Updated Professional Learning Plan

Professional Learning Goal: Continue learning about nature based early learning, specifically the relationship between outdoor education and mental health, and incorporate nature-based early learning experiences as a student educator in teaching practicums.

Professional Learning Activities:

• Planning learning experiences that align with forest school and nature-based early learning philosophies while completing the Bachelor's of Education program at Ottawa University during teaching practicums.

• Engaging in webinars about nature-based early learning and outdoor education specific to school-age children.

• Participate (and possibly lead) professional discussions with peers about the role of nature-based early learning to support healthy bodies and healthy minds.

Timelines:

• Incorporating nature-based early learning experiences into teaching practicum: June 2021

• Participate in webinars about nature-based early learning: As they arise, ideally October however as of right now many pre-set dates for webinars have been cancelled due to COVID-19

• Participate in professional discussions with peers about the role of nature-based early learning: December 2020

Professional Learning Goal: Continue building knowledge about child development, specifically social and emotional development in relation to early childhood mental health, and the role of trauma in the wake of COVID-19.

Professional Learning Activities:

• Brain Story Certification from the Alberta Family Wellness Institue

• Staying up to date on resources from the Harvard Centre of the Developing Child

• Following Brain Architects podcasts from the Harvard Centre of the Developing Child

• Engaging in professional discussions about the impact of COVID-19 on children, families and the early childhood sector

Timelines:

• Brain Story Certification: August 2020

• Collection of Resources about Social/Emotional Development from the Harvard Centre of the Developing Child: May 2021

• Brain Architects Podcast: May 2021

• Engaging in Professional Discussions about COVID-19: May 2021

Professional Learning Goal: Advocate for the rights of children and families, specifically cultural rights and increase my knowledge about authentically supporting and incorporating culturally appropriate practice.

Professional Learning Activities:

• Rights of a Child MOOC through Harvard University

• Engage in webinars about equity in education

• Start the conversation about culturally appropriate practice and teaching minority children

Timelines:

• Rights of a Child MOOC: May 2021

• Webinars about equity in education: December 2020

• Conversations about culturally appropriate practice: September 2020 to April 2021