Learning Centre

CMAS Webinar: Happiness @ Work

Did you know that 50% of our happiness is determined by our genes, 10% by our environment but that 40% is determined by our actions or attitude? The science of positive psychology or human flourishing suggests hundreds of simple interventions (e.g. like random acts of kindness; expressing gratitude) that we can apply daily to increase our happiness and well-being.

Researchers have been studying happiness in the workplace for more than 20 years and have learned that employees who have found a way to have meaning and purpose, use their strengths, are highly engaged and have good relationships with their colleagues are happiest.

In this CNC webinar, positive psychology practitioner, Patrice Palmer joins us to talk about different kinds of happiness, and concrete examples of simple things we can do each day to positively impact everyone around us!

Presenter: Patrice PalmerPatrice Palmer, M.Ed., M.A. has more than 20 years of experience as an ESL teacher and trainer in Canada and spent 7 amazing years in Hong Kong.  She has certificates in Positive Psychology and Positive Education from Wilfrid Laurier University, and now teaches in those programs.  Patrice is a Certified Mindfulness Facilitator and Registered Yoga Teacher.  She is the author of The Teacher Self-Care Manual and is a fierce advocate for student, teacher and all school staff well-being.


Webinar: Nurturing Indigenous Identity in an Early Years Centre

Samantha and the team at the EarlyON program in Baawaating (Sault Ste. Marie) believe that the culture of First Nations’ children -- their languages and kinship systems -- must be modelled, taught and celebrated so that Indigenous children grow to be proud of who they are. This webinar will share a snapshot of the unique history of First Nations people from the perspective of Indigenous early childhood educators. How that perspective inspired the methodology used to create an Indigenous culturally based early years family resource centre that places the knowledge and worldview of First Nations’ peoples at the centre of learning for parents/caregivers and their children.

WEBINAR: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – It Starts in Early Childhood

Diversity, equity, and inclusion seem to be buzzwords these days, but what do they all mean? During this webinar, participants took a closer look at the role of leaders and educators in creating programs, policies, and approaches that reflect these values. They'll also have a chance to discuss practical tips to create environments where everyone is welcome and included!

Webinar: Working Well with Babies

The first three years are a distinct developmental period in which quality of care and education have long-lasting effects. Babies have unique needs, and infant/ toddler education is one of the most important, complex, and challenging jobs. The Working Well with Babies webinar provides a set of comprehensive competencies, organized into 9 domains, along with the supports that educators need!

WEBINAR SERIES! Modelling Flexible Ideas About Gender in an Early Childhood Setting

We come from different families. We come from different cultures. We grew up in different decades. We each have our own individual experiences. We probably all see and experience gender in a slightly different way. Gender “refers to the attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that a given culture associates with a person’s biological sex” (American Psychological Association). CMAS is pleased to present an opportunity for CNC staff to learn more about Modelling Flexible Ideas About Gender in an Early Childhood Setting.

This two-part webinar series hosted by Kirsten Freed, an early childhood educator at Mosaic in Winnipeg, includes information about gender and child development, and centres around the ideal of creating the best possible environment for nurturing the social and emotional development of children of all genders. Watch Part 1 and  Part 2.


CMAS Tutorial: Activity Planning for Mixed-Age Groups

Some CNC programs choose to use mixed-age grouping to allow for flexibility or accommodate families when there is limited space and/or staffing. But it also means that staff need to plan with a wider age group in mind… so a child-centred approach can be especially important! In this tutorial, we’ll talk about the benefits, challenges, and important considerations to keep in mind when planning activities for children of different ages.  Participants will go back to their programs feeling more confident, with new strategies and promising practice. At the end of the tutorial, you’ll also find resources, references, a facilitator guide and added group discussion questions so that you can easily facilitate your own team training.


WEBINAR – Don’t Look Away: How to Embrace Anti-Bias Classrooms Now

In this webinar, the authors of Don’t Look Away: Embracing Anti-Bias Classrooms participate in a roundtable discussion on how to embrace anti-bias classrooms and anti-racist teaching by creating affirming and culturally grounded environments that protect children from psychological trauma and heal them from the inside out.


CMAS Webinar Series: Modelling Flexible Ideas About Gender in an Early Childhood Setting

We come from different families. We come from different cultures. We grew up in different decades. We each have our own individual experiences. We probably all see and experience gender in a slightly different way. Gender “refers to the attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that a given culture associates with a person’s biological sex” (American Psychological Association).

CMAS is pleased to present an opportunity for CNC staff to learn more about Modelling Flexible Ideas About Gender in an Early Childhood Setting. This two-part webinar series will include information about gender and child development, and will centre around the ideal of creating the best possible environment for nurturing the social and emotional development of children of all genders. Watch Part 1 and  Part 2.

Note that live sessions are only open to CNC-funded programs that are working with CMAS, but the recordings will be available online for everyone this fall.


Webinar: Coaching and Supervising Staff to Prioritize Social-Emotional