ECEC 2025 CONFERENCE: Full Schedule

TBA

Conference Registration Table Hours

Thursday April 24, 2025 TBA

The registration table will be open for delegates at the following times:
Thursday- 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday - 7:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Saturday - 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Thursday April 24, 2025 TBA

6:00pm MDT

Registration

Thursday April 24, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm MDT

7:00pm MDT

Opening Address & Social Event: Make & Take and Meet your ECEC Executive and Colleagues!

Thursday April 24, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm MDT

Join us for a hands-on professional development session where creativity meets curriculum! Inspired by the work of Barbara Reid, this Make & Take session invites educators to explore mentor text connections and plasticine art with young learners.
Engage in a creative process that blends literacy, art, and cross-curricular connections while collaborating with fellow educators. Discover how this approach fosters creative expression and encourages exploration of different mediums in the classroom.
Come ready to create, connect, and take away inspiring ideas for your classroom!

Speakers

Michelle Bezubiak

Edmonton Regional President, ECEC

With 27 years of experience in education, I am a dedicated educator who has worked with Kindergarten through Grade 3 students. Over the years, I have seen the power of connection in supporting children's growth and development. My goal is to create a positive, inclusive, and engaging... Read More →

Thursday April 24, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm MDT

8:00am MDT

Breakfast

Friday April 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am MDT

8:45am MDT

Opening Remarks and Award Presentations

Friday April 25, 2025 8:45am - 9:15am MDT

9:15am MDT

Melanie Watt In A Nutshell

Friday April 25, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am MDT

Melanie shares how she dove into the unknown world of children’s books while studying graphic design at university in 2000. She discusses inspirations, ideas and sketches that lead to some of her best-known book characters like Scaredy Squirrel and Chester and many more!

Speakers

Melanie Watt

Author and Illustrator

Melanie Watt is the bestselling author and illustrator of many beloved picture books for children, including the Scaredy Squirrel series, the Chester series, You’re Finally Here! Leon the chameleon, Augustine, Have I got a book for you! and Bug in a Vacuum. Melanie’s books have... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am MDT

Keynote

10:30am MDT

Break

Friday April 25, 2025 10:30am - 10:45am MDT

10:45am MDT

Playful Pathways: Experiencing the Power of Play to Unlock Children's Learning and Emotional Well-Being

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am MDT

In this play experience, participants will have the opportunity to engage with a variety of loose-parts materials in an immersive play experience followed by reflection, debriefing and shared views of the value and meaning of their play experience. Participants engage in self-active play, a mindfulness practice that relieves stress and anxiety while inspiring creative contemplation. This play process is offered as a source of creative energy, a positive healing force for generating optimism and resilience in young children and adults.

Speakers

Natasha Lang

Early Education Facilitator

Hello! My name is Natasha Lang, I’m married to my high school sweetheart and a proud mother of four fabulous teens/adults. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, I have taught PreK and Kindergarten, and I currently serve as an Early Education Facilitator... Read More →

Ashley Bieda

Early Education Program Coordinator, Therapeutic Play Practitioner

Ashley Bieda has been in the world of early education for 16 years. While going to University to get her teaching degree, she obtained her Level 3 ECE Certification and began working in daycares to gain experience with children. During her time at Jasper Place Child and Family Resource... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 11:30am MDT

Wellness

10:45am MDT

Experiential Art

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

In my retirement, I have become an artist – first time in my life. Using my personal experience and knowledge of how young children learn, I will share ideas of how to teach art. The premises will suit any new art curriculum. Becoming an artist is learning to see, having time to explore and practice with different media, and celebrating unique ways of representing. This will be a hands-on workshop to illustrate how this can be incorporated into your classroom.

