Professional Learning Opportunities Hamilton

This learning community is intended for infant, toddler, and preschool educators who are interested in discussion about their practice. Conversations can include relevant trends like environments, relationships, pedagogical documentation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB), etc.

Location: Umbrella Family Centre-Shannen Koostachin, 110 Bellagio Ave, Hannon

This virtual learning community, formally known as Leadership and Supervision PLC in both Hamilton and Haldimand Norfolk, is for current or aspiring Program Leads, Designates, Supervisors, Assistants or leaders in training for succession planning. This is an opportunity to network with others engaged in the on-going journey of leadership. A Learning Community is a safe environment of critical inquiry where leaders can share successes and challenges, co-construct knowledge, and reflect on assumptions and beliefs. The dialogue will be guided by a professional learning and mentoring process as set out in Stepping Side by Side; a resource developed by ASCY to support on-boarding and mentoring. Through this process we aim to support leaders in making clear connections for educators to our guiding documents including “How Does Learning Happen?”, Ontario’s pedagogy for learning through relationships, and the CECE Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

The course is designed for friends and educators of young people using the Signed English manual system. It is designed to teach a basic 500+ sign vocabulary. Completion of Intro to Signed English is recommended. Instruction is carefully paced and informal in order to accommodate various learning styles. You will be asked to demonstrate in front of class at various times. An optional examination is scheduled for the last evening of the course and a Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to successful participants.

Book: Signing: Signed English: A Basic Guide

Facilitator: Juliana Ellement

Hamilton ECE Community will only be charged the cost of the book (if needed) $30

Dates: Begins Wednesday, September 24 and runs every week until November 26, 2025

Designed to reach young children under the age of eight years, Reaching IN…Reaching OUTᴼᴹ (RIRO) Resiliency Skills Training Programme works by laying a strong foundation of thinking and coping skills that support resilience in the adults who care for and work with them. RIRO teaches “3Rs of Resilience”– skills to help Relax, Reflect, and Respond effectively to life’s challenges. RIRO Resiliency Skills Training Programme gives childcare and early learning staff and service providers skills and theory to support a relationship based reflective practice and provides a framework for creating a “culture of resilience” in programs serving young children.

Must be able to attend all 6 sessions to receive certificate.

DATES: September 24, October 1, 8, BREAK WEEK October 22, 29 & November 5, 2025

This interactive learning community seeks to explore allyship through the lens of Truth and Reconciliation, brave conversations about Canada’s true history, and the implications this history has left behind.

Join Exploring Allyship for a reflective and powerful book study of Seven Fallen Feathers, an investigation into the tragic deaths of seven Indigenous students in Thunder Bay and the systemic injustices surrounding them.

This study will foster meaningful conversations on truth, reconciliation, and the role we all play in change.

Participants must obtain their own copy of the book. This book is available at the Hamilton Public Library for loan and various formats can be purchased at Indigo. To fully participate in the discussion please read the chapters before we meet. These sessions are virtual and a link will be provided prior to each session.

DATES: September 24, October 29, November 26, 2025 January 28, and February 25, 2026

Facilitated by: Kim Burns, RECE & Amanda Karr, RECE

This community of practice will think critically about belonging by examining our experiences as educators through an EDI lens. Our conversations will lead us to consider new ways to foster inclusive practices in the classroom.

Facilitated by: Negin Zarifian & Camila Casas Hernandez

The Stepping Side by Side (SSBS) Peer Mentoring Community of Practice (CoP) will occur again this fall with a new cohort of leaders, emerging leaders and child care staff interested in growing their own capacity as an leader in early childhood education. The SSBS Peer Mentoring modules is a learning pathway to support individual and team growth. In these 5 interactive in-person sessions, we will review and explore this learning management system and dive deep into the essence of each module and discover how this resource will support onboarding and professional learning.

Space is limited to 10-12 organizations, two people from each organization. Please reach out to Paola Hohenadel at phohenadel@ascy.ca to learn more about the ‘expression of interest’ process. We are grateful for the funding support of the City of Hamilton for the fall 2025 cohort.

Dates: September 29, October 20, 27, November 10* & 17, 2025

*(Please Note – November 10 will take place from 10 am to 12 pm)

This professional learning community is the opportunity for licensed home childcare providers to gather virtually and connect with their peers to discuss topics relevant to their day to day work in their homes.

