ASCY Upcoming Events

Description: In this 6 part series, dive into the world of visual arts through five curated workshops that encourage you to move beyond product-focused art and into meaningful process-based experiences. Together, these sessions will offer pathways for exploring art materials, deepening reflection, and enriching the creative practise.

DATES: September 15, 29, October 13, 27, November 10, and 24, 2026

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 training is designed to support the early years workforce, including educators, leaders, and support staff, by aligning trauma-informed practice with a critical, equity-centered lens that reflects the real conditions shaping the lives of children, families, and educators.

Grounded in critical, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and early learning pedagogical framework, this session will help educators move beyond individual behaviour management to examine how power, systems, and policies shape experiences of safety, belonging, and well-being.

The goal is to build shared understanding, reflective capacity, and practical strategies that honour lived experience, reduce harm, and strengthen relational practice.

Check-in starts at 6:00 pm

Registration is for staff working in Early Years Services with full funding agreements with the City of Hamilton.

Topic: Presentation from Karen Manuel, Elevate

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 $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 September 3, 2026, 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: ASCY PRL, 526 Upper Paradise Road, Hamilton

Dates: September 23, October 28, November 25, 2026, January 27, and February 24, 2027

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Virtual

A sweeping drama grounded in historical truth, Bones of Crows weaves together underrepresented moments in Canadian and Indigenous history, including the Indigenous contributions to World War II, the ongoing cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Join us as we unpack some of the complex ideas in this five-part series and move towards a richer understanding of Indigenous history in Canada.

Please note, participants must create a free CBC Gem account. Please watch the first episode ahead of the first meeting.

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

Location: Bayfront Park, Bayfront Parking Lot

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 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 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

Join our Montessori Inspired Learning Community to discover the core principles of this approach to education and how they align with Ontario’s, How Does Leaning Happen? document.

Location: TBD

Facilitated by:  Charlotte Edwards

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

October 2: Moving from Peer to Supervisor

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

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: Arts For All, Quality Story – Today’s Family Art Walk

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 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

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: October 14, 21,28, November 4, 11 and 18, 2026

Facilitated by: Juliana Ellement

Location: Liuna Station – 360 James St. North, Hamilton

Parking is located off of John Street

If you work for a large childcare organization, please contact your supervisor prior to registering.

Doors open at 5:30 pm. Feel free to pop in from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Light Refreshments and Cash Bar

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

ASCY Hamilton, in collaboration with Reggio Children, is excited to welcome pedagogista Alessia Forghieri and atelierista Matteo Bini from Reggio Children, with English translation provided by Jane McCall.

Building on the dialogue initiated through last year’s Bordercrossings Exhibit, this year’s conference will focus on the expressive and transformative qualities of clay and its potential as a powerful language for learning, creativity, communication, and meaning-making.

Rooted in the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach and Ontario’s How Does Learning Happen?, participants will explore the culture of the atelier, the Hundred Languages of Children, and the role of pedagogical documentation in supporting children’s thinking and learning.

Registration Includes

• Two-day conference (8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. daily)
• Presentations and discussions with guest speakers
• Continental breakfast and hot lunch each day

Registration Information

Registration is non-transferable. Participants must attend both days.

Early Bird (until September 11, 2026)

• $200 – Hamilton-HN educators
• $350 – Out-of-area educators

Regular Registration (after September 11, 2026)

• $250 – Hamilton-HN educators
• $400 – Out-of-area educators

Join us for two days of inspiration, reflection, and conversation as we explore the power of clay through a Reggio Emilia lens.

October 23: Creating Boundaries

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

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

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

Before and After School educators are invited to join us for an interactive fall 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.

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: October 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24, and December 1, 2026

Join our Montessori Inspired Learning Community to discover the core principles of this approach to education and how they align with Ontario’s, How Does Leaning Happen? document.

Location: Dundas Valley Montessori, 14 Kemp Dr, Dundas

Facilitated by:  Charlotte Edwards

Join 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

Join 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

Facilitated by:  Charlotte Edwards & Elyse Codispodi

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!

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

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: November 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.

November 6: Time & Priority Management

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

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: November 9, 16, 23, 30 and December 7, 2026

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

Topic: Presentation from the Ministry

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

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: ASCY PRL, 526 Upper Paradise Road, Hamilton

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

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 November 5, 2026, 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

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

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.

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

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