The County of Haliburton & City of Kawartha Lakes invite you to the 8th annual conference...

Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre, Haliburton, ON

Please join us at Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre, Haliburton, ON, for the 8th Annual Early Learning and Care Conference,

“It’s Child’s Play … and it Matters”

Register by September 15, 2016 to receive the early bird rate.

November 4th and 5th, 2016

This event is made possible through the generous support of the City of Kawartha Lakes, the County of Haliburton and Community Living Kawartha Lakes

“Strengthening Our Foundations”

Conference Overview

Thursday

4:00-7:00 Registration Table Open

Friday

7:30-9:00 Registration Table Open

7:30-8:30 Breakfast Buffet

8:30 Conference Welcome and Opening

9:00-10:00 Keynote address with Peter Grey

10:00-10:30 Morning Break

10:30-12:00 Jim Grieve

12:30-2:00 Lunch Buffet

2:00-4:00 Afternoon Breakout Sessions

5:30-6:30 Registration Table Open

6:00-6:45 Social and Networking (includes finger foods and appetizers)

6:45-7:00 Welcome

7:00-8:00 Kevin Spencer

Saturday

8:00-9:00 Registration Table Open

7:30-8:30 Breakfast Buffet

8:30 Welcome

8:45-9:45 Keynote address with Karyn Callaghan

9:45-10:00 Morning Refreshments

10:00-12:00 Morning Breakout Session

12:00-1:30 Lunch Buffet

1:30-3:30 Afternoon Breakout Sessions

3:30 Departure

Conference Package

Fee

Inclusions

Full Conference, Early Bird (received on or before Sept. 15, 2016)

$285

Friday and Saturday workshops Friday evening event - Kevin Spencer’s

“Powerful Medicine: Simply Magic” Friday & Saturday morning keynote Breakfast, morning refreshments and

lunch on Friday and Saturday (light fare Friday evening)

Full Conference (received after Sept. 15, 2016)

$325

Friday and Saturday workshops Friday evening event - Kevin Spencer’s

“Powerful Medicine: Simply Magic” Friday & Saturday morning keynote Breakfast, morning refreshments and

lunch on Friday and Saturday (light fare on Friday evening)

Friday Evening and Saturday Rate

$240

Friday evening event - Kevin Spencer’s “Powerful Medicine: Simply Magic”

Saturday morning keynote Breakfast, morning refreshments and

lunch on Saturday Light fare on Friday evening

One Day Only Registration

$180

Breakfast Keynote Workshops Buffet lunch Morning refreshments

Conference Package Options

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4TH LINE-UP

PETER GRAY What Exactly Is Play, and Why Is It Such a Powerful Vehicle for Learning?

KEYNOTE ADDRESS - 9:00 FRIDAY AM Play is a word that we use commonly to refer to children's preferred activities and to some adult activities. But what, really, is play? In this talk I will define play as activity that is (1) self-chosen and self-directed; (2) motivated by means more than ends; (3) guided by mental rules; (4) includes a strong element of imagination; and (5) is conducted in an alert, active, but relatively non-stressed frame of mind. In describing each of these characteristics I will show how they each contribute to play’s educational and developmental value. I’ll explain why play came about, in natural selection, to promote children’s healthy physical, intellectual, social, moral and emotional growth.

JIM GRIEVE INNOVATE LIKE A TODDLER

FRIDAY MORNING - 10:30-12:00 Throughout the entire session I intend to reinforce the best practices and pedagogy so well expressed in How Does Learning Happen? I intend to accomplish that using some creative and engaging activities. I present a number of activities that will engage all of the participants, as well as several short video clips that underscore the points we are discovering together in ways that will keep the session lively and entertaining. Depending upon the strength of the WiFi available at Pinestone, I would love to feature a twitter wall for instant feedback and questions from the members of the audience. For that, the participants will require their smart phones. By the end of the session I want every participant to feel that they have challenged their thinking about their own practice; they have deepened their understanding about innovation and the capabilities of all young children; and that they have had some fun together and walk away from the session feeling inspired and empowered about their work.

KEVEN SPENCER “AN EVENING OF MAGIC”

FRIDAY EVENING - 7:00-8:00 PM The conference will kick off with a bit of magic! Participants will have the opportunity to watch the award-winning short documentary Powerful Medicine: Simply Magic as an introduction to the use of simple magic tricks in helping children with diverse needs overcome obstacles and challenges. Following the film, Kevin Spencer (2015 International Illusionist of the Year) will share some magical entertainment and even ask for members of the audience to assist on stage!