Come and join us virtually for our winter session of the Cook’s Community of Practice. In this session of the Cook’s CoP, we will be joined by City of Hamilton Registered Dietitian, Lindsay Zalot, for an interactive discussion on menu planning using the “Child Care Menu Planning – Practical Guide” by Ontario Dietitians in Public Health. We’ll collaborate and hear from others in the community on how the menu planning guide is being used and share tips and ideas. Please bring your menus with you for this session.

Location: HWCCCC Hub, 315 East 37th Street, Hamilton

Facilitated by:  Charlotte Edwards & Elyse Codispodi

The Supervisors’ Professional Learning Community is an opportunity for program leaders to come together to exchange ideas, contribute perspectives, ask questions and make meaning of new ideas, information, and resources.

An email will go out a week prior with the agenda. SPLC will continue to respond to our members’ needs and interests on a monthly basis. This learning community is for supervisors in the City of
Hamilton.

Facilitated by: Nancy Baverstock, RECE & Leslie Busija, RECE

Dans cette communauté de pratique, les éducateurs francophones se réunissent pour discuter, apprendre et élaborer des stratégies pour mieux comprendre notre pratique quotidienne.

This opportunity is suited for those educators working in before and after school programs or with school aged children. This learning community provides a safe environment for critical inquiry where educators can share their successes and challenges,
co-construct knowledge, and reflect on their role as an educator and their engagement with children and families in the program. The dialogue will be guided by the experiences and interests of the group. Discussions will be relevant to the trends in school age programs such as self-regulation, relationships, shared spaces, programming, environments etc.

Facilitated by: Nicole Colterman & Diane Medeiros

This community of practice will explore the possibilities of embracing outdoor environments while inviting nature into our indoor spaces. Engage in this new and dynamic CoP which will provide opportunities to network with our community by offering some of our sessions at locations that will inspire and ignite our passions for the outdoors.

This learning opportunity has been created with educators in mind who want to further explore and invite these concepts into their environments and teaching practices. We will also investigate the benefits of using Horticultural Therapy with young children.

Child Welfare Agencies and Indigenous Child Well-Being Societies in Ontario work with families and communities to support child safety. Everyone in the community plays an important role in working together to help children, youth, and families in need of support. This presentation will enhance your knowledge about the agency, duty to report, and will discuss ways in which we can work together to support children and families.

Facilitated by: Hamilton Child and Family Supports

Join us for a reflective and hands-on evening as we revisit the Bordercrossings atelier experience. Together, we’ll explore how digital tools and natural materials can intersect in early learning environments, consider how these ideas have influenced our programs, and share insights on how to deepen this work. Whether you’re continuing this journey or just beginning, this session offers space for inspiration, dialogue, and practical application.

Join us as we examine Montessori and its connections to the Reggio Emilia approach. Together, we’ll examine how these philosophies overlap in their emphasis on the child as a capable, curious, and active participant in their learning journey. Through collaborative discussions and practical examples, we’ll unpack how both approaches align with Ontario’s “How Does Learning Happen?” supporting well-being, engagement, expression, and belonging in early education. This session is open to all interested in learning more about Montessori or those already working in Montessori schools.

Location: Stoney Creek Montessori, 178 Barton

Facilitated by:  Charlotte Edwards

This virtual learning community, formally known as Leadership and Supervision PLC in both Hamilton and Haldimand Norfolk, is for current or aspiring Program Leads, Designates, Supervisors, Assistants or leaders in training for succession planning. This is an opportunity to network with others engaged in the on-going journey of leadership. A Learning Community is a safe environment of critical inquiry where leaders can share successes and challenges, co-construct knowledge, and reflect on assumptions and beliefs. The dialogue will be guided by a professional learning and mentoring process as set out in Stepping Side by Side; a resource developed by ASCY to support on-boarding and mentoring. Through this process we aim to support leaders in making clear connections for educators to our guiding documents including “How Does Learning Happen?”, Ontario’s pedagogy for learning through relationships, and the CECE Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

This PLC is supportive to educators, leaders, and mentors who aspire to dig deeper into the pedagogical practices in early childhood education programs.

