About Us

Emmie and Jewel’s journey together began in 2022 when Jewel, during a leadership practicum, presented to Emmie’s university class on the significance of higher education in Early Learning and Child and Youth Care. Their paths crossed again in 2023 when they collaborated on a Children’s Rights project, partnering with The Muttart Foundation and the Canadian Child Care Federation. They also had the opportunity to present their work across Alberta in various Conferences like the School Age Care Conference and the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta essential pieces conference. 

Emmie is an Assistant Professor in the Bachelor of Child Studies (BCST) program at Mount Royal University, and Jewel May is a recent graduate of the same program. Their shared dedication to children’s rights inspired the creation of RightsFirst—a partnership committed to empowering Early Childhood Educators with a Children’s Rights-Based approach to their practice.

By actively listening to children and respecting their voices, choices, and perspectives, educators can help shape them into empowered citizens with a strong sense of agency. In environments where children's rights are upheld, children are more likely to thrive, take risks, learn, grow, and enjoy their experiences.

Our three-part webinar series is designed to provide educators with the knowledge and practical tools to embrace this approach in their daily work and to continue advocating for children’s rights.

We’re thrilled to bring our vision to life and look forward to engaging with you over the next year as we explore a Children’s Rights Approach to Practice in Early Childhood Education.