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The facilitator of the group will be responsible for noting:
1) Date & Name of Facilitator
2) P.A.T.H. examples from each group member (Present,
Authentic, speak your Truth, and Human)- this is in connection to your role as a future educator
3) Outstanding Questions group may have (readings, course
expectations)
4) Early Childhood Sector News/Social Media- if you aren't aware of any where would you find it
5) Attendance of group members

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I came across a post from the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) about the importance of play-based learning and outdoor exploration. They highlighted how time outside supports children's well-being, which connects to what we've been seeing in placement.

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No questions from me this week.

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For the outstanding questions section, can we include questions that connect not only to the readings and course expectations, but also to our placement experiences, insights from other ECEs, or practices specific to our local centres?

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Insight: Many daycares and ECE programs are sharing strategies online for supporting children’s emotional well-being and outdoor learning, especially for toddlers and preschoolers.

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No questions.

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P.A.T.H. Reflection (Speaking Your Truth):

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P.A.T.H. Reflection (Speaking Your Truth):

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There is a new development from the Canadian Federal Government initiative called: Mental Health in the Early Years (MHITEY). This initiative is investing in research and interventions to promote socio-emotional development, prevent early mental health issues, and treat children (0-5) at risk of mental health problems.

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In response to a tragic incident at a Richmond Hill child care centre, the Ontario Ministry of Education has issued new safety directives for all child care centres across the province which includes:

Blocking off parking spaces directly adjacent to child care entrances and playgrounds.

Working with landlords/property managers to install stronger, long-term safety barriers.

The update emphasizes that children’s safety and well-being remain the highest priority.

This is an important sector update because it highlights how quickly policy and procedures can shift in early childhood education when children’s safety is involved.

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Ontario is currently facing a decline in the percentage of qualified Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) working in licensed child care programs. Recent data shows the number has dropped from about 58.9% to 56%, falling short of the province’s target of 60% by 2025–26. This shortage highlights the ongoing challenges in recruitment and retention of RECEs, which directly impacts the quality of care and learning opportunities for young children (Child Care Now. 2025).

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Sabrina P.A.T.H. Reflection - Authentic 

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Sabrina P.A.T.H. Reflection - Authentic 

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No questions for me this week.

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No questions this week.

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The College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) and the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC) have launched a new streamlined program approval pathway for Indigenous Institutes in Ontario.

This joint initiative and process aims to reduce administrative barriers, ensure quality standards, and support cultural relevance in ECE diploma programs and indigenous communities.

Both organizations emphasized the importance of collaboration, reconciliation, and recognition of Indigenous-led education. This pathway will strengthen support for Indigenous students and Registered ECEs, whose knowledge and skills are vital for serving Indigenous communities across the province.

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Its a little older of a an article but is still very true.

Ontario is experiencing a significant shortage of Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs), which is affecting the ability of many childcare centres to operate at full capacity. Reports suggest that the province could be short over 8,500 RECEs by 2026 if current recruitment and retention challenges are not addressed. Low wages, limited benefits, and high turnover continue to push many educators out of the field, creating ongoing instability in the workforce (Global News, 2023).

Reference :
Global News. (2023, January 14). Ontario could be short 8,500 early childhood educators by 2026, report warns. https://globalnews.ca/news/9410946/ontario-childhood-educator-shortage/

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Ontario Schools to Observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On Sept. 30, all Ontario public schools will mark and participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the National Truth and Reconciliation day, and its Call to Action.

Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, and Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation produced a joint statement explaining that the Ministry of Education, alongside Indigenous partners, will develop new province-wide curriculum resources by Sept. 30, 2026. These resources will help educators and students learn about the history and lasting impact of residential schools, while honouring Survivors and their families.

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to be observed in all Ontario public schools

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Today, Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, and Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, issued the following statement on the development of new resou

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The topic of shortages in RECE’s has been brought up multiple times. However, I saw an article from Global News about ages going up.

Ontario is putting ECE minimum wage up to $23.86 an hour. This is to try and eliminate the shortage of RECE’s in Ontario. The shortage makes it hard to obtain the 10$ a day program for families. The government has said that this plan will have wages for upcoming ECE’s from the lowest to the highest. The province is said to be short 8500 ECE’s by 2026. However, Ontario plans to have 86000 new spaces by then.

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Just read “Early Childhood Education Trends and Best Practices in 2025” on Ekya PDI and got so many ideas! Some of the key take-aways:

AI and adaptive learning tools are becoming more common, helping educators tailor learning to each child’s pace.

Play-based, experiential learning, especially outdoors and through sensory environments, is being pushed as essential for early development.

Social-emotional learning is now considered a core component of daily work with kids, not just an add-on.

