ASCY Upcoming Events

Welcome to our Community of Practice for men working in child care, where we come together to support, learn, and grow. This space is designed to share experiences, challenges, and best practices unique to men nurturing and educating young children. By fostering connection and collaboration, we aim to strengthen our professional skills and promote positive role models in early childhood settings. Together, we can challenge stereotypes and build a more inclusive, diverse child care community. Join us as we empower one another to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.

Facilitated by:  Nicole Colterman & Jeff Bushell

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

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: January 26, February 9, 23, March 9, and 30, 2026

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

Join us as we discuss the book by Jonathan Haidt that argues that there has been a “great rewiring” of childhood, from play-based time to phone-based, and how this is causing a mental health epidemic among young people. The book argues that the rise of smartphones and social media, coupled with overprotective parenting, has replaced essential offline experiences like free play, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and self-harm in Gen Z. Come out and discuss ideas and some solutions for this issue.

Books can be borrowed from the ASCY Professional Resource Library but must be picked up by January 14, 2026.

Facilitated by: ASAP Team

DATES: January 28, February 11, and 25, 2026

Teacher Talk™ is a three-part virtual refresher workshop for individuals who have completed “Learning Language and Loving It – The Hanen Program” or an introduction to the key strategies educators can use to promote language development in young children. Teacher Talk will help you to promote language and literacy skills in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The strategies discussed throughout the training are foundational for building strong interactive language relationships with children and support the Four Foundations of “How Does Learning Happen?”.

During this three-session training, participants will actively engage in discussions and analyze video examples that will personalize the learning experience.

A pre-training assignment must be completed prior to the first session and will be sent out upon registration. Participants will receive a workbook that allows them to reflect and personalize the content to best meet the language needs of individual children.

DATES: February 5, 12, and 19, 2026

Facilitated by: Kim Burns, RECE

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

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: ASCY PRL

Facilitated by:  Charlotte Edwards

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

The ELCCN provides a centralized structure for communication, connection, growth and learning with the primary focus for supporting those in a leadership or administrative role. The network is a mechanism for sharing of best practices, resources and policies, supports quality early learning, provides professional learning for leaders and allows sharing of information and updates by CMSM, and other community partners. Meetings are held virtually with in-person opportunities twice a year.

Community Co-Chairs: Sara Buggeln and Jackie Forbes

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.

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

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: February 25, March 25, April 29, and May 27, 2026

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

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

In this session, we will be joined by guest speakers Rose Butera and Jackie Ryan, from HWCCCC, to talk about thinking beyond the kitchen. We will talk about child care gardens, earth to table practices, and capturing special experiences in the program with children.

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

Facilitated by:  Charlotte Edwards & Elyse Codispodi

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

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

Welcome to our Community of Practice for men working in child care, where we come together to support, learn, and grow. This space is designed to share experiences, challenges, and best practices unique to men nurturing and educating young children. By fostering connection and collaboration, we aim to strengthen our professional skills and promote positive role models in early childhood settings. Together, we can challenge stereotypes and build a more inclusive, diverse child care community. Join us as we empower one another to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.

Facilitated by:  Nicole Colterman & Jeff Bushell

The ELCCN provides a centralized structure for communication, connection, growth and learning with the primary focus for supporting those in a leadership or administrative role. The network is a mechanism for sharing of best practices, resources and policies, supports quality early learning, provides professional learning for leaders and allows sharing of information and updates by CMSM, and other community partners. Meetings are held virtually with in-person opportunities twice a year.

Community Co-Chairs: Sara Buggeln and Jackie Forbes

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

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: March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2026

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 $140 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 March 13, 2026

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.

JJoin us as we build upon the work of Dr. Shelley Moore’s Seed Packet model and ways to shift towards greater

inclusive and strength-based approaches.

Location: ASCY PRL

JJoin us as we build upon the work of Dr. Shelley Moore’s Seed Packet model and ways to shift towards greater

inclusive and strength-based approaches.

Location: ASCY PRL

Space is limited and will be allocated on a first-come/first-served basis. This six-week introductory course introduces a basic 250-word sign-vocabulary geared to the preschool population. Book: Signing: Signed English: A Basic Guide

HAMILTON ECE COMMUNITY WILL ONLY BE CHARGED THE COST OF THE BOOK (IF NEEDED) $30

DATES: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and May 6, 2026

Facilitated by: Juliana Ellement

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

The ELCCN provides a centralized structure for communication, connection, growth and learning with the primary focus for supporting those in a leadership or administrative role. The network is a mechanism for sharing of best practices, resources and policies, supports quality early learning, provides professional learning for leaders and allows sharing of information and updates by CMSM, and other community partners. Meetings are held virtually with in-person opportunities twice a year.

Community Co-Chairs: Sara Buggeln and Jackie Forbes

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

Autism 101 is an engaging, educator-focused introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This training helps educators build a shared understanding of autism using a strengths-based, inclusive approach. Through real-life examples, reflection, and interactive discussion, participants explore how autism may show up in everyday learning environments and learn simple, practical strategies to support regulation, communication, and a sense of belonging. Educators will leave with tools they can use right away in their programs.

Facilitated by: ASAP Team

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.

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.

Location: TBD

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 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

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

This advanced training is designed for educators who are ready to move beyond the basics and strengthen their day-to-day practice. The focus is on what autism looks like in busy learning environments and how educators’ responses, routines, and environments can either support regulation or contribute to escalation.

Through practical examples and guided reflection, educators will explore proactive strategies, predictable structure, and calm, connection-based responses that support children with more complex needs. This session is hands-on, realistic, and directly applicable to group settings, transitions, and challenging moments.

Facilitated by: ASAP Team

z

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

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: Dundas Valley Montessori, 14 Kemp Dr, Dundas

Facilitated by:  Charlotte Edwards

The ELCCN provides a centralized structure for communication, connection, growth and learning with the primary focus for supporting those in a leadership or administrative role. The network is a mechanism for sharing of best practices, resources and policies, supports quality early learning, provides professional learning for leaders and allows sharing of information and updates by CMSM, and other community partners. Meetings are held virtually with in-person opportunities twice a year.

Community Co-Chairs: Sara Buggeln and Jackie Forbes

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

Welcome to our Community of Practice for men working in child care, where we come together to support, learn, and grow. This space is designed to share experiences, challenges, and best practices unique to men nurturing and educating young children. By fostering connection and collaboration, we aim to strengthen our professional skills and promote positive role models in early childhood settings. Together, we can challenge stereotypes and build a more inclusive, diverse child care community. Join us as we empower one another to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.

Facilitated by:  Nicole Colterman & Jeff Bushell

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 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

Location: TBA

Facilitated by:  Charlotte Edwards & Elyse Codispodi

The ELCCN provides a centralized structure for communication, connection, growth and learning with the primary focus for supporting those in a leadership or administrative role. The network is a mechanism for sharing of best practices, resources and policies, supports quality early learning, provides professional learning for leaders and allows sharing of information and updates by CMSM, and other community partners. Meetings are held virtually with in-person opportunities twice a year.

Community Co-Chairs: Sara Buggeln and Jackie Forbes

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 $140 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 May 29, 2026

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.

Location: TBD