Opening Ceremony Maanii and her granddaughter, Kenni-Dee

Friday Morning - 8:30 AM Welcoming Maanii and her granddaughter Kenni-Dee to this year’s “It’s Child’s Play and It Matters” con-ference. Maanii (Ojibwe for Mary) and Kenni-Dee, members of the Curve Lake First Nation, will share their traditional musical talents with us in an opening ceremony.

Friday Morning

The Friday morning keynote address with Peter Gray and “Innovate Like a Toddler” with Jim Grieve will take place in the Grand Ballroom.

Workshop sessions will take place after the lunch break.

If you have signed up for the full conference, or for Friday only, you will automatically secure a space for the keynote address and the interactive session with Jim Grieve. Workshop options for the afternoon are listed

below.

Friday Afternoon Workshops 2:00-4:00pm

F1. Play Deficit Disorder: A Worldwide Crisis and How to Solve It Locally Time: 2:00-4:00 Presenter: Peter Gray

Description: Research in the United States and in various other nations has revealed a dramatic decline in children’s free play - especially their free outdoor play - over the past several decades. This decline in play has been accompanied by dramatic increases in childhood depression and anxiety and, according to some research, a rise in narcissism and decline in creativity. In this talk I will present the logic and evidence behind my claim that the decline in free play is a, if not the, major cause of these deleterious effects on children's and emerging adults’ emotional, social, and intellectual well-being. I will also suggest and lead a discussion about the ways that families, neighborhoods and communities can restore children’s opportunities for free outdoor play.

F2. The Power and Magic of Play Time: 2:00-4:00 Presenter: Kevin Spencer

Description: We are being asked to teach an increasingly heterogeneous population of students, some of whom face significant learning differences. This means our job may also include finding strategies to move them into becoming more competent learners. For many, grasping concepts (both abstract and concrete), engaging in conversation or working with others can be a challenging task rather than a natural ability. Developing these competencies is critical for a child if they are to experience positive self-esteem, build friendships and learn to adjust to life. Ultimately, these skills will determine the child’s success in the adult world.

The central enabler of any effective intervention is motivation. Research has demonstrated that arts-integrated approaches to promote functional, academic and social skills development can stimulate and encourage engagement on the part of children with learning differences. Kevin Spencer is an internationally recognized illusionist who also holds a Certification in Autism Studies and Adjunct Faculty position in the Department of Special Education at Carlow University (PA). He has participated in numerous international projects on magic trick integration for learners of all abilities. His research has been published in the Journals of the International Association of Special Education and the Society for Teacher Education. His presentation will introduce attendees to a groundbreaking, arts-integrated intervention called Hocus Focus. Sharing research and anecdotal evidence, this promises to be an informative, educational, interactive and heartwarming experience for all those who attend.

F5. Appropriate Indigenous Representation in the classroom and beyond Time: 2:00-4:00 Presenter: Jake Charles

Description: This workshop will cover the taboo topics surrounding Indigenous Peoples in Canada. There will be lots of back and forth discussion to help discover and eliminate the wrong kind of dialogues to use when talking about Indigenous People to others. Culture will be presented through music, traditional medicines, artifacts, art works and plenty of hands-on interactions. The objective of this workshop is to educate participants about the Indigenous Peoples and how to find the appropriate dialogues to use when talking, and to, Indigenous People. This workshop will be geared towards adults in a leadership role, specifically with youth or in a classroom setting.

Friday Afternoon Workshops cont’d 2:00-4:00pm

F4. Physical Literacy and Early Years Time: 2:00-4:00 Presenter: Christa Costas-Bradstreet

Description: The early years are a critical period for healthy development. Research shows lifestyle patterns set before age five predict obesity and health in the future. Additionally, research shows that being physically active later in life depends on an ability to feel confident in an activity setting. That confidence most often comes from developing physical literacy as a child. Physical literacy is the development of fundamental movement skills that enable the child to move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities that benefit physical, cognitive, emotion-al and social development. In this workshop, participants will have an opportunity to:

- Gain a deeper understanding of physical literacy and its benefits. - Review the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for the Early Years. - Examine how physical literacy can be integrated into physical education and daily physical activity

programming . - Explore hands-on activities to develop physical literacy in various settings.

F3. Shaping Future Stewards: Connections to the Natural World through Child Centered Outdoor Investigation Time: 2:00-4:00 Presenter: Mary Lou Lummiss

Description: Nature-based Early Learning programs fuse Early Childhood Principles and Environmental Education to build capacity for a child's lifelong connection to the natural world. For many children in the 21st Century, outdoor play has taken a backseat to technology and screen time. Join Mary Lou Lummiss, Faculty in the Early Childhood Education Program at Fleming College, in exploring a newly developed "Roadmap" connecting children's stages of development to hands-on learning approaches in nature education. Using Ontario's "How Does Learning Happen" document as a guide, participants will creatively explore moving theory to practice with take-aways.