Speakers

Carol Vaage

Artist

Carol Vaage (MEd in Early Childhood) taught for over 25 years in Alberta schools in preschool and primary programs, including the U of A Child Study Center. In 1998, Carol received Alberta’s Excellence in Teaching Award, and in 2010 the Early Childhood Education Council ECEC Award... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Art/Music

10:45am MDT

Braiding Indigenous Content in the Early Childhood Classroom

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Join Elder Phillip Campiou and an experienced educator in an inspiring session focused on braiding Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and practices into early learning environments. This presentation will explore the concept of wholeness and belonging, offering practical strategies for integrating Indigenous teachings into daily routines, play-based activities, and classroom culture.
Discover how to create inclusive, meaningful learning spaces that honor Indigenous worldviews, foster reconciliation, and support young learners in building a strong sense of identity and connection. Learn from lived experiences and wisdom shared by Elder Campiou to bring these teachings to life in your early childhood classroom.

Speakers

Glenda Viney

Teacher

Glenda Viney was born in Treaty 7 territory and grew up in Treaty 6 territory. She is a mother to two young adults - Austin & Abigail! Currently she is teaching with Edmonton Public Schools at LY Cairns School. Her thirty + year journey in the field of education as a teacher... Read More →

Phil Campiou

Elder

Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

FNMI

10:45am MDT

Autism: Honest Discussion, Practical Strategies and Some Funny Stories

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Having been an educator, inclusive coach and administrator, parent and having attained a MSE (focus on Autism), I have a unique and broad perspective on autism. As we begin to see rates of children/students with autism rise (diagnosed and undiagnosed, varied levels of functioning), we can look to advance our own understanding, knowledge base and perspective on this growing reality for families and classrooms. This presentation helps facilitate an honest look at the joys and challenges, some practical ideas as well as a look at the positive and often humorous side to autism.

Speakers

Carmen Moore

Educational Consultant

Carmen Moore is a passionate educator, parent and storyteller who has been working within the field of education for over twenty-five years. She completed two Masters of Education, spurring on a research project: Project Independence. Carmen has attained the credentials and... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Inclusion

10:45am MDT

Literacy Instruction Matters

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Planning for and teaching language arts is overwhelming for many! Unlike content-area subjects, the teaching of the language arts curriculum is not a linear process. Whether you are new to the elementary classroom, new to teaching language arts, or looking to improve your literacy instruction, Karen will provide many practical strategies grounded in research and strong pedagogy. Learn how a weekly schedule can make both your planning and instruction more effective.

Speakers

Karen Filewych

Author

Karen Filewych has over twenty-five years of educational experience as an elementary teacher, school administrator, and language arts consultant. In 2007, she completed her Master of Education degree in the area of literacy. She is the author of four Pembroke titles including her... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Literacy

10:45am MDT

The World of Scaredy Squirrel

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Melanie discusses the many facets of the Scaredy Squirrel character and the inspiration behind her heartwarming worrywart. Melanie shares how Scaredy Squirrel has taken on different formats such as picture books, a TV show and most recently, graphic novels.

Speakers

Melanie Watt

Author and Illustrator

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Literacy

10:45am MDT

Let's PRACTICE Math!

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

How to be effective with math instruction.
Practice is an important part of math, but what does it look like to practice effectively? You’ve taught an idea or concept, now you need students to continually return to this idea to help them place it into their long term memory. This session will example daily review and retrieval practice in an elementary classroom. What is retrieval practice and how can you be more effective as you return to ideas you’ve already taught. Daily review ideas will be shared for grades 1, 2 and 3 teachers.

Speakers

April Brown

Educator

With 26 years of dedicated teaching experience, April Brown is a highly committed and passionate educator who values continuous learning and personal growth. Known for a professional approach and unwavering commitment to student success, she thrives on inspiring students and creating... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Numeracy

10:45am MDT

POUND Fitness with Cheryl Schneider

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Come POUND it out and tap into your rockstar spirit. This exhilarating full-body workout combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements. Experience it and then learn to teach it to your little rockstars.

Speakers

Cheryl Schneider

No More Excuses

Cheryl struggled with her own health and weight issues for many years - at one point, she found herself saying no to life's adventures. She realized she needed to give herself permission to start taking care of herself again - that moment was the start of her journey. She now shares... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Physical Education

10:45am MDT

AI Tools to Amplify Your Professionalism and Save Time

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Ready to revolutionize your teaching? Join our workshop on AI tools that go beyond traditional lesson planning. Explore how generative AI can create personalized content, assessments, and more. We’ll guide you through a process that balances efficiency with creativity, ensuring you remain the architect of exceptional learning experiences. Plus, let’s delve into professional considerations—because AI is not just about algorithms; it’s about impact. Please bring a device, mobile phone and/or a laptop, to this session.

