A London-Middlesex System-Wide Professional Learning Day | Journée de formation professionnelle à l'échelle du système London-Middlesex

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025 | VENDREDI 14 NOVEMBRE 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 9 h – 16 h

This event was made possible by funding from the Province of Ontario, City of London, Middlesex County, and Oxford County.
Cet événement a été rendu possible grâce à du financement de la province de l'Ontario, de la ville de London et du comté de Middlesex.

This opportunity brought together London-Middlesex early years system to learn, reflect, and grow. Together, we will explore the essence of empathy, deep understanding, connection, and emotional intelligence.

Cette initiative a permis le système éducatif préscolaire de London-Middlesex afin d'apprendre, de réfléchir et de grandir. Ensemble, nous explorerons l'essence de l'empathie, de la compréhension profonde, de la connexion et de l'intelligence émotionnelle.

VIRTUAL MORNING KEYNOTE | DISCOURS D'OUVERTURE VIRTUEL DU MATIN

The Heart of Connection: Leading with Empathy, Compassion, and Purpose |
Le cœur de la connexion: diriger avec empathie, compassion et détermination

Facilitated by Dr. Rumeet Billan

In today’s complex and fast-paced world, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters—our relationships. The ability to foster authentic relationships has become a critical differentiator for creating inclusive learning environments, strengthening connections, and driving meaningful, lasting impact in early childhood education. This keynote explores how empathy, compassion, and authentic connection are not soft skills, but strategic tools for improving outcomes, and leading with impact. Through research, storytelling, and real-world examples, we’ll explore how meaningful connections are not only the foundation of personal well-being but also the driving force behind impactful leadership, thriving workplaces, and resilient communities. Attendees will learn how empathetic practices can reduce burnout, earn trust, create moments of belonging in learning environments where everyone feels valued and heard.

Dans le monde complexe et en constante évolution d'aujourd'hui, il est facile de perdre de vue ce qui compte vraiment: nos relations. La capacité à entretenir des relations authentiques est devenue un facteur déterminant pour créer des environnements d'apprentissage inclusifs, renforcer les liens et avoir un impact significatif et durable dans le domaine de l'éducation de la petite enfance. Cette conférence explore comment l'empathie, la compassion et les relations authentiques ne sont pas des compétences comportementales, mais des outils stratégiques pour améliorer les résultats et diriger avec impact. À travers des recherches, des récits et des exemples concrets, nous explorerons comment les liens significatifs sont non seulement le fondement du bien-être personnel, mais aussi le moteur d'un leadership efficace, des lieux de travail épanouissants et des communautés résilientes. Les participants apprendront comment les pratiques empathiques peuvent réduire l'épuisement professionnel, établir la confiance et créer des moments d'appartenance dans des environnements d'apprentissage où chacun se sent valorisé et écouté.

Dr. Rumeet Billan is an award-winning, internationally recognized entrepreneur, learning architect, speaker, author and humanitarian. Her mission is to transform workplace cultures through research, training, and experiences that enable trust, foster belonging, and build resilience. Dr. Billan is the CEO of Viewpoint Leadership, and completed her PhD at the University of Toronto and has designed and facilitated programs, courses, and training sessions across industries and sectors. She led the groundbreaking national research study on Tall Poppy Syndrome which reveals the impact of the silent systemic syndrome on women in the workplace. In 2020, she co-led the Canadian Happiness at Work study, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association. She serves on the Board of Directors as Vice-Chair of First Book Canada. For details visit www.rumeet.com.

La Dre Rumeet Billan est une entrepreneure primée, architecte de l’apprentissage, conférencière, auteure et humanitaire reconnue à l’échelle internationale. Sa mission est de transformer les cultures organisationnelles grâce à la recherche, à la formation et à des expériences qui favorisent la confiance, le sentiment d’appartenance et la résilience. Elle est PDG de Viewpoint Leadership et a obtenu son doctorat à l’Université de Toronto. Elle a conçu et animé des programmes, des cours et des formations dans une variété de secteurs et d’industries. La Dre Billan a dirigé une étude nationale novatrice sur le syndrome de la grande tige, qui met en lumière l’impact silencieux mais systémique de ce phénomène sur les femmes en milieu de travail. En 2020, elle a codirigé l’étude Canadian Happiness at Work, en partenariat avec l’Association canadienne pour la santé mentale. Elle siège actuellement au conseil d’administration de First Book Canada à titre de vice-présidente. Pour en savoir plus, visitez le site www.rumeet.com.

View the recording of this session on Strive Online in English or en français.