S1. Sunshine Circles: Certificate Training Time: 10:00-12:00 (lunch break from 12:00-1:30) and 1:30– 3:30 Presenter: Joan Wilson

Description: Sunshine Circles are adult-led, structured, interactive play groups used to enhance the emotional well-being and social skills of children. They are designed to help children feel secure and valued, to get along with others and to feel part of a community. These groups produce remarkably quick connections among children ,and between children and their teachers, that result in trusting relationships and warm classroom communities. When children have these experiences, they can be more successful social beings, more resilient, and ready to learn. Sunshine Circles are: Playful and Fun Intentionally Accepting & Positive Valuing and Caring Focused on Cooperation Experiential Intentionally involve Healthy Touch & Proximity

Saturday Full Day Workshop

S2 BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS Time: 10:00-12:00 Presenter: Kevin Spencer Description: We often hear educators talk about PBLs – problem-based and project-based learning. However, neither of these pedagogies taps into child-directed inquiry. A new approach is called "phenomenon-based learning” that combines hands-on activities with responsive teaching to engage a child’s own curiosity as the driver for learning. The best enrichment programs engage students in fun activities that create a desire to learn AND they build on what students are learning to extend the knowledge they already have. Hocus Focus is a child-directed, curiosity-driven program that uses simple magic tricks to deliver functional and academic content.

SATURDAY MORNING KEYNOTE ADDRESS WITH KARYN CALLAGHAN

9:00-10:00 AM Grand Ballroom

Documentation as revealing the view of the competent child and the competent educator: The essential foundation.

How Does Learning Happen? offers a view of the child, educator and family to guide early learning programs in Ontario. When documentation gives visibility to a strongly held view of the child and educator

as curious, as capable of complex thinking and as researchers, it allows us to reflect together on the transformation we are making. We need time - a long, long time - to consider deeply what it means to

embrace the views articulated by the Ministry.

Saturday Morning Workshops 10:00-12:00

S3. The Art of Cultivating Self-Care for Educators Time: 10:00-12:00

Presenter: Shelley Secrett

Description: Early childhood educators are professional and passionate experts at taking care of others every day with their full hearts, hands and minds. It can be easy for educators to forget about their own needs and self-care which can lead to stress, fatigue, depression and lack of passion for teaching. In this interactive and inspiring workshop, participants will rekindle their energy by engaging in small group discussions about the myths of self-care, brainstorming stressors specific to this field and sharing current self-care strategies with each other.

Through guided, creative activities, inspiring videos and personal reflection, participants will develop an awareness of their needs and learn practical strategies for incorporating self-care habits into their daily routines. Participants will create a personal self-care contract with realistic goals and maintainable actions for positive change.

** During the workshop I will be linking information that I present to the HDLH document particularly, the foundation of wellness.

S4. Documentation: Children and educators as researchers Time: Full day– 10:00-12:00

Presenters: Karyn Callaghan, Jason Avery

Description: There is no formula for documentation, no one right way to create contexts for learning. In this session, participants will discuss how decisions about materials, context, documenting and creating documentation give visibility to the learning of children and educators. Decisions about what, how and when - all contestable, but all revealing the view of the child and educator - will be considered.

Objectives: increased confidence in creating contexts that engage children, and support giving visibility both to their thinking and that of educators

The target audience is anyone who is working with How Does Learning Happen? This includes educators, administrators, pedagogical leaders, program advisors, college faculty and students.

S5. Nature connection throughout the seasons Time: 10:00-12:00 Presenters: Jacob Rodenburg

Description: Join award winning environmental educator Jacob Rodenburg as he uses games, activities and drama to inspire children to connect to and appreciate their own “neighbourwood.” From participating in a dramatized squirrel hike to creating a frog orchestra, from using a worm fiddler to attract worms to bird whispering, Jacob will showcase some fun, hands-on activities that help educators learn to use their own nearby green spaces as a place for nature engagement and nature play throughout the seasons. Many of these ideas can be found in his new book, coauthored with Drew Monkman, titled “The Big Book of Nature Activities, published by New Society Press. This workshop is suitable for educators teaching children from age 3 to age 7. Expand your tool kit of nature based activities and teaching strategies.

Saturday Morning Workshops 10:00-12:00

Saturday Afternoon Workshops 1:30-3:30

S7. Just Add Water and Stirr….”The best of CIRA” (Canadian Intramural Recreation Association - Ontario) Time: 1:30-3:30

Presenter: Herwig (Wig) Baldauf

Description: Over the years CIRA Ontario has produced over thirty outstanding resources that are written for Educators by Educators, making them very user-friendly (JUST ADD WATER AND STIRR…), tried and tested. All of the resources are designed to promote maximum fun and participation. This workshop will provide the participant with a selection of activities from a variety of the CIRA resources. Each participant will be leaving the session having learned activities that they can incorporate into their programs immediately. The workshop is an active workshop.