Speakers

Tiff Pino

Executive Staff Officer of Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Tiff Pino (she/her) is an Executive Staff Officer of Professional Development for the Alberta Teachers' Association. With 20 years of experience as an educator in Edmonton Catholic Schools, she has taught a variety of subjects from grades 7-12 in traditional and outreach settings... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Technology

12:15pm MDT

AGM *Preregister for lunch through conference registration*

Friday April 25, 2025 12:15pm - 1:45pm MDT

Come and meet your colleagues from around the province. Sign up for the AGM while registering to receive lunch.

Lunch is only provided to delegates that signed up to attend the Annual General Meeting during their conference registration. All members are welcome to attend the Annual General Meeting however no lunch is provided without previous sign up. You are able to update your conference registration to change your AGM attendance status. Follow the links provided in your confirmation email.

Friday April 25, 2025 12:15pm - 1:45pm MDT

1:30pm MDT

Book Signing: Melanie Watt

Friday April 25, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT

Book signing at the registration table.

Speakers

Melanie Watt

Author and Illustrator

Friday April 25, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm MDT

1:45pm MDT

Break

Friday April 25, 2025 1:45pm - 2:00pm MDT

2:00pm MDT

Braiding Indigenous Content in the Early Childhood Classroom

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Speakers

Phil Campiou

Elder

Glenda Viney

Teacher

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

FNMI

2:00pm MDT

You Are A Blessing

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Let's continue being a wonderful blessing to everyone, just as each of you does so beautifully. Let's uplift and nourish one another. Together, we'll grow stronger-preparing our hearts, minds and spirits for all that lies ahead. This weekend is dedicated to you. You are all so incredibly special.

Speakers

Christina Fox

Author

Dr. Christina Fox Iitsisaanoowa (Vision Beyond) is a proud Blackfoot woman. Christina is a mother of four, grandmother of eighteen, and great grandmother of fifteen. Despite Christina’s experience as a Residential School Survivor, she has shown her resilience and turned a negative... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

FNMI

2:00pm MDT

From Bland Babysitter to Buzzing Language Builders: Transforming Videos for the Kindergarten Classroom / Stratégies pour travailler la communication orale à la maternelle

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

We all have YouTube videos that are loved by teachers and children alike. They’re quick, easy, and seem engaging for learners – especially in language programs. However, have you ever witnessed a group of post-pandemic Kindergarten children, standing on the carpet, zoning out at the Smartboard, not even blinking? This is the new reality Kindergarten teachers are facing today. Come learn how to move from “boring babysitter” video vibes to high energy, purposefully planned contextual language experiences for your classroom. Teachers will be shown examples of high quality videos tied to oral language Learning Outcomes, learn how to make them active learning experiences, and see samples of follow up activities that can be done individually, in small group, or in whole group.
Nous avons tous des vidéos YouTube qui plaisent autant aux enseignants qu’aux enfants. Elles sont rapides, faciles et semblent captivantes pour les apprenants, surtout dans les programmes de langue. Cependant, avez-vous déjà vu un groupe d’enfants de maternelle post-pandémie, debout sur le tapis, fixant le tableau interactif sans même cligner des yeux? C’est la nouvelle réalité à laquelle les enseignants de maternelle font face aujourd’hui.
Venez découvrir comment passer des vidéos aux allures de « gardiennage ennuyeux » à des expériences linguistiques contextuelles, dynamiques et soigneusement planifiées pour votre classe. Les enseignants verront des exemples de vidéos liées aux résultats d’apprentissage en langage oral, apprendront comment les transformer en expériences d’apprentissage actives, et découvriront des exemples d’activités de suivi à réaliser individuellement, en petits groupes, ou en grand groupe.