HEART TO HEART | Cœur à cœur

WITH DR. JEAN CLINTON

Dr. Clinton sat down with Ally, Strive Manager, for a heart-to-heart to dive deeper into the powerful role empathy plays in our work with children. This conversation will make visible how leading with empathy, compassion, and purpose can serve as foundational and effective behaviour guidance strategies. This heart-to-heart will provide professionals with perspective and practical strategies to bring these approaches into their daily work with children.

La Dre Clinton s'est entretenu avec Ally, responsable du programme Strive, pour une discussion à cœur ouvert afin d'approfondir le rôle essentiel de l'empathie dans notre travail auprès des enfants. Cette conversation mettra en lumière comment une approche empreinte d'empathie, de compassion et de sens du but peut constituer une stratégie fondamentale et efficace pour guider les comportements des enfants. Cet échange permettra aux professionnels d'acquérir des perspectives et des stratégies concrètes pour intégrer ces approches dans leur pratique quotidienne.

Dr. Jean Clinton is a Clinical Professor, with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, and was appointed as an education advisor to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Education 2014 - 2018. Dr. Clinton is a trainer in Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model in Education (NME). She works intensively with Michael Fullan and his New Pedagogies for Deep Learning team. She is also a member of the MindUP Scientific Advisory Board, as well as a MindUp for Families advisor. Dr. Clinton was a Fellow of the Child Trauma Academy, and has been a Zero to Three Academy Fellow since 2013.

She has been a consultant to children and youth mental health programs, child welfare, and primary care for over 35 years. Her special interest lies in brain development, and the crucial role relationships, belonging, and connectedness play.

Dr. Clinton is also the author of Love Builds Brains.

La Dre Jean Clinton est professeure clinique au département de psychiatrie et de neurosciences comportementales de l’Université McMaster. Elle a été nommée conseillère en éducation auprès du premier ministre de l’Ontario et du ministre de l’Éducation de 2014 à 2018. La Dre Clinton est formatrice dans le cadre du modèle neuroséquentiel en éducation (NME) du Dr Bruce Perry. Elle travaille en étroite collaboration avec Michael Fullan et son équipe New Pedagogies for Deep Learning. Elle est également membre du comité consultatif scientifique de MindUP et conseillère pour MindUP for Families. La Dre Clinton a été membre de la Child Trauma Academy et fait partie de la Zero to Three Academy depuis 2013.

Elle est consultante pour des programmes de santé mentale destinés aux enfants et aux jeunes, à la protection de l’enfance et aux soins primaires depuis plus de 35 ans. Elle s’intéresse particulièrement au développement du cerveau et au rôle crucial que jouent les relations, le sentiment d’appartenance et la connectivité.

La Dre Clinton est également l’auteure de Love Builds Brains.

View the recording of this session on Leading Inspired Learning in English.

AFTERNOON BREAKOUTS | ATELIERS DE L’APRÈS-MIDI

  • Facilitated by Drew Dudley

    The More than Words workshop is offered to help participants implement their plan for behaving impactfully everyday and reinforce why they matter while doing so. Featuring immersive simulations, timely discussions, practical instruction, and results-focused exercises, participants will work towards creating a system of accountability that drives engagement, connection, and impact in all facets of their lives and careers. In doing so, participants will:

    • Engage in a deeper, collective examination of the values they use to guide decision-making.

    • Translate those values into everyday behaviors.

    • Create action-driving questions to motivate the use of those behaviors.

    • Strategize for some of the daily challenges that could stand in the way of behaving impactfully.

    ***

    The former head of Canada's largest university leadership program at the University of Toronto, Drew Dudley is dedicated to helping people unlearn some dangerous lessons about leadership. The Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of "This is Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership That Matters" and creator of the University of California Irvine's first personal leadership course, Drew's presentation has been called "one of the 10 speeches that will make you a better leader" by TIME magazine. 

This session was in person at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club. It was not recorded.

  • Facilitated by Alycia Garcia (she/her), B.S., M.Ed. & Cara Baudin (she/her), B.A.

    Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is often misunderstood as a "one size fits all" approach to early learning and care. However, UDL is an approach that creates a learning ecosystem flexible enough to meet the unique needs of each individual learner, while also minimizing barriers to meaningful participation. In this session, facilitators Alycia Garcia and Cara Baudin will bring principles of UDL from theory to practice with the ultimate goal of fostering inclusion and belonging for all children. This session will be interactive with activities and moments of guided reflection. Participants will leave this session with tangible ideas of how to implement principles of UDL in their early learning and care programs.

