The Early Years Thriving Conference

Ashleigh Davies is an early childhood educator with her bachelors in Early Childhood Education & Care and has worked with children in a variety of roles over the last decade. She is the current head coordinator of the ECE program with Burnaby Continuing Education, previously working as the Northshore Municipal Child Care Consultant and assistant manager with CCRR. Ashleigh presents her workshops throughout Canada, bringing her passion for ECE into every session and can be found online as Pedagogyandchill. 

Workshop Breakout Session: Embracing Tensions: Encounters with Tough Topics

Workshop Description: How do we respond when tensions around tough topics arise? This workshop addresses why it’s important to critically engage with children, how to have conversations with families, and ways to engage with tough topics. We will look at what it means to embrace the tensions in our educational settings and what can grow from engaging with said tensions. 

Ilam Muralidharan has been a working as an Early Childhood Educators for nearly 15 years in British Columbia. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from Capilano University and is currently pursuing her Masters in Education through Western University in Ontario. She is passionate about working collaboratively with children, families and educators in cultivating welcoming, inclusive and equitable spaces.

Workshop Breakout Session: What's on your Plate? A critical look at food practices in ECE classrooms

Workshop Description: This workshop looks critically at food practices in ECE classrooms by deconstructing educator's beliefs and perspectives on what it means to be healthy and the corresponding implications to pedagogical practice: Are we hindering or cultivating equitable spaces that welcome all children and families? We will also briefly look at licensing requirements as well as the Canada Food Guide.

Carli has been working and growing in the Early Childhood Education field for over 12 years. After receiving an Early Childhood Education diploma, Carli completed a bachelors degree in Child and Youth Care and she will continue on to study a Masters of Counselling in October. Presently Carli work as a Program Manager at a centre with children ages 2.5yrs to 5yrs old. Carli strongly believe in learning and discovering through play! 

Workshop Interview Session: Promoting pro-social learning in inclusive child care settings 

In this workshop interview session Carli will be asked about how to best support pro-social learning in inclusive child care settings. Attendees will be able to submit questions in advance and will be able to ask live questions during the session.

Kayla Papalia is an early childhood educator with over 10 years in the field. Since 2021, she opened an In-Home Multi Age Childcare program. She has also worked as an instructor in a post secondary institution. Kayla’ passion lies in helping home care providers finding new and innovative ways to ensure their programs are providing quality care for both children and their families.

Panellist: Chats on inclusion in child care settings 

Kayla will sit alongside Ashleigh and Ilam as we discuss how to create inclusive spaces that go beyond the minimal expectations. Attendees will be able to submit questions in advance and will be able to ask live questions during the panel session.

Hannah is a Supported Child Development Consultant at Kinsight in New Westminster. A lifelong affection for little ones has led her to work with children in North America and abroad. Her background is in early childhood special education, and she last taught at an inclusive preschool. She loves to celebrate the wonderfulness of every person.

Workshop Interview Session: Working with Supported Child Development in Child Care Settings

Hannah will provide attendees with an open Q&A session about inclusion and working with Supported Child Development.

The Cove Indoor Play is a clean, calm and secure space where children can play and parents can relax. The Cove Indoor Play is located on the second floor of the Royal City Mall in New Westminster BC. 

We are so thankful to be able to host our event at The Cove Indoor Play.

If you plan to attend here are a few important things to note:

• Regular shoes can be worn inside and attendees can bring their own indoor shoes if they wish.

Parking options;

• Pay parking is available underground. The first 4 hours are free. After 4 hours, pay parking is available.

Lunch and food options:

• Lunch, light snacks and beverages such as coffee, tea and water will be available.
• Please let us know if you have allergies or food restrictions.
• Alternatively attendees can bring their own lunch and use the microwave or purchase lunch at the food court.