Speakers

Kathleen Ruff

French Kindergarten Programming Consultant, Edmonton Catholic Schools

Kathleen Ruff is a Kindergarten Programming Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She enjoys providing professional development to the teachers of the youngest learners in school divisions, focusing on combining play and curricular programming in one. She is a baker, coffee drinker... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

French

2:00pm MDT

Autism: Honest Discussion, Practical Strategies and Some Funny Stories

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Speakers

Carmen Moore

Educational Consultant

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Inclusion

2:00pm MDT

A Teacher's Legacy: Using Literacy And Stories To Find Our Why

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Laurie will seamlessly infuse this workshop with 5 powerful picture books that speak to these topics, to social emotional learning and to discovering our own why and passion within our school communities.
This session is all about the connection. Teachers can expect to leave with strategies especially surrounding connection to themselves, their school community, their learners and the families they serve.
What people will remember most about you, your legacy, will have so much more to do with a felt sense than it ever will with words or numbers. It will remind our teachers that their job is to shine the incredible light that brought them into this profession in the first place. It will remind them that whatever you got on any given day is (more than) enough which is something all teachers deserve to hear right now.

Speakers

Laurie McIntosh

Kindergarten Teacher and Author

Some of the best lessons are taught in the moments between literacy and numeracy. These golden moments based on kindness, connection and community are the moments this kindergarten teacher and author lives for. With compassion and thoughtfulness, Laurie has an incredible way of acknowledging... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Literacy

2:00pm MDT

Literacy Instruction Matters

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Speakers

Karen Filewych

Author

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Literacy

2:00pm MDT

Let's PRACTICE Math!

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Speakers

April Brown

Educator

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Numeracy

2:00pm MDT

POUND Fitness with Cheryl Schneider

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Speakers

Cheryl Schneider

No More Excuses

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Physical Education

2:00pm MDT

AI Tools to Amplify Your Professionalism and Save Time

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Speakers

Tiff Pino

Executive Staff Officer of Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Technology

2:00pm MDT

Offsite Visit *Must Preregister*

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 5:15pm MDT

There is a $5.00 fee associates with these sessions. This payment will be required to attend these sessions and will be collected as you get on the bus. This session is open to the first 40 people to register on SCHED. Attendees will participate in three offsite sessions.

Nature's Classroom: Bringing Learning Outdoors! - Keri Devlin
This session is for educators looking to integrate outdoor learning into their teaching practices. This hands-on session will provide insight into the principles of Forest School and land-based education, highlighting how nature based learning can enhance children's engagement, creativity and connection to the natural world. Participants will explore a range of practical activities from nature-based play and sensory exploration to learning about the natural world we stand on. Strategies about how to embed outdoor experiences into daily teaching and adapting to different outdoor spaces and overcoming potential challenges. Walk away with inspiration, resources and confidence to make outdoor learning a part of your teaching practice.

K-3 Explorer Backpack – Create Your Own Adventure - Court Rustemeyer
This workshop will give you the tools and ideas you’ll need to start exploring natural spaces with your students. This kit has the building blocks for outdoor lessons in science, physical education, art, math and language arts for K-3. Along with a full teacher guide, you will receive several resources and tools for FREE and we will also show you how to use all the equipment & facilitate meaningful curriculum-connected activities.

Teaching Curious Learners at the Edmonton Valley Zoo - Lynne Novak
In this session you will see how a unique environment such as the Edmonton Valley Zoo creates curiosity in children and a sense of stewardship that can be explored in collaboration with the zoo staff. You will learn about examples of fun enrichments that the children have created for a variety of animals and how the way that the animals react to them challenges the children’s thinking.

Speakers

Keri Devlin

Early Childhood Educator/Forest Practitioner

Keri Devlin has been an early childhood educator and forest school practitioner for over 14 years. She is deeply passionate about the importance of play in early years. Keri believes that fostering a strong connection with nature is essential for children's development and is dedicated... Read More →

Lynne Novak

Teacher, Edmonton Catholic Schools

Lynne Novak has dedicated the last decade to teaching 100 Voices for Edmonton Catholic Schools in one of the most unique learning environments imaginable – the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Lynne has spent the last 10 years, combining her passion for teaching and conservation to create a... Read More →

Court Rustemeyer

Outdoor Education Teacher, GEOC

Court has been a full time Outdoor Education teacher at Vincent Massey Junior High School in Calgary, Alberta for the past 17 years. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) were he serves as the Director of the Prairies. Court is also a Field Leader... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 2:00pm - 5:15pm MDT

Nature Learning

3:15pm MDT

Book Signing: Christina Fox

Friday April 25, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT

Book signing at the registration table.