    ***

    Alycia Garcia (she/her) was an elementary school teacher before joining CanAssist as the Special Projects Team Lead. She is very passionate about inclusive education and child care for all children and is inspired by members of the community contributing to this work.

    Cara Baudin (she/her) studied child development during her psychology degree and has previous work experience in the non-profit sector supporting adaptive recreation, education, and youth suicide prevention initiatives. She now works on an inclusive child care consulting team as a Communications Specialist.

This session was in person at Greek Canadian Community Centre. It was not recorded.

  • Facilitated by Ana Valle Rivera, ECE, BCYC, MPEd

    This workshop is underpinned by play pedagogies that are inclusive, trauma-informed and honouring of all children. In this workshop participants will discuss play as a form of research, meaning making and world making. In this workshop participants will learn about child led inquiry and think about ways to foster creativity and self expression through artistic expression. In this workshop participants will:

    - Think about ways to invite children to express themselves through art

    - Participant in an experiential style of learning with art materials

    - Engage in collaborative dialogue to promote generative thinking about meaning making

    ***

    Ana is a proud mother of three, a public speaker, a consultant, and the founder of Early Years Thriving. Ana has 18+ years of experience in the childcare field. She has direct experience working with children and families using inclusive and trauma-informed approaches. Ana has 11+ years of experience working in adult education and she currently supports ECE practicum students. Ana has 9+ years of experience as a workshop facilitator and has facilitated hundreds of professional development workshops for thousands of educators, teachers, and parents. Ana has a Diploma in ECE, a Bachelor’s Degree in Child & Youth Care, and is currently a Master of Professional Education in ECE.

This session was in person at Marconi Club of London. It was not recorded.

  • Facilitated by Cara Caudle, MEd, RECE, FNP

    Beneath every behaviour is a person trying to make sense of the world, and our senses help shape that story. In this lively and insightful session, early learning professionals will explore how the eight senses influence emotional well-being, connection, and relationships in early childhood settings. Together, participants will explore how sensory patterns and preferences shape children’s experiences during transitions, group interactions, and moments of dysregulation, while also considering the essential role adults play in co-regulating and how to cultivate compassion, patience, and care, even in the most challenging situations. Through relatable examples and guided reflection, participants will map their own sensory preferences and regulation strategies, building deeper self-awareness and presence in their daily practice. Along the way, participants will gather practical, relationship-centered strategies that support calm, connection, and inclusion across learning environments, with the aim of strengthening both their own well-being and the experiences of the children in their care.

    ***

    Cara Caudle MEd, RECE, FNP is the Owner & Director of Childhood Connect and a deeply passionate relational educator who leads children’s programs in Waterloo and professional learning for educational professionals across Ontario. Cara is dedicated to nurturing spaces for children where exploration, connection, joy, and learning can thrive, and actions this through her work with children and adults alike. Her approach reflects a wholehearted commitment to building communities of care that honour each learner’s voice, curiosity, and potential.

This session was in person at FireRock Golf Club. It was not recorded.

  • Facilitated by Janet Nezon, MHSc, Founder, Rainbow Plate

    Participants will consider their relationship with food; how they think and talk about it and how this influences their work. We’ll explore the key ingredients in Rainbow Plate’s joyful, sensory, and evidence-based approach and we’ll reflect on how they apply to their roles in the early years setting. We’ll experience this approach and put the key concepts into action in a fun and colourful chef challenge competition.

    We’ll explore and discuss the many roles of food beyond providing nutrition. We will consider the four foundations of “How Does Learning Happen?” in our discussion, with a particular emphasis on well-being and belonging. We’ll explore how food can bring people together, creating community and nourishing them through shared experiences and traditions.

    Participants will:

    • Reflect on their own relationship with food and eating and the potential challenges that can arise when we focus on “healthy eating” in our approach with children.

    • Consider the assumptions and judgements they hold about food and how children will interact with it.

    • Explore the many dimensions of food beyond providing nutrition.

    • Discuss how to move from a place of judgement to curiosity – to consider food from a child’s perspective.

    • Discover the key ingredients in Rainbow Plate's colourful and evidence-based approach.

    ***

    Janet holds a BSc from the University of Toronto, as a Specialist in Nutritional Science, and a Master of Health Science in Health Promotion, from University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine. She founded Rainbow Plate with a mission to translate theory into practice; to bring a vibrant and fresh approach to food education for children. Rainbow Plate’s joyful, sensory-based approach is backed by evidence, including our own published evaluation. It has been woven into engaging programs and resources that inspire children to cultivate lifelong positive relationships with food and eating. Since launching in 2012, Rainbow Plate programs and tools have reached more than 20,000 children and adults across Canada and around the world.