S6. Leading Through Rhythm Time: 1:30-3:30 Presenter: Terri Segal

Description: In this interactive workshop, you will learn basic hand drumming techniques and African rhythms and songs. You will also engage in fun rhythm-based warm-ups and collaborative rhythm games through movement, voice and drumming, while at the same time, gaining new ideas and practical tools in carrying out rhythm-based activities with children.

No previous drumming experience is necessary, just a willingness to play, learn, and share!

S8. Loose Parts and Wonder…. Time: 1:30-3:30

Presenter: Marianne Staples

Description: Playing and inquiring with ‘loose parts,’ whether inside or outside of the classroom, provides children with the opportunity to engage not only with the material, but also with one another, and explore in many different ways. Loose parts come in all different shapes and sizes, and as part of my learning journey I have come to learn the importance of looking at everyday materials or materials such as nuts and bolts in a very different way. Participants will be provided with an opportunity to explore different materials that they can use in their learning environments, examine the Loose Parts Theory, and reflect and rethink the standard early years materials and how we might ‘marry’ these with loose parts to extend both play and thinking when engaging a child in learning and inquiry.

S9. Self Regulation: The Power of Understanding Time: 1:30-3:30

Presenter: Gail Molenaar

Description: Self-regulation has been interpreted by many. Find out how it can help both educator and student find their way to Calm, Alert and Finding Their Groove. Using the Shanker Method we will examine footage and look closely, while strategizing and understanding all about Self-Regulation. Be prepared to test yourself, push your limits and discover what you can do about it! Discussion and movement included!

Presenter Bios

Peter Gray, Ph.D., Scholarly Interests: Children's play (par ticular ly age-mixed play), self-directed learning, evolutionary psychology, developmental psychology, educational psychology, general psychology, role of play in human biological and cultural evolution.

Academic Profile: Professor Gray joined the faculty in the Fall of 1972 and taught regular ly until the spring of 2002. He is author of PSYCHOLOGY, an introductory textbook now in its sixth edition and, most recently, FREE TO LEARN: WHY UNLEASHING THE INSTINCT TO PLAY WILL MAKE OUR CHILDREN HAPPIER, MORE SELF-RELIANT, AND BETTER STUDENTS FOR LIFE. His past research had to do with basic mammalian motivational mechanisms, and his present research has to do with children's play and its educative value. Professor Gray is now retired from regular teaching but continues to conduct and publish research, and give guest lectures.

Jim Grieve is Executive Director of the The Retired Teachers of Ontario/ Les enseignantes et enseignants retraités de l’Ontario (RTO/ERO), an organization of 72,000 educators in the early years, K-12 and post-secondary systems, as well as school board workers.

From 2009 to 2015, Jim was Assistant Deputy Minister of Early Years for the Ontario Ministry of Education, responsible for full-day kindergarten, child care and family support programs. He led the work of creating a seamless early learning experience for children from birth onward.

Jim’s passionate advocacy for early learning began through his direct work as a founding member of the Council for Early Child Development. Over the last 15 years, along with Dr. Fraser Mustard, Dr. Dan Offord, Dr. Magdalena Janus and countless talented leaders in the field of early childhood development, Jim has worked to develop strong multi-sectoral initiatives designed to help young children and families in Canada thrive. He co-chaired two highly recognized Success By 6 organizations in Ottawa and Peel.

Following an exemplary career of educational leadership, Jim served as Director of Education for Ottawa-Carleton before heading up Peel District School Board, Canada's second largest school board.

Jim holds a Masters Degree from OISE/University of Toronto, along with undergraduate degrees from York University and Victoria College of the University of Toronto. Known as a highly visible and approachable leader, Jim travels nationally and globally to deliver inspiring keynote presentations. He has addressed international conferences hosted by the World Bank and UNESCO, among many others.

Humber College awarded Jim an honourary degree in early childhood education in 2015. In 2014, he was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Government of Ontario. The International Association of Business Communicators named Jim 2013 Communicator of the Year.

From 2010 to 2015, Jim co-chaired a working group on early childhood learning and development for CMEC, the Council of Ministers of Education Canada. As well, Jim was a member of the executive committee of the OECD Network on Early Childhood Education and Care, leading an international project to develop an early learning and development framework and to identify early learning outcomes.