Speakers

Christina Fox

Author

Friday April 25, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT

3:30pm MDT

Supper on your own, explore the mall and meet with friends new and old!

Friday April 25, 2025 3:30pm - 7:00pm MDT

4:00pm MDT

Dr. Jeff Lululemon Yoga Session *Preregister*

Friday April 25, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm MDT

Come relax, stretch and make your body feel good. Enjoy time with your colleagues finding balance and

health. Come participate in a yoga session that helps your physical, mental and social well-being. Please bring your own yoga mat.

Speakers

Dr. Jeff

Lululemon

My first yoga experience was in 2012 when I dropped into a class with my daughter and quicklyfell for the way it made my body and mind feel. I have been practicing yoga since at various studiosin the St. Albert area. I consider myself a real enthusiast. I am trained as a pharmacist... Read More →

Friday April 25, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm MDT

Physical Education

7:00pm MDT

PJ Party and Story Time with Laurie McIntosh

Friday April 25, 2025 7:00pm - 11:30pm MDT

Join us in your PJ's for snacks and stories with Laurie McIntosh!

Speakers

Laurie McIntosh

Kindergarten Teacher and Author

Friday April 25, 2025 7:00pm - 11:30pm MDT

7:00am MDT

Wake Up and Stretch! *Preregister*

Saturday April 26, 2025 7:00am - 7:45am MDT

Join Sara Morris from 3 Sisters Yoga for Kids as we energize and wake up the body with movement and breath. This multi-level chair yoga class will get you ready for your day at conference, leaving you energized and grounded. This class will also offer you some simple resources in bringing a more calm and mindful environment to your workplace.

This session is open to the first 50 people to register on SCHED. Please bring your own yoga mat.

Speakers

Sara Morris

Yoga and Meditation Teacher, 3 Sisters Yoga for Kids

Sara Morris is a 300hr certified yoga and meditation teacher. She has been teaching yoga since 2005 and completed an extensive children's yoga certification through YogaKids International in 2009. Sara has been teaching yoga and mindfulness extensively in the Edmonton and surrounding... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 7:00am - 7:45am MDT

Physical Education

7:15am MDT

Breakfast and Award Presentations

Saturday April 26, 2025 7:15am - 8:15am MDT

8:15am MDT

You Have a Gift

Saturday April 26, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am MDT

We are all born sacred and complete. We are given tools to help guide us through our journey of learning. The tools we use will help our mind, body, and spirit.

Speakers

Christina Fox

Author

Saturday April 26, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am MDT

Keynote

9:30am MDT

Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts in the Daily Classroom

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Teachers and students are navigating the "new normal" that is a result of the pandemic while continuing to work through life's daily challenges and stressors as they appear in the classroom setting. The expressive arts are a powerful tool in activating the creative right-brain allowing for the processing of trauma. This session will take participants through an expressive arts journey while highlighting example activities that can be used in the daily classroom and adapted as needed for various grades and abilities.

Speakers

Kelsey Beier

Educator, St. Albert Public Schools

Kelsey Beier is an educator, artist, and lifelong learner. Whether in her job as an elementary school teacher or when writing original songs, poems, or stories, Kelsey’s love for connection through words and stories transcends through many genres in her life. Kelsey is currently... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Art/Music

9:30am MDT

Visual Journals in the Classroom

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Visual Journals allow opportunities for students to reflect and document their learning in a creative format. See how Visual Journals can be used almost daily as a curriculum-based tool across all subjects. Ways to incorporate Indigenous themes will also be demonstrated. There will be take-away projects.

Speakers

Cassandra Christen

Teacher

Cassandra Christen has been teaching for over 20 years. She has used Visual Journals in the classroom for 14 years. Cassandra is of Cree Metis descent and lives and works in the Edmonton area. She loves to be creative and is also pretty hilarious.

