ASCY Upcoming Events

Description: In this 4 part series, we will cover the basics of the recommended approaches and how to ensure that HDLH? is happening in your program. The HDLH? document came out in 2014, and many of us can list the 4 foundations of well-being, belonging, engagement, and expression, but how do they translate into practice? This series will help you make sense of the expectations around pedagogy and programming that align with our current guiding documents. This 4-part series is for non-ECEs, new grads, and those interested in refreshing their current practice and bringing the HDLH?, our provincial guiding framework, into our daily life with the children in our care.

DATES: November 12, 19, 26, and December 3, 2026

Discover the power of deep thinking and reflection

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: TBA

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

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

In this session educators will be introduced to the foundations of trauma-informed care. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how trauma and stress impact children’s behaviour, learning, and relationships, and learn practical, easy-to-apply strategies to support regulation, connection, and positive guidance in school-age programs. Grounded in real-world examples, the training focuses on creating safe, predictable environments, responding to challenging behaviors with empathy, and strengthening relationships with both children and families. Educators will leave with tools they can use to build supportive, resilient, and inclusive program environments.

Facilitated by: ASAP Team

Location: ASCY PRL

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

Description: Children’s sexual behaviours can create uncertainty for even experienced staff—particularly when determining what is developmentally expected, what requires additional monitoring, and when intervention or consultation is needed. This session will introduce a practical, evidence-informed framework for understanding and responding to concerning sexual behaviours in children under 12.

This is one of five timeslots for this session. Please ensure you are registering for the timeslot of your choice.

A One-Day Conference for Current and Emerging Leaders

What does it mean to lead in ways that nurture the learning and development of others while also attending to the culture we are creating together?

In this full-day session, we will:

• Explore our role as relational leaders, mentors, and coaches, beginning with a deeper understanding of ourselves and the ways our presence, responses, and decisions influence others.
• We will consider how the challenges and behaviours we encounter may be symptoms of something larger, inviting us to look beyond the immediate concern to better understand the relationships, conditions, and culture shaping our work.
• Together, we will reflect on how we take up leadership in ways that strengthen relationships, support learning, and contribute to a culture where people can grow and thrive

Includes:

✔ Continental Breakfast

✔ Lunch

✔ All-day refreshments

Who should join?

Leaders and emerging leaders in the ECE workforce looking for inspiration in changing times.

NOTE: Registration is only for those working in Hamilton Early Learning and Child Care.

Facilitated by:  Charlotte Edwards & Elyse Codispodi

November 27: Effective Delegating

Join us for this practical 5‑week Emerging Leaders series designed specifically for new supervisors, developing leaders, and Program designates. Each session focuses on the real challenges new leaders face — from shifting into a supervisory role to navigating tough conversations with confidence. After completing this series, you will feel more confident in attending ASCY’s Leadership Foundations PLC, where you’ll deepen your skills, apply what you’ve learned, and continue growing alongside a supportive cohort of peers. You’re welcome to attend any or all sessions. Spaces are limited.

Location: ASCY PRL

Description: Children’s sexual behaviours can create uncertainty for even experienced staff—particularly when determining what is developmentally expected, what requires additional monitoring, and when intervention or consultation is needed. This session will introduce a practical, evidence-informed framework for understanding and responding to concerning sexual behaviours in children under 12.

This is one of five timeslots for this session. Please ensure you are registering for the timeslot of your choice.

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.

Description: Children’s sexual behaviours can create uncertainty for even experienced staff—particularly when determining what is developmentally expected, what requires additional monitoring, and when intervention or consultation is needed. This session will introduce a practical, evidence-informed framework for understanding and responding to concerning sexual behaviours in children under 12.

This is one of five timeslots for this session. Please ensure you are registering for the timeslot of your choice.

Description: Children’s sexual behaviours can create uncertainty for even experienced staff—particularly when determining what is developmentally expected, what requires additional monitoring, and when intervention or consultation is needed. This session will introduce a practical, evidence-informed framework for understanding and responding to concerning sexual behaviours in children under 12.

This is one of five timeslots for this session. Please ensure you are registering for the timeslot of your choice.

The educators of Reggio Emilia, Italy have inspired early childhood educators world-wide with their philosophy and approach to education. Please join us as we explore the Reggio Emilia approach and how it aligns with our own early learning context.

Arrivederci!

Topic: City of Hamilton Business Supports

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

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 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 Savannah LeBlanc

December 11: Having Challenging Conversations

Join us for this practical 5‑week Emerging Leaders series designed specifically for new supervisors, developing leaders, and Program designates. Each session focuses on the real challenges new leaders face — from shifting into a supervisory role to navigating tough conversations with confidence. After completing this series, you will feel more confident in attending ASCY’s Leadership Foundations PLC, where you’ll deepen your skills, apply what you’ve learned, and continue growing alongside a supportive cohort of peers. You’re welcome to attend any or all sessions. Spaces are limited.

Location: ASCY PRL

A new season brings new opportunities to learn, connect, and grow!

Before and After School educators are invited to join us for an interactive winter symposium featuring hands-on experiences, creative programming ideas, practical resources, and community connections.

Explore new ways to support children, strengthen relationships, and bring creativity into your everyday programming.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is only for those working in Hamilton Early Learning and Child Care.