Follow Jim on social media: Twitter: @JimAwesomeYears LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/jimgrieve

Karyn Callaghan, M.Ed, is an educator, consultant and president of the Ontario Reggio Association who has contributed to the Think, Feel, Act and How Does Learning Happen? documents, and the support videos that appear on the Ministry of Education website. Karyn has spoken at conferences across North America and in Australia and Hong Kong. She has authored and co-authored numerous articles and most recently collaborated with Carol Anne Wien and artist Jason Avery on the book "Documenting Children's Meaning".

Presenter Bios

Kevin Spencer is a multifaceted individual. He is a teaching artist, researcher, speaker, consultant, and award-winning film producer as well as adjunct faculty in Special Education at Carlow University (PA). He is also a world-renowned illusionist with dozens of accolades to his credit. He and his wife, Cindy, were the recipients of the Merlin Award for International Magicians of the Y ear (2009) and six-time recipients of Performing Arts Entertainer of the Year. Most recently, the Milbourne Christopher Foundation honored them as Illusionists of the Y ear (2015) for their unique contr ibutions to the art of magic. Historically, artists have been at the forefront of social change. Spencer is a thought leader who believes strongly in the power of the arts to impact the realities in which we live, learn, work and heal. From childhood to adolescence and continuing through emerging adulthood and senior living, the arts play an important role in our development and the quality of our lives. Spencer is an advocate of art across the lifespan, empowering people of all ages and abilities. He believes in creating inclusive communities in which everyone experiences an authentic sense of belonging and no one - for any reason - is relegated to the margins. Spencer is the founder of the HEALING OF MAGIC and HOCUS FOCUS programs and is widely considered the leading authority on the therapeutic use of magic tricks in special education and rehabilitation. When he is not touring the world with his illusion production, he is engaged in research and continuing education.

Mary Lou Lummiss is a full time faculty member in the Ear ly Childhood Education program at Fleming College. After attending Centennial College to obtain her ECE, she worked in the early learning field, designing new programs and running several child care programs in the Kawartha Lakes Region, as well as teaching part time at Fleming College. Upon completion of a Psychology Degree from Trent University, Mary Lou became a full-time faculty member at Fleming. Her current passion of connecting children to nature through outdoor learning will be further advanced as she embarks on a year long sabbatical to research and collaborate with others on innovative ways to connect young children to the natural world.

Jake Charles or Nanockashee (which means Hummingbird in Ojibway) is an Ojibway from the Chippewas of Georgina Island (located off the south point of Lake Simcoe). He represents the Wolf clan and is the CEO of First Nation Cultural Tours on Georgina Island. Through teachings from his Elders, Jake carries traditional knowledge of Indigenous culture which he shares with all nations. Visit www.firstnationculturaltours.com Contact Jake Charles at: 905-830-2278 or firstnationculturaltours@gmail.com

Maanii (Ojibwe for Mary) and Kenni-Dee, members of the Curve Lake First Nation, will share their traditional musical talents with us in an opening ceremony. Maanii is a graduate of the Native Early Childhood Education Program and the Native Language Instructor Program. She shares Native Traditions through drum making and language preservation workshops. As a former language teacher and Early Childhood Educator at the O’Shkiigmong Early Learning Centre, Maanii is not only at home singing with the children in her community but has performed around the world with her singing partner, Janet McCue, as the Wshkiigomaang Hand Drum Singers. Kenni-Dee has shown an interest in singing and drumming from an early age and has joined her Nanie in numerous events. Maanii describes Kenni as a beautiful Anishinaabe Kwesans who is always teaching and amazing her with her natural beauty of culture. Kenni-Dee’s spirit name is Ewaabjiged Kwe, which means “She sees beyond” and that is the beauty of Kenni-Dee, she really does that name justice.

Joan Wilson is a Certified Theraplay Therapist and Trainer, as well as a registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She specializes in the areas of attachment/regulation , using a variety of modalities, including play therapy, brief/narrative therapy, collaborative problem-solving and dyadic developmental psychotherapy. In her role at Point in Time, Joan is a psychotherapist and team leader of the Clinical/Family Support Team. She brings with her a wealth of experience working with children, youth and their families. One of her hobbies is travelling the world to teach and supervise in child development and play therapy.

Presenter Bios

Shelley Secrett is an Early Childhood Educator at Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care. She is the owner of Secrett Events and is very involved in Waterloo Region’s vibrant LGBTQ community hosting fundraisers, raising awareness and empowering people to be who they are. Shelley is a great vegetarian cook, a lively euchre player, an enthusiastic DrumFIT instructor and a fan of festivals. As an RECE, Shelley believes that all children need to see a reflection of themselves and their families in our early childhood programs and that one small action towards accepting and celebrating our differences leads to another.

Jacob Rodenburg is the Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, an award winning outdoor education centre and summer camp. The camp operates as a residential outdoor centre, a summer camp and an innovative environmental centre.