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Art/Music

9:30am MDT

The WHY, HOW and STRUCTURE of Teaching Tier 2 Vocabulary Words

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

It is not enough to just “talk” about vocabulary words when you read a story or text. This session will explore WHY being explicit about vocabulary instruction is important. HOW to teach and review vocabulary words as well as a routine or structure you might consider within your class to be effective with teaching tier 2 vocabulary words.

Speakers

April Brown

Educator

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Literacy

9:30am MDT

Stretch, Wiggle and Giggle

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

This 60-minute play shop is designed to equip educators and staff with the tools to EASILY incorporate mindfulness and movement into their classrooms. Through developmentally appropriate stories, activities, breathwork, games and yoga poses, your young learners will cultivate self-regulation skills and social awareness.

Speakers

Sara Morris

Yoga and Meditation Teacher, 3 Sisters Yoga for Kids

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Physical Education

9:30am MDT

Best Practices Creating Child-Centered Learning in a K-3 Classroom

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

In this presentation, we will explore the principles and strategies of child-centered learning, emphasizing its impact on student engagement, authentic learning, and inclusivity. We will delve into best practices, such as Universal Design for Learning, that foster a learning environment where students are at the heart of their educational journey.

Speakers

Laureen Yakemchuk

Teacher

Laureen is an accomplished educator, holds a master's in educational leadership and stands at the forefront of progressive teaching methodologies. Her elementary classroom is a testament to her passion for play and child-centered learning. Currently serving as a Grade One teacher... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Project Work

9:30am MDT

Learning Through Play

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Looking closely at what inspires learning through play based inquiry!

Speakers

Tara Lawes

Kindergarten Teacher, Divine Mercy Catholic School

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Project Work

9:30am MDT

Building Computational Thinking Through Play: Computer Science in K-3

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Discover how to bring computer science concepts to life in K-3 classrooms! Computer science is a key organizing idea in the early science curriculum, but many teachers are unsure where to begin. In this session, we’ll explore engaging, age-appropriate activities to foster computational thinking skills in young learners. Using hands-on tools like Talebots and Scratch Jr., alongside unplugged activities, we’ll dive into playful approaches that make coding, problem-solving, and computational thinking an exciting part of everyday learning. Whether you’re new to computer science or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will empower you with practical, engaging methods to inspire curiosity and confidence in your students.

Speakers

Darren Maltais

Technology Integration Facilitator, Black Gold School Division

After years as a classroom teacher, Darren is now in his 12th year as a Technology Integration Facilitator for Black Gold School Division. He works collaboratively with teachers and students in over 30 schools, co-creating lessons and projects to help students learn more effectively... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Technology

9:30am MDT

Building Resilience: Social Emotional Learning and Self-Regulation in Today's Classroom

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Join us for a dynamic workshop to build a foundation of resilience in your classroom and empower your students to succeed both academically and emotionally. Through interactive games and activities you will gain practical tools and techniques to support students’ social-emotional and self-regulation skills.

Speakers

Cassandra Anatacio

Health and Wellness Consultant, Ever Active Schools

Cassandra Anastácio is a Health and Wellness Consultant for Ever Active Schools. In addition, she is the VP of Leadership in Curriculum and Pedagogy for the Alberta Health and Physical Education Council.

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MDT

Wellness

10:45am MDT

Check Out and Christina Fox Book Signing

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am MDT

Check out of your rooms. Christina Fox will be available for book signing at the registration table.

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am MDT

11:00am MDT

Thank You's, Conference Draws & 2026 Conference Introduction

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:00am - 11:15am MDT

11:15am MDT

What We'll Build: Plans For Teachers In The Coming Days Together

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm MDT

Based on the book of the same name by Oliver Jeffers, we will reflect on key questions relating to how we can continue to affirm, celebrate and challenge one another to continue to build early education up as a community so no one is left alone. Our own stories and journeys of triumph and trauma affect all we do and how we show up in our classrooms. This session will focus on the need to acknowledge our real and valid feelings in this "heart work". From loss to trauma to relationships, we will look at how it all comes together in our identity as an educator and how YOU are more than enough.

Speakers

Laurie McIntosh

Kindergarten Teacher and Author

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:15am - 12:30pm MDT

Keynote