Facilitated by: Kayla Paquette, RECE, Strive Community Animator and Nyiel Nhial, RECE, Strive Community Animator
In this session, we’ll welcome you into the dynamic world of the early years sector, introducing practices and mindsets that will support you as you begin your journey. Together, we’ll explore what it means to work in early learning, reflect on your emerging educator identity, and provide strategies to support you in navigating your first years with confidence, connection, and purpose. You’ll also have the chance to connect with peers, share experiences, and begin building a supportive professional community. To help you navigate the local ECEC sector, we’ll provide helpful resources – including our Early Years Professionals' Local Resource Guide – to guide you as you grow in your role.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Pedagogical Focuses: Belonging - Expression - Engagement - Leadership - Networking
Standards of Practice: Standard I: Caring and Responsive Relationships, Standard II: Curriculum and Pedagogy, Standard IV: Professionalism and Leadership
Kayla Paquette (she/her) is a registered Early Childhood Educator. She graduated from Fanshawe College’s Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership program in 2019. Prior to this role, Kayla worked as a Pedagogical Mentor for a childcare and early years centre. She looks forward to connecting with the broader community through Strive, offering her support in a greater capacity.
Nyiel Nhial (she/her) graduated from Fanshawe College in 2014 with a diploma in Early Childhood Education and is currently a Registered Early Childhood Educator. Over the years, she's worked across various age groups, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, with a strong foundation in child development and care.
In 2015, she earned her TESOL/TESL/TEFL certification through Oxford Seminars, which opened the door to an incredible experience teaching English abroad in rural South Korea within the elementary school curriculum. More recently, she's expanded her professional skill set by completing a certificate in Organizational Leadership.
Nyiel is deeply passionate about supporting the growth and development of children and building strong relationships with families. She's now excited to take that passion further by connecting and engaging with the broader community.
To access the printable poster, please use the following link: Navigating Your First Years As An Educator Poster
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
6:30 – 8:00 PM
Fanshawe College - Innovation Village: Collaboration Space
1001 Fanshawe College Blvd.,
London, ON, N5Y 5R6
Cost
London/Middlesex: Pay What You Can
Elgin/Oxford: $10
Registration closes on Wednesday, September 10 at 12:00 PM
* Ticket Types are based on the County you WORK in.