Jacob’s passion is teaching children to love and protect their local environment. He holds a teaching certificate and a Masters in Education; he has worked in the field of outdoor education and camping for 30 years.

Jacob recently received the Ontario Society of Environmental Educators “Leadership in Environmental Education Award.” In 2007, Jacob was awarded the Richards Education Award for excellence in Natural History Education from Ontario Nature. He co-teaches a course in environmental education part-time at Trent University. Jacob has developed, in partnership with Trent’s Faculty of Education, an “Eco Mentor” certificate program for teacher candidates. This approach to environmental education has been adopted by 4 other universities.

Jacob has published a number of articles on children, nature and the environment and has coauthored a book on nature activities throughout the seasons with Drew Monkman, called the Big Book of Nature Activities, (the book is now available by New Society Publishers). He is a frequent keynote speaker and has been invited to present to the American Summit for Sustainability, Canadian Roundtable for Pollution prevention and at the Ontario Camping Association’s annual conference.

Jacob conceived and spearheaded the construction of one of Canada’s most sustainable buildings at Trent University. This unique environment centre educates children and future teachers about sustainable living practices, alternative energy and conservation.

Collaborating with community leaders from education, public health and local conservation groups, Jacob is working to establish an environmental framework for our community. The framework will articulate key benchmarks and experiences all children should have access to throughout their development in order to become environmental stewards.

Jason Avery worked in collaboration with early childhood educators in a family resource centre for 11 years as a professional artist with the Artists at the Centre project. Samples of his documentation appear on the project website www.artistsatthecentre.ca. Jason has spoken at conferences across Canada and in the United States, and contributed to pedagogical writings about his work. He is also co-author of, Documenting Children's Meaning along with Karyn Callaghan and Carol Anne Wien.

Presenter Bios

Gail Molenaar, B.A, R.E.C.E., graduated with honours in ECE from Georgian College and has earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Lakehead University. With a passion for outdoor learning, loose parts/intelligent materials, adventurous play and Self-Regulation, Gail is committed to helping educators grow professionally. She recently partnered with Empty Classroom day to promote outdoor learning across Canada and has offered Outdoor Play and Learning Consultation for Child Care Centre’s across Simcoe County.

Gail is a Forest and Nature School Practitioner certifying with Forest School Canada and is a certified Self-Regulation consultant in the Shanker Method from Dr. Stuart Shanker of The Mehrit Centre. Gail is currently in the role of RECE with the Simcoe County District School Board in Ontario and teaches daily in the forest. She is a member of the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance, (NAREA) and of the Ontario Reggio Association.

Wander, Be Wild, Always Wonder Professional Consulting Services in the Early Years Gail can be reached at: wanderwildwonder@gmail.com https://wanderwildwonderblog.wordpress.com Twitter- @Rylone3 Facebook- Wanderwildwonder

Herwig (WIG) Baldauf retired as the head of physical and health education at Niagara District Secondary School, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, having taught for 30 years. In that time, he has served on the executive boards of CIRA Ontario, CAHPERD and OPHEA (Ontario Physical and Health Education Association). He has published several resources for CIRA Ontario and OPHEA and was co-editor of the former CAHPERD’s “The Clipboard” series. Baldauf is a regular workshop presenter and has made numerous presentations at a variety of provincial and national conferences. He has also presented at AQ course at the University of Toronto and Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. Baldauf has been described as a visionary with progressive and innovative ideas, and has been recognized with awards from his peers in the teaching profession, including the Ontario Secondary School Teacher’s Federation Excellence in Education Award.

Terri Segal, is an Expressive Arts Therapist, Facilitator and Educator who is dedicated to sharing the therapeutic value of creative expression through Group Drumming and Expressive Arts workshops. For the past 10 years, Terri has studied and taught West African Drumming and World Percussion. She is a trained Expressive Arts Therapist and Drum Circle Facilitator. Terri participated in HealthRhythm's Group Empowerment Drumming Facilitator Training Program, Village Music Facilitator Training Program, completed a three week West African Drum and Dance Intensive with Company Fore-Fote in Guinea, Africa, holds a BA Honors in English from McMaster University, and is a graduate of Expressive Arts Therapy at The CREATE Institute Through her business Rhythmic by Nature, Terri facilitates Group Drumming Programs at schools, social service agencies, and for small and large businesses for the purpose of teambuilding, wellness, recreation, and education.

Presenter Bios

Special Thank you to Maria Saunders RECE, Child Care Advisor with the Ministry of Education with more than thirty years of experience in early learning, working in a variety of settings as well as at Georgian College in the post diploma Resource Teacher Program. She previously worked for the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and joined the Ministry of Education, Early Years Implementation Branch as the Child Care Advisor for the Barrie Region in May 2011. We would like to thank you for your on-going support to our early childhood educators and to “It’s Child’s Play and It Matters” early learning and care conference. We appreciate your time, expertise and commitment to our educators.

