulating, and nurturing environments that foster children’s curiosity, creativity, and love of learning. It also recognizes the importance of building strong relationships between children, families, and caregivers to create a supportive and inclusive learning community.
“Our first Pedagogy of Care Conference took place in November of 2022” said Heather Elliott, Director of Children’s Services with the District. “We heard from early childhood educators across Muskoka that the 1.5-day conference was invaluable in providing an opportunity for the sector to come together for professional development, to connect, to learn and to celebrate the critical role early childhood educators have in our communities. Based on this feedback and the federal investment made into child care and early years workforce development funding, we were able to host a March conference series and plans are in the works for a fall series as well.”
Leading Experts Share, Train and Influence
Leading industry experts including Dr. Emis Akbari, Dr. Rumeet Billan, Sarah McVanel, and Lori Klan shared stories, experiences, insights and valuable training opportunities. Speakers shared best practices, innovative strategies for fostering a culture of high-quality experiences in early learning and child care as well as how to address the challenges and opportunities facing the sectors workforce.
“The care and education provided during these influential early years can have a lasting impact on a child’s development and future success. It takes a dedicated and compassionate community to provide this support, and this Conference is a way to bring together those who make it possible.” said District Chair Jeff Lehman. “We celebrate and express our gratitude to those who work tirelessly to provide the best possible care, support, and education for our children.”
For the full speaker line up, visit our conference engagement page at www.engagemuskoka.ca/pedagogy-of-care-early-years-child-care-conference
Child Care and Early Years Opportunities
Muskoka’s vision is for child care and early years to be a career of choice for existing and potential professionals by informing them about the range of opportunities available within the sector.
Please see a listing below of licensed child care operators in Muskoka and their contact information for career opportunities they may currently have available:
- The Muskoka Home Child Care Agency (Muskoka): www.muskoka.on.ca/mhcca.
- Macaulay Treehouse (Bracebridge) currently seeking school aged RECE’s: https://macaulaytreehouse.ca/mth-rece-hiring/
- Muskoka Family Focus (Muskoka): https://muskokafamilyfocus.ca/resources/employment-opportunities/
- Muskoka Lakes Preschool (Port Carling): http://muskokalakespreschool.ca/
- Serendipity Daycare (Huntsville): (705) 789-6649
- Stepping Stones Early Learning Academy (Gravenhurst): https://www.steppingstonemuskoka.com/
- The Huntsville Co-op Daycare: https://huntsvilledaycare.ca/ or (705) 787-1010