Learning Link

This podcast introduces the Infant & Early Years Mental Health (IEYMH) Communities of Practice, where educators come together to reflect, share experiences, and deepen their learning from the IEYMH modules. Through meaningful conversations and reflective practice, these sessions create space for connection, insight, and growth in supporting children’s mental health and well-being.

In this episode of The Learning Link, host Farrah sits down with Carla Ward, Early Childhood Educator, speaker, entrepreneur, and host of The Everything ECE Podcast. Grounded in the concept of the classroom as the third teacher, this conversation shares practical strategies for designing spaces that support autonomy, movement, independence, and deeper engagement in learning.

Join Jessica, our Professional Learning Supervisor, this week as she unveils the newly renamed community of practice: EduConnect. These sessions create a welcoming space for educators to connect, share fresh ideas, spark inspiration, and grow together as a professional community. Each session is thoughtfully tailored to one of three areas: Licensed Home Child Care, Before and After School Programs, and Licensed Child Care. Explore upcoming EduConnect sessions along with a wide range of other professional learning opportunities by visiting our Professional Learning Calendar. You’ll find both in‑person and live virtual options to support your learning needs:https://cdrcpoptin.azurewebsites.net/

In this episode, Jennifer Logan and Taylor Davis dive into the vital role of mentorship in the early years, exploring how connection, collaboration, and shared learning are shaping the field today. Together, they reflect on the current state of retention and recognition for early years professionals in Ontario, and discuss how both formal and informal mentorship practices can help educators thrive in their professional journeys.Taylor and Jennifer discuss the insights Jennifer has gathered through stepping into the role of Mentorship Project Coordinator at CDRCP, highlighting the organization’s first steps into mentorship with the upcoming pilot launching this November. Jennifer highlights what inspires her exploration of group mentorship versus one-on-one mentorship and how collective reflection may be one piece of the puzzle in creating a sustainable early years sector in Peel. Peel educators... stay tuned! A new Mentorship Pilot program will be coming to Peel soon! Keep an eye out for more information on the pilot, to be released through CDRCP's community messaging systems and CDRCP's social media pages at the end of November. Follow @CDRCP on all social media platforms For more professional learning opportunities like this: https://cdrcp.com/professional-learning/ Sources from this episode: The Early Years: Beginning Early Childhood Educators’ Induction Experiences and Needs in British Columbia (2016) article by Dr. Laura DoanHow Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/how-does-learning-happen-ontarios-pedagogy-for-the-early-years New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP) https://www.ontario.ca/page/new-teacher-induction-program College of Early Childhood Educators CPL Resource: Mentoring https://www.college-ece.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CPL-Resource-Mentoring.pdf College of Early Childhood Educators Practice Note: Professional Relationships https://www.college-ece.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PN_Professional_Relationships_EN_FINAL.pdf Knowing our Numbers: Regional Municipality of Peel Knowing our numbers https://knowingournumbers.ca/media/filer_public/regional-reports/kon-peel.pdf

It’s Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day!Taylor takes over the podcast and, in this episode, she invites listeners to participate in the celebration, recognition, support, and advocacy for early years professionals. Taylor shares the insightful reflections on the impact of ECEs have on children and families, the value of care, and highlights special messages from the Child Development Resource Connection Peel (CDRCP).Whether you’re an early years professional, a parent, or simply someone who values the role of early learning, this episode is a reminder of why today—and every day—we honour the dedication, compassion, and skill of early childhood professionalsThank you, early years professionals. Today is for you.For more professional learning opportunities: https://cdrcp.com/professional-learning/Peel Region’s Campaign of the experiences of educators: https://peelregion.ca/news/early-childhood-professionals-share-their-joys-challenges-hopes-futureOntario Coalition for Better Child Care: https://childcareontario.org/child-care-worker-and-early-childhood-educator-appreciation-day-2025/AECEO: https://www.aeceo.ca/

In this tidbit episode, Bibi takes a moment to pause and reflect on her experiences with early literacy and incorporating books into child care classrooms. Bibi opens up about her personal journey with books, both as a reader and as an educator. From childhood favourites to classroom staples, she reflects on the transformative power of literature and how books continue to shape minds, spark empathy, and create connection in learning spaces.

In this episode, Emma and Taylor dive into the incredible offerings of the Child Development Resource Connection Peel (CDRCP) Resource Centre. They explore how this valuable community resource supports educators, students, and early years professionals through its hands-on materials, curated resource bins, and welcoming environment.Join them as they unpack how the resource bins not only enhance professional practice, but also provide meaningful support for student field placements and inspire creative program planning in early learning settings. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your journey in the field, this conversation will leave you with practical insights and fresh ideas for enriching your programming and professional growth.Tune in and get inspired to make the most of your community resources!CDRCP Resource Centre Homepage: https://cdrcp.com/resource-centre/Peel Region early years professionals, join us for Lifelong Learning Symposium 2025Day 1 - In-Person: For leaders and aspiring leaders, for more information or to register HEREDay 2 - Live Virtual: For all early years professionals and is a Peel Region system closure, registration coming soon!!

In this episode, we’re joined by Ji Eun Park, a passionate and experienced Quality Initiative Mentor at CDRCP. Ji Eun shares valuable insights into her role supporting early childhood educators and programs in enhancing the quality of care and learning environments. We dive into what it means to be a Quality Initiative Mentor, how CDRCP supports quality enhancement, and a look into the new Raising the Bar in Peel profile.

In this episode, we sit down with Aubrey Aquino, a Community Information Resource Specialist at CDRCP and a part of our InfoPeel team. This episode explores the innovative work happening behind the scenes at InfoPeel. Aubrey shares how InfoPeel is transforming the way families in Peel Region access services for children and youth—making support more accessible, coordinated, and effective. From navigating complex systems to creating seamless pathways for care, Aubrey dives into the challenges families often face and how Kids Pathways Peel steps in to bridge the gaps. Whether you're a parent, service provider, or community advocate, this episode is packed with valuable information and actionable resources. Tune in and discover how InfoPeel is helping kids—and their caregivers—find the support they need, when they need it.