High-Quality Professional
Development Opportunities

Join Dr. Diane Kashin as she shares a topic that she is very knowledgeable and passionate about, exploring children’s interests and theories as inspiration for programming. In both indoor and outdoor environments, children will make discoveries during their play, and will respond with interest as they are “theory builders”. She will also challenge you to consider how complex children’s interests are, and reflect on how and why we use them for curriculum development.

This online webinar will cover:

• Children and teachers as “theory builders”.

• Observing and listening to children’s play.

• How children’s interests can be the catalyst for meaningful play and learning.

• How we can use children’s play for curriculum development.

About the presenter:

Dr Diane Kashin is a registered early childhood educator in the province of Ontario, Canada. She has taught early childhood education for over thirty years. Diane’s doctoral thesis on emergent curriculum was published in 2009. Diane has also co-written three textbooks with Beverlie Dietze; Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education 2nd edition (2018), Outdoor and Nature Play in Early Childhood Education (2018) and Empowering Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education (2016). Diane’s areas of interest include forest and nature schools, risky play, loose parts, Reggio inspired practice, outdoor play and emergent curriculum. Diane presents workshops and keynote addresses in Ontario, across Canada and internationally.

‍Now more than ever before, building connections and strong relationships with families are of utmost importance. It is also extremely challenging, with the usual ways of connecting with families, no longer possible. Join Athena as she speaks about tips and strategies to help you build and enhance relationships with diverse families and caregivers. 

This online webinar will cover:

• Ways to learn about the different families in your settings and how you can include their perspectives.

• Actively engaging as leaders to build respectful and inclusive relationships.

• Promoting a culture of co-learning, communication and collaboration with all families.

• Overcoming challenges and barriers to family engagement and communication.

About the presenter:

Athena is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with more than 16 years of experience working with children and families. Athena is currently on faculty at Mothercraft College of Early Childhood Education, where she began her use of Storypark with her ECE students in the Applied Computer Skills course to promote innovative best practices and pedagogy in the field of ECE.