Christa Costas-Bradstreet has expertise in the area of physical activity and health promotion built on thirty years of employed and volunteer experience and an academic foundation in health care, physical education and applied health science.

Christa began her career as a Registered Nurse, specializing in orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation. She left nursing to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Physical Education, as well as two certificates (Fitness Assessment & Exercise Counseling and Sport Administration) at York University. Christa also completed a Master of Arts in Applied Health Science (Health and Physical Education) at Brock University. However, her most prized certificate is “Mother-of-the-Year” presented to her in 2012 by her youngest daughter!

Christa enjoyed an 18-year career with ParticipACTION (the original and re-established organizations) where she held a variety of roles including National Project Coordinator, Director of Health Communications, and Relationship Manager. Christa also spent five years at Hamilton Public Health Services as a Physical Activity Specialist. She has taught at York University and Sheridan College, and helped establish Sheridan’s Exercise Science and Health Promotion degree program. Past volunteer work includes the establishment and implementation of a healthy school initiative, co-chairing the former national Coalition for Active Living and serving on the Burlington Sport Council. Currently, Christa continues to work toward the implementation of Active Canada 20/20, a physical activity strategy for Canada.

Christa has operated her own consulting business since 1999 with it becoming her full-time focus in 2016. Clients include government and non-government organizations including the Canadian Nutrition Society and the Physical Activity Resource Centre (a project of Ophea).

To keep active and healthy, Christa enjoys walking, cycling and swimming. She is a huge Toronto Maple Leaf fan, loves to travel and thrives on spending time with friends and family. She is the mum of two human daughters, Alexis and Zoe and two feline daughters, Maizie (Amazing) and Grace.  

Marianne Staples is a Reggio-inspired educator and has been an educator in Peel for 20 years. She has been a member of the Peel Early Years Collaborative for the past five years and has been involved in Peel's Kindergarten 'Live' events for families, a video project reflecting the journey of play-based learning and FDK in Peel as well as a presenter at Peel's annual Early Years Conference. Upon her return to Kindergarten 6 years ago, she herself has been on a journey, immersing herself in the Reggio philosophy as well as engaging in a professional learning network via her twitter site @wonderstaples. She is passionate about the power of play with loose parts (and loves to collect and share them and their possibilities), the impact the environment can have on a child's learning and how we need to look at materials when engaging children in meaningful, authentic play and learning experiences.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING YOUR

REGISTRATION FORM:

Deadline for registration forms and payment is October 28, 2016. After this date only on-site registrations will be accepted. Each registrant must complete a registration form. Sharing of

conference packages will NOT be allowed. Registrations received without payment will not be processed. Payment of early bird registration must be postmarked no later than

September 15, 2016. Cancellations will be accepted upon receipt of a wr itten request postmarked no later than October 15, 2016. A processing fee of $25.00 will be deducted from each registration qualifying for a refund. No refunds will be issued after October 15, 2016. Non-attendance does not constitute cancellation. Delegates will be responsible for the booking and payment of their

own accommodations. Delegates will be registered in workshops on a first come, first serve

basis and will be placed according to availability at the time of registration.

REGISTRATION FORM

It’s Child’s Play...And It Matters 8th Annual Child Care Conference

November 4 & 5, 2016 Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre

4252 County Road #21, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 Ensure all fields are completed Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Agency/Organization: _________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________Province: ______________________ Postal: ___________

Telephone: (___________) ________________________________ Fax: (__________) ________________

Email: ___________________________________________________________(confirmation and updates via email)

Please list any allergies or diet restrictions __________________________________________________________________

Workshop Registration Fees Early Bird Registration: Received by Sept. 15, 2016 $285.00 After early bird date: $325.00 Friday Evening and Saturday: $240.00 One Day Only Registration : $180.00

Workshop Selection – Please indicate first, second and third choices for each workshop session by entering the code number, and workshop title. If selecting the 1 day workshop, please also provide alternative choices in the event this request cannot be accommodated. Friday Workshops Afternoon Workshop

Saturday Workshops

Morning Workshop Afternoon Workshop

Workshop selections: first choice 1. 1.

Workshop Selections: second choice

2. 2.

Workshop Selections: third Choice

3. 3.

Workshop selection: first choice

1.

Workshop selection: second choice

2.

Workshop selection: third choice

3.

