Chatham-Kent Heartwork is pleased to offer free learning opportunities for early years professionals who work with and support the children and families in Chatham-Kent.
All Chatham-Kent Heartwork workshops are FREE and are intended for all professionals working with children in Chatham-Kent early years settings.
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Stepping Side By Side
A Professional Learning Pathway for Early Childhood Educators
Stepping Side By Side Login
In Chatham-Kent, we know that Early Years professionals pride themselves on staying current with information on early childhood development. They strive to provide quality programming while holding the four foundations of HDLH at the core of their work with children and families.
Stepping Side By Side Chatham-Kent is a professional learning and mentoring opportunity. This initiative was created to be used individually as well as in group settings to support reflection, collaboration and growth within the role of early childhood education. It is a modulated program intended for those:
- stepping into the field of early childhood education
- currently working in the field
- rising leaders and leaders
Stepping Side by Side was created by ASCY for Early Learning Professionals to dig deeper into topics related to their scope of practice. Chatham-Kent is excited to partner with this initiative to support the mentorship and Professional Learning needs of our community.
Upcoming Events
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lluminating Care Series: A Reflective Journey into Care as Curriculum (presented by Heartwork Ambassadors)
This workshop series was designed for child care professionals who are eager to deepen their understanding of care as an intentional and educational practice. Grounded in the thought-provoking framework of “Illuminating Care" by Carole Garboden Murray, this workshop invites participants to explore the concept of Care as Curriculum through a Communities of Practice approach. These sessions will encourage reflection, dialogue, and community-building to deepen understanding and application of care-centered practices.
Shelley Echlin, Samantha Vassallo, Rebecca Dodman, Courtney Bondy: With a combined 78 years of professional experience, our team of passionate educators is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners. Specializing in early childhood education, we are committed to fostering engaging, nurturing environments that inspire growth, curiosity, collaboration and a love for learning.
*Registration Required
Location: The Cultural Centre, Studio One (75 William St. N., Chatham)
- Tuesday November 18, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Autism Education Series: Building Understanding & Support (presented by TVCC)
Session One: Understanding Autism & Available Supports: This session introduces the characteristics that make up Autism Spectrum Disorder and provides an overview of what Autism can look like across individuals.
Session Two: Practical Strategies for Everyday Learning: In this session, we'll explore effective strategies to support learning for children with Autism.
Session Three: Understanding & Responding to Behaviour: In this final session, we'll focus on understanding behaviour in children with Autism.
*Registration Required
Location: The Cultural Centre, Studio One (75 William St. N., Chatham)
- Tuesday, October 28, November 25, January 13, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Learning from Doodoom Aki (Mother Earth) Through Children's Land Based Play (presented by Dr. Hopi Martin)
Come join Dr. Hopi Martin's book study of Learning from Doodoom Aki (Mother Earth) Through Children's Land-Based Play (2025) which will introduce the protocols of coming to the "edge of the bush" between the Old Ojibwe Teachings from his Niiyawe'enh (Namesake) Dr. Gokoomis (Grandmother) Jacqueline Lavallée and the western research of how learning happens in the learning years. Our day together will follow introductory teachings of the Sacred Circle inclusive of the Four Directions, Four Seasons, Four Races of Human Beings, and the Four Sacred Medicines as they relate to Dr. Martin and Dr. Lavallée's research of a Seasonal Pedagogy remembered in the bush outside Shawanaga First Nation but proven to be applicable to anyone wanting to support children's natural development through non-interference and deepening relationships with Mother Earth.
Dr. Hopi Martin (Lenape/European) is Niiyawe'enh (Namesake) and Waabizheshi Doodem Oshkaabewis (Marten Clan Sacred Helper) to his Auntie, Dr. Gokoomis (Grandmother) Jacque/line Lavallée, Waabizheshi Doodem from Shawanaga First Nation and her family. He earned his PhD in Ojibwe Developmental Psychology, where his research began of Listening to Land as Teacher in Early Childhood Education.
*Registration Required
Location: C. M. Wilson Conservation Area (21799 Fargo Rd., Blenheim)
- Friday, November 21, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
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