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Hello Early Years Professionals of Muskoka!
I hope this finds you well. Here we are halfway through summer already-yikes! Anyone else wish it would slow down? SUMMER FUN is our theme this month! I picture many of you on nature walks, gardening, building with natural materials, dipping your toes into water or sand, and observing the beauty of Muskoka with our youngest citizens in your care…or on your personal time with family and friends!
Summer brings many opportunities to foster relationships and explore the outdoors with ease. While it is a wonderful time of year, it also brings an extra level of care for children and for us. Sun and water safety is especially important at this time of year as well as fending off our unofficial Muskoka mascot, the relentless mosquito! I hope you are all able to enjoy the outdoors safely.
This month the District of Muskoka released episode #5 of the It’s what we do series and is a Spotlight on Early Learning and Child Care: Check it out on YouTube, you are sure to recognize some familiar faces.
Stay safe and happy out there as you enjoy these sunny summer days,
Corinna Krocker
Children's Services Community Facilitator
Email: corinna.krocker@muskoka.on.ca
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Please note that the information contained in this newsletter is intended to encourage conversation and self-reflection and is not to be considered as advice. | |
Professional Learning Opportunities | | |
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Illuminating Care: The Pedagogy and Practice of Care in Early Childhood Communities is a powerful exploration of caregiving as a vital component of education and child development and a crucial building block of human community and society.
Carol Garboden Murray meaningfully invites educators, parents and caregivers to experience the essential strength and value of their care for young children, the artistry and integrity of it, in the routines of daily life.
Developing a culture of caring and incorporating care into intentional reflective practice both relieves and elevates the experience of teaching. The daily rituals of each child, and children's interactions with one another, provide natural opportunities to celebrate care and build health, connection, independence, and community
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About the Author
Carol Garboden Murray has worked as an early interventionist, special education teacher, toddler and preschool teacher, and director of nursery school and child care. She says, "A life working in early education and care has been more intellectually stimulating, heart felt, rewarding, challenging and creative than I could have ever dreamed. I am honored by the privilege of caring for children in our communities, and I am grateful for all the people who have helped me tell the story of care in this book.
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Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30pm
on Zoom
September 9, 23
October 7, 21
November 12, 26
December 10 - Wrap up dinner
(in person)
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Limited spaces: 12 spots available to staff working in licensed child care programs, EarlyON, and Resource Consultants. | |
September In-Person Workshop | |
October In-Person Workshop | |
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Add this Strive Podcast to your listening list. In this episode, Olivia hosts Melanie Dixon, RECE, Director of Professional Practice at the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE). Melanie introduces and explains the Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program.
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Advocacy opportunity: In whatever way you are connected to ELCC staff, students, professors, children, families - the Summer Bucket List for ELCC has items that will fill your cup, connect you to like minded folks and help you and your
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What children experience in their early years shapes their future. The District is investing in our children today for a brighter future tomorrow. We need your help to create our 5 Year Service Plan for the Early Learning and Child Care Sector.
Share your opinions, experiences, and insights to shape the future of early learning and child care in Muskoka by taking our survey: www.muskoka.on.ca/EarlyLearningPlan
📹 Watch this video to learn why your input matters.
🗓️ Survey closes on August 9, 2024!
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Local Housing Support Initiative! | |
A handful of individuals from the Muskoka Best Start Network saw a need to support local social housing complexes during the summer months through a community outreach program. Officer Samantha Bigley of the OPP along with organizations such as Community Living South Muskoka, MiND AID, Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, Canadian Mental Health Association, Muskoka Woman's Advocacy Group and representatives from the District’s Children’s Services team have been visiting housing complexes throughout the District of Muskoka. Sharing resources, games and activities, snacks and BBQ’s and getting to know all community helpers has been well received by children and families. | |
This has been a great initiative that came together in the last couple of weeks of June and all the volunteers should be commended to their dedication and volunteerism in our communities. | |
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Calling all Early Years Professionals working directly with children, leaders, community partners and Best Start Network members.
Every month this area will highlight all the magnificent work that is happening in Muskoka's Early Learning and Child Care sector. We invite you to share your own or a coworker's inspirational stories and moments from the field. Your experiences can serve as a beacon of encouragement for fellow educators and care givers creating a community of inspiration that transcends boundaries.
Email me your edited inspirational story about your program, learning story, discovery, celebration uplifting person or organization. Keep it simple and easy under 250 words with 1 or 2 photos. Make sure you have the required sharing permissions and keep them coming, there will be no limit to entries.
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“Winter is copper, autumn is bronze,
spring is silver,
and summer is gold.”
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Children's Book Recommendation: | |
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When You Can Swim by Jack Wong
This is a beautiful book about overcoming the fear of water and embracing the beauty of swimming in nature. The author Jack Wong talks about his motivation to write this joyful book.
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A summer time go to dessert growing up was Mom's Rhubarb Crisp. While this may not be her exact recipe, it is very close. Who can resist this with some delicious vanilla ice cream melting on the side? | | | |
Introducing “Between Two Pines,” our new monthly
e-newsletter!
Dive into the latest District happenings, uncover exclusive Council insights, stay updated on upcoming events, and engage with your community. Don’t miss out – click the button below to subscribe now!
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"It's summer and time for wandering..." | | | | | |