Register by email to lleclair@communitylivingkl.ca or mail completed registration form with payment to: Leslie LeClair Or fax completed registration forms to 705 328 0495 Community Living Kawartha Lakes Suit 200-205 McLaughlin Rd. Lindsay, On. K9V 0K7 PAYMENT METHOD Please remit payment by cheque, payable to: Community Living Kawartha Lakes. OR Pay Pal Option: go to www.communitylivingkl.ca and follow the link.

Please indicate payment method: Cheque # (include name and number on cheque) _________________________________________ Pay Pal (include delegate name and agency)______________________________________________

Cancellations and Refunds: Cancellations will be accepted upon receipt of a wr itten request postmarked no later than October 15, 2016. A processing fee of $25 will be deducted from each registration qualifying for a refund. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER THE October 15, 2016 DEADLINE For More Information Contact: Leslie LeClair, Training and Development Consultant Phone: (705) 328-0502 ext. 235 FAX: (705) 328-0495 or by Email: lleclair@communitylivingkl.ca

Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre 4252 County Road #21,

Haliburton, ON. K0M 1S0

Delegates are responsible for arranging their own travel and lodging arrangements, which are not included in the conference registration. A special rate is available to It’s Child’s Play…And It Matters conference delegates (quote: Community Living Kawartha Lakes to receive the conference rate). The nightly rate includes accommodation, 24 hour front desk assistance, on-site restaurant, wireless internet access in bedrooms, access to pool area, fitness equipment and free parking. Your accommodation selection will be confirmed by the reservations department availability and pricing prior to billing.

All rooms must be booked with a valid credit card, which will ensure the reservation of your guest room. A room rate of $114 for hotel rooms pertains to a single or double occupancy. Pinestone Resort also has 2 bedroom villas; please check with registration for the rate.

Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-461-0357 or by email at reservations@pinestone-resort.com

Quote: Community Living Kawartha Lakes, to receive the conference rate

Guest Rooms (Special Conference Rate) Single $114.00(CAD) Double $114.00(CAD)*

Cut off date to receive conference rate: Oct. 5, 2016 Please note that check-in is after 4 pm, check-out is by 12 noon

PRE AND POST CONFERENCE MEALS

Individual meals can be purchased at the restaurant on site. TAXES

Applicable taxes will be added to the room rate, upon booking. CANCELLATION POLICY

Room cancellation must be received at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled arrival. Reservations cancelled less than 48 hours prior to arrival will be subject to charge equivalent to one night’s stay, plus taxes. Prices are room rate only (based on single/double) and do not include any meals, gratuities or taxes.

Directions to Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre

Alternative Accommodations

Country Charm Bed & Breakfast 152 Mountain Street, RR #2 Haliburton, Ontario Canada K0M 1S0 Canada/USA Toll-Free: 1-866-457-8821

Directions From Ottawa Trans Canada Hwy/ON-17, Westbound Left to ON-60/O'Brien Rd, Renfrew, Westbound Left on Munroe Ave/ON-132, Westbound Right on Lochiel St. N / ON-132, Westbound Left on Lisgar Ave / ON-132, Westbound Straight on ON-41S Slight right on ON-28W Left to stay on ON-28W Right on ON-118W Left to stay on ON-118W Right to stay on ON-118W Left on Highland St / CR21, in Haliburton Village Follow approx 6.8 Kms to Resort, on your left

Directions From HWY 401 Take Provincial Route HWY 35 North towards Minden-Right onto County Rd. 21 towards Haliburton Resort is on your right approximately 12 Kms after the turn End at 4252 County Rd 21 Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Directions from Orillia Left on Hwy 12 Northbound Right on Hwy 48 (again) Eastbound. Left on Hwy 35 Northbound, follow through Minden. Right only County Rd. 21 towards Haliburton. Resort is on your right approximately 12 Kms after the turn.

GPS Address 4252 County Rd 21 Haliburton, ON., K0M 1S0

Down Home Bed & Breakfast 142 Maple Ave., P.O. Box 987 Haliburton, ON Canada K0M 1S0 Canada/USA Toll-Free: 1-877-540-8126

The Riverside B&B 14 Dean Court Haliburton, Ontario Canada K0M 1S0 Worldwide/Local: 1-705-457-3666

Highland Stone Cottage Bed & Breakfast 18 Wallings Road, P.O. Box 1396 Haliburton, Ontario Canada K0M 1S0 Worldwide/Local: 1-705-457-1940 Website: http://www.bbcanada.com/3926.html

The Lakeview Motel 4951 County Road 21, 2 kilometres west of the village of Haliburton.

Driving from Toronto: Take Hwy 35 to the nor th end of Minden, then County Road 21 east to Haliburton for approximately 20 kilometres. The motel is on the left, just past Peninsula Drive

Phone: +1 705 457-1027 Toll-free reservations line: 1-866-385-9347

Please Note: These accommodations do not have a conference rate.