    After years facilitating experiential workshops for children, Janet now supports educators, parents, cooks, dietary managers, caregivers, and health professionals through practical workshops, speaking, and resources. She has inspired the advancement of food literacy in early years organizations, schools, summer camps, public health, and community settings. In addition to her academic background, Janet is a proud mom and a grandmother. Her work is rooted in evidence and seasoned with the flavours of real-life experience.

This session was in person at London Courtyard. It was not recorded.

  • Facilitated by Sara Westbrook, Emotional Resilience Strategist

    Understanding yourself—including how your emotions affect you and those around you—is key to showing up as your best self. Developing self-awareness, managing emotions, demonstrating strong character, and taking ownership of your performance and well-being are essential for success in both your professional and personal life.

    In this keynote, Sara will share practical strategies to strengthen your Emotional Awareness, Emotional Management, and Emotional Resilience—insights you can apply to yourself and those you support.

    ***

    Sara Westbrook is a professional speaker, author, singer and Emotional Resilience Strategist. She has spent the last 18 years researching and presenting on the topic of emotions and the impact they have on choices, well-being and resilience in both adults and youth.

    Over half a million people have been inspired by Sara’s enthusiasm, life experiences and the transformational power of her message. She has appeared on many media outlets including Global, CTV, CBC, Sirius XM & Roku.

    When she is not presenting, writing, or singing, she can be found in her kitchen whipping up yummy, healthy treats for her husband and son or at the arena, with coffee in hand, watching her son play hockey.

This session was offered virtually. Watch the session recording on Strive Online.

  • Facilitated by Julie Hansen, Inspired ECE, Early Years Consultant & Andrea Rizzuto

    Join us for this journey in becoming diverse, equitable and inclusive Early Years Centres. In this workshop we will discuss information about multilingualism, dispel myths about this area, reflect on our own practice, and discuss the importance of self-awareness and objectivity.  We will share specific tools and strategies for educators to create warm and welcoming environments for everyone. The workshop includes the following early learning framework inquiries:

    Well-being and Belonging

    Nurturing a sense of well-being and belonging supports children as they learn about and investigate the world around them. 

    Children's Communication and Literacies

    Children use multiple modes of expressive language to communicate ideas, participate in relationships and make meaning in their homes and communities.

    Identities, Social, Responsibility, and Diversity

    A positive personal and cultural identity is the awareness, understanding and appreciation of all facets that contribute to a healthy sense of oneself.

    ***

    Julie has been an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) for 25 years, having received their diploma in Early Childhood Education from Douglas College. Since then, she has gained experience in a variety of areas within the field of ECE including being: Director of a preschool, supervisor of after-school care, being part of centre management, as well as  working within 3-5 and Infant/Toddler programs. Julie’s primary focus has evolved to encompass team leadership, management training, and program development. She has had articles published in provincial and national ECE journals on the topic of emergent curriculum and leadership. Julie’s goal as an ECE and facilitator is to support early years professionals in providing high-quality early learning experiences for children and families.

    Andrea Rizzuto is one of the Speech-Language Pathologists behind Playground Connections. Andrea has years of experience working in multi-disciplinary clinics and educational settings including a Toronto-based school board, which has given her exceptional experience in all areas of pediatric speech language pathology. She has hosted a wide variety of teacher and parent training workshops on a range of topics related to speech and language issues across Canada. Playground Connections takes great pleasure in working collaboratively with educators, children and their families, and in working towards helping children become effective communicators. Playground Connections proudly offers parent workshops, staff training, curriculum development by experienced, registered Speech Language Pathologists who think outside the “sandbox”.

    ———

    Rejoignez-nous dans cette aventure visant à bâtir des centres de la petite enfance diversifiés, équitables et inclusifs. Au cours de cet atelier, nous aborderons le multilinguisme, déconstruirons les mythes qui entourent ce domaine, réfléchirons à nos propres pratiques et discuterons de l'importance de la conscience de soi et de l'objectivité. 

    Nous partagerons des outils et des stratégies concrètes à l’intention des éducateurs afin de créer des environnements chaleureux et accueillants pour tous. L'atelier comprend les thématiques suivantes relatives au cadre d'apprentissage de la petite enfance:

    Bien-être et appartenance

    Cultiver un sentiment de bien-être et d'appartenance aide les enfants à découvrir et à explorer le monde qui les entoure. 

    Communication et littératie chez les enfants

    Les enfants utilisent plusieurs modes d'expression linguistique pour communiquer leurs idées, participer à des relations et donner du sens à leur vie familiale et communautaire.