“As pedagogical leaders we keep company with educators as they find their way into new understandings of their work-not teaching them what they ought to do or directing their journey, but standing at their side, with provocative questions and generous listening.” (Pelo, 2018, p.75)

Facilitated by: Nancy Baverstock, RECE & Camila Casas Hernandez, RECE

This community of practice will think critically about belonging by examining our experiences as educators through an EDI lens. Our conversations will lead us to consider new ways to foster inclusive practices in the classroom.

Facilitated by: Negin Zarifian & Camila Casas Hernandez

The Supervisors’ Professional Learning Community is an opportunity for program leaders to come together to exchange ideas, contribute perspectives, ask questions and make meaning of new ideas, information, and resources.

An email will go out a week prior with the agenda. SPLC will continue to respond to our members’ needs and interests on a monthly basis. This learning community is for supervisors in the City of
Hamilton.

Facilitated by: Nancy Baverstock, RECE & Leslie Busija, RECE

PLEASE ONLY PAY ON-LINE IF YOU RECEIVED THIS LINK BY AN ASCY STAFF

Do you or any of your staff need to renew their Standard First Aid (SFA)? ASCY has again arranged for a training partner, SOS First Aid and Safety Training, to provide the blended model of SFA. This training model is partially done online and partially done onsite at ASCY.
The cost will be $125 per participant.  Participants can expect to do 7 hours online study and up to 7.5 hours in person.
It is open to Child Care and Early Years educators and staff and Licensed Home Child Care providers/staff who work in Hamilton only.
If you are interested in having staff join the training, please contact us at registrations@ascy.ca or call us at
905-574-6017 to register.
You will receive an email from us to confirm your spot. Registering alone with your request is not a confirmation of participation.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS October 30, 2025

This opportunity is suited for those educators working in before and after school programs or with school aged children. This learning community provides a safe environment for critical inquiry where educators can share their successes and challenges,
co-construct knowledge, and reflect on their role as an educator and their engagement with children and families in the program. The dialogue will be guided by the experiences and interests of the group. Discussions will be relevant to the trends in school age programs such as self-regulation, relationships, shared spaces, programming, environments etc.

Facilitated by: Nicole Colterman & Diane Medeiros

This learning community is intended for infant, toddler, and preschool educators who are interested in discussion about their practice. Conversations can include relevant trends like environments, relationships, pedagogical documentation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB), etc.

Join us for an exciting resource showcase and explore our extensive collection. Get hands-on with a variety of items available for loan and discover something new!

This PLC is supportive to educators, leaders, and mentors who aspire to dig deeper into the pedagogical practices in early childhood education programs.

“As pedagogical leaders we keep company with educators as they find their way into new understandings of their work-not teaching them what they ought to do or directing their journey, but standing at their side, with provocative questions and generous listening.” (Pelo, 2018, p.75)

Facilitated by: Nancy Baverstock, RECE & Camila Casas Hernandez, RECE

This community of practice will explore the possibilities of embracing outdoor environments while inviting nature into our indoor spaces. Engage in this new and dynamic CoP which will provide opportunities to network with our community by offering some of our sessions at locations that will inspire and ignite our passions for the outdoors.

This learning opportunity has been created with educators in mind who want to further explore and invite these concepts into their environments and teaching practices. We will also investigate the benefits of using Horticultural Therapy with young children.

This professional learning community is the opportunity for licensed home childcare providers to gather virtually and connect with their peers to discuss topics relevant to their day to day work in their homes.

This virtual learning community, formally known as Leadership and Supervision PLC in both Hamilton and Haldimand Norfolk, is for current or aspiring Program Leads, Designates, Supervisors, Assistants or leaders in training for succession planning. This is an opportunity to network with others engaged in the on-going journey of leadership. A Learning Community is a safe environment of critical inquiry where leaders can share successes and challenges, co-construct knowledge, and reflect on assumptions and beliefs. The dialogue will be guided by a professional learning and mentoring process as set out in Stepping Side by Side; a resource developed by ASCY to support on-boarding and mentoring. Through this process we aim to support leaders in making clear connections for educators to our guiding documents including “How Does Learning Happen?”, Ontario’s pedagogy for learning through relationships, and the CECE Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

This community of practice will think critically about belonging by examining our experiences as educators through an EDI lens. Our conversations will lead us to consider new ways to foster inclusive practices in the classroom.

Facilitated by: Negin Zarifian & Camila Casas Hernandez