Grow my understanding of Early Childhood Mental Health and document how I construct and incorporate practices that support a sense of belonging and positive sense of well-being in my work with children and families.

Description of Learning Experience

On October 13, 2021 I participated in a webinar offered by my workplace about supporting students growth and learning through relationships.  The webinar series highlights using relationships in the post-pandemic classroom to support students learning, growth and well-being and is titled Relationships first: Rethinking the post-pandemic classroom.  This webinar was presented by Dr. David Tranter and the first session had educators reflect on What Matters Most in classrooms today.    

Documentation of Participation

Application of Professional Learning

This webinar guided me to reflect on what matters most in classrooms to meet the diverse needs of students.  The pandemic highlighted many inequities in systems in the world, including the education system and I reflected on how my role can support the children and families I work with to encourage optimal growth and development that allows children and their families to contribute to their communities and the world around them.  I now know that learning is relevant, however the formal school curriculum is not what matters most in the lives of students.  Students need to feel connected to peers and adults and have opportunities to contribute to their environment and the world around them and providing safe opportunities for students to connect and share their contributions, as well as take learning risks, is necessary in the pandemic and post-pandemic learning environment.  In my role as a student and developing educator, I will look for explicit opportunities to connect with students and to connect students to each other to meet the social and emotional needs of students, as well as respond to students in ways that promote positive well-being and mental health.  For example, facilitating large group and small group discussions, allowing students to work together in safe environments, such as outdoors, and creating spaces for students to share their skills and creations are methods I can implement in the pandemic classroom to promote positive social interactions and connections.  

Description of Learning Experience

In January of 2022 I engaged with a webinar titled "What's working and Why?" with Dr. David Tranter.

Documentation of Participation

Application of Professional Learning

This webinar session encouraged educators to find ways to identify why teaching through relationships works and bring these identifiers into conversations to advocate for student well-being in learning environments.  As I continue with my work as an RECE, I will use this information to identify moments during the day when I can support students social-emotional development to recognize and support their growth towards Next Steps in their development, even in adverse situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Description of Learning Experience

From January to April of 2022, I took part in an First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Education course focused on working as allies to promote the well-being of Indigenous students and their families in school environments.  

Documentation of Participation

Application of Professional Learning

This course brought to light the systemic oppression faced by Indigenous Communities through the education system dating back to colonization.  I will use this information to act as an ally and recognize the systemic oppression faced by students in the education system, especially Indigenous students and their families.  I will also use this information to bring conversations about Indigenous cultural practices into the classroom to promote respect and appreciation for diversity.  As a passionate educator with the Catholic school system, I recognize my role includes promoting truth and reconciliation and supporting the spiritual journeys of all individuals while recognizing our similarities and celebrating differences.  

Reflection on my Learning

Throughout this year I have explore social-emotional development and early childhood mental health.  I have been fascinated by the mental health disparities of racialized children and families across Canada and I recognize that it is necessary to approach mental health with cultural competence and sensitivity.  Moving forward in my learning,  It will be important for me to identify my own biases to approach supporting children and families equitably.