    Identité, responsabilité sociale et diversité

    La conscience, la compréhension et l'appréciation d'une identité personnelle et culturelle positive contribuent à une image saine de soi.

    ***

    Julie est éducatrice de la petite enfance (EPE) depuis 25 ans, après avoir obtenu son diplôme en éducation de la petite enfance au  Collège Douglas. Depuis, elle a acquis de l'expérience dans divers domaines liés à l'éducation de la petite enfance, notamment en tant que directrice d'une école maternelle, superviseure d'un service de garde après l'école, membre de la direction d'un centre et animatrice dans des programmes destinés aux enfants de 3 à 5 ans et aux nourrissons. Julie s'est principalement orientée vers le leadership d'équipe, la formation en gestion et l'élaboration de programmes. Elle a publié des articles dans des revues provinciales et nationales sur les thèmes des programmes émergents et du leadership. En tant qu'éducatrice de la petite enfance et animatrice, Julie a pour objectif d'aider les professionnels de la petite enfance à offrir des expériences d'apprentissage de haute qualité aux enfants et aux familles.

    Andrea Rizzuto est l'une des orthophonistes à l'origine de Playground Connections. Andrea possède plusieurs années d'expérience dans des cliniques multidisciplinaires et des établissements scolaires, notamment au sein d'un conseil scolaire de Toronto, ce qui lui a permis d'acquérir une expertise exceptionnelle dans tous les domaines de l'orthophonie pédiatrique. Elle a animé de nombreux ateliers de formation destinés aux enseignants et aux parents sur divers sujets liés aux troubles de la parole et du langage à travers le Canada. Playground Connections est très heureux de travailler en collaboration avec les éducateurs, les enfants et leurs familles, et de contribuer à aider les enfants à devenir des communicateurs efficaces. Playground Connections est fier d'offrir des ateliers pour les parents, des formations pour le personnel et l'élaboration de programmes d'études par des orthophonistes expérimentés et agréés qui sortent des sentiers battus.

This session was offered virtually. Session recordings are no longer available.

  • Facilité par Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc.(A)

    S’occuper de jeunes enfants peut être profondément gratifiant. Ça peut également être incroyablement difficile. Qu'il s'agisse d'un enfant en crise, d'une conversation difficile avec un parent ou de tensions avec des collègues à la fin d'une journée longue, les professionnels de la petite enfance sont confrontés à tous les jours à des moments plein d'émotions. Au cours de cette session, nous explorons comment rester réceptif même lorsque les émotions sont à fleur de peau. Vous découvrirez des outils simples et concrets pour vous aider à rester calme et centré, même lorsque les autres sont débordés, contrariés ou en situation de dysrégulation. Par le biais de réflexions, de discussions et des stratégie pratiques, vous développerez les compétences nécessaires pour répondre avec clarté et bienveillance, tant face à des comportements difficiles que dans des conversations délicates. Vous repartirez mieux outillé pour prendre soin de votre bien-être et renforcer les relations qui comptent le plus dans votre milieu de travail.

    Objectifs: 

    • Approfondir votre comprehension de l'impact du stress sur le fonctionnement cognitif et emotionnel.

    • Identifier les signes precoces d'une reponse au stress afin de mieux vous adapter aux situations difficiles.

    • Renforcer votre capacite a demeurrer calme et connecte pour favoriser une communication efficace avec les enfants, les parents et les collegues.

    • Apprendre des techniques simples, fondees sur des donnees probantes, pour mieux gerer la reponse au stress et renforcer votre resilience.

    ***

    Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc.(A) aide les gestionnaires à communiquer de manière authentique pour mobiliser leurs équipes sans s’épuiser. Ancienne orthophoniste et expert en neurosciences de la communication et du comportement humain, elle forme et accompagne des équipes en petite enfance, en éducation et en services sociaux depuis plus de 20 ans.

    Animée d’une soif d'apprendre difficile à combler, Lindsay intègre à son approche une vaste expérience en régulation émotionnelle, désescalade de conflit, compétence culturelle, pleine conscience et communication non violente.

    Son travail auprès des clients autochtones et son vécu comme mère handicapée de deux enfants handicapés l’ont amené à remettre constamment en question ses propre biais et à cultiver une écoute profonde de l’autre.

    Connue pour sa présence terre-à-terre et sa capacité à rendre les idées complexes accessibles, elle crée des espaces sécuritaires propices à des conversations honnêtes et à des changements profonds, favorisant le bien-être et la collaboration.

This session was in person at Boler Mountain. It was not recorded.