Blending technology and hands-on experiences is the way forward, but with caution to keep tech age-appropriate and meaningful.

There’s rising interest in Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches, focusing on self-directed and inquiry-based learning.

Sustainability and nature-based learning are rising: outdoor classrooms, gardening, eco-focused activities are showing up more.

The “child-centred curriculum” is getting more emphasis, letting children’s interests guide learning, supported by educators.

Educator capacity is crucial: more professional development in SEL, inclusive education, and trauma-informed practices is needed.

Super excited to bring some of these into placement and see how they look in the real world!

Reference:
MG, Aparrna. (2025, January 30). Early Childhood Education Trends and Best Practices in 2025. Ekya PDI. https://pdi.ekyaschools.com/editors-choice/early-childhood-education-3/

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No Question this week.

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The ongoing U.S. government shutdown poses a significant threat to Head Start programs nationwide. These programs, which have been instrumental in providing early childhood education for over 60 years, rely heavily on federal funding. Extended shutdowns could lead to closures, affecting not only educational services but also comprehensive support for families, including job readiness programs and food assistance. As early childhood educators, it's crucial to stay informed about these developments, as they directly impact the communities we serve. Government shutdown puts Head Start programs at risk nationwide

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Government shutdown threatens 60-year-old Head Start program for early childhood education

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Government shutdown threatens Head Start programs nationwide. Federal funding cuts could close early childhood education centers serving families.

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No questions!!

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A new U.S. study shared by The Sector highlights the powerful role of playful learning in early childhood classrooms. Researchers found that when educators embrace child-led, play-based experiences, children develop stronger creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. The study also shows that playful learning supports academic goals rather than competing with them, helping children build both knowledge and confidence. However, the authors warn that focusing too much on testing and early academics can limit meaningful play experiences. The findings in this study reinforce the idea to educators that play is not just used a fun or free play, but rather it’s a foundation for lifelong learning.

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USA study highlights the power of playful learning in early childhood classrooms

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A new international study has reinforced the value of play-based learning, finding that playful, child-led approaches are among the most effective ways to support holistic development and engagement in early education.

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No questions from me this week.

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London Bridge Child Care Services is set to close 200 before-and-after school spaces in the Municipality of Bluewater due to a significant shortage of early childhood educators (ECEs). This closure, effective September 26, 2025, has left many parents scrambling for alternative care options. Local officials are urging the provincial government to intervene, suggesting measures like funding support and flexible staffing models to address the crisis.

Child Care Canada. (2025, September 25). Parents panic as daycare provider ends before- and after-school program in Huron County. https://childcarecanada.org/documents/child-care-news/25/09/parents-panic-daycare-provider-ends-and-after-school-program-huron

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This recent report about the schools in Listowel and Milverton are expanding classrooms and childcare spaces ahead of the new school year highlights a broader trend we’re seeing right here in the North Perth area. With local families growing and demand for quality early-learning and student-support environments rising, our community likewise appears to be responding well, the school boards, municipal officials and childcare providers in our region are collaborating to increase capacity, improve infrastructure and adapt programming to meet younger children’s needs. In effect, what’s happening in Listowel and Milverton reflects a parallel shift in North Perth, an investment in our children’s spaces, an acknowledgement that family-services growth matters, and a push to ensure that as enrolments increase, the supports and facilities keep pace.

CTV News Kitchener. (2025, September 2). Listowel, Milverton schools expand classrooms and childcare spaces ahead of new school year. CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/listowel-milverton-schools-expand-classrooms-and-childcare-spaces-ahead-of-new-school-year/

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A new food I tired was dried mangos, they are very good. I read a lot of labels and not shocked often the junk in food. I have not made a mean for under $5 for my household of 5. And my new meal my children and I made was bubble pizza and it was delicious, and my kids loved it! We will be making it again for sure.

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No questions for me

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No question for me!

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This recent report highlights a significant shortfall of licensed childcare spaces in the City of Stratford / Perth County region, noting that many children from infancy to age four remain without access to care despite rising demand (Atwood. B, 2025). This aligns closely with trends in our neighbouring towns of Listowel, Milverton and the broader North Perth area, where growth in young families is creating pressure on early-learning and support services. As local providers stretch to serve growing waiting lists and municipalities look to expand capacity, our community must also engage proactively in planning, collaboration and advocacy to ensure childcare infrastructure keeps pace with population and economic shifts.

Atwood. B. (2025, October 30). ‘It’s really a systematic failure’: Parents, educators raise concerns over lack of childcare spaces in Stratford, Ont. CTV News Kitchener. ‘It’s really a systematic failure’: Parents, educators raise concerns over lack of childcare spaces in Stratford, Ont. – CTVNews

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No questions from me.