Early Years Professionals

Professional Learning

  • The Children's Services Division provides professional learning opportunities to promote and enhance capacity to continue to provide high quality child care and early years programs.
  • Representing the Stratford, St. Marys & Perth County, the Professional Learning Community provides accessible, valuable resources and learning opportunities for child care professionals.
  • Opportunities may include:
    • Workshops and training sessions
    • Communities of practice
    • Sector updates tied to new legislation, guidance, and pedagogy

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities

Professional learning is offered to any early years professional who works in licensed child care and EarlyON centres in Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County.

Contact your Professional Development Lead to sign up for any of the Professional Development Sessions.

Shannon Edmonstone, Registered Dietitian, leads groups to discuss challenges, successes, and favorite meals. Reflect and enjoy the company of like-minded practitioners. Please join and be prepared to learn and deepen your understanding and knowledge by engaging in meaningful conversation and sharing you perspective. 

Date: Monday, October 19, 2026

Time: 1:00PM to 2:30PM

Location: In person - location to be determined

Join Amy McKague in Universal Design for Learning or UDL, an inclusive approach that helps child care educators create learning environments where all children can participate, engage, and succeed. UDL encourages educators to offer different ways for children to explore materials, join in activities, and express their ideas and understanding, recognizing that every child learns and develops in their own way.

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

6:30PM to 8:00PM

Location: Virtual Session - Microsoft Teams

 

Led by author and facilitator Paula MacLean, this session supports early year professional in building the practical leadership skills needed to lead with confidence in early childhood settings. Learn and explore the distinction between management and leadership, examine leadership styles, and strengthen your ability to support staff retention.

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Time: 1:00PM to 4:00PM

Location: In person at the West Perth Municipal Building, Community Room. 160 Wellington St, Mitchell ON, N0K 1N0

Presented by Mary Hewitt, dive into the theory and research underneath why music and movement are essential elements of our everyday practice in early learning classrooms and programs. Explore how music and movement supports children's well-being and leave this experience informed with a toolbelt of activities, songs, dances, fine-motor and big-body movements you can implement right away!

Date: December 2, 2026

Time 6:30PM to 8:00PM

Location: Virtual Session - Microsoft Teams

Marcia Nicole leads this session which introduces wellness in a more compassionate and manageable way, as a mindset that protects energy, boundaries, and emotional well-being. Together, explore gentle practices, reframing strategies, and wellness that supports educators in both heart and practice.

Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2027

Time: 6:30PM to 8:00PM

Location: Virtual Session - Microsoft Teams

Special Needs Resourcing – Information for Educators

  • Resource Consultants support the inclusion of children with special needs under the age of 13 in licensed child care, camps and recreation, and EarlyON programs.
  • The resource consultant program supports educator capacity to address the needs of all children and to foster inclusive practices so that all children can participate meaningfully.
  • Referrals to the Resource Consultants can be made by educators for children enrolled in licensed child care by completing the Referral to the City of Stratford’s Special Needs Resourcing Program.

Subscribe, and stay up to date

Subscribe now to receive news releases, public notices and road closure announcements.

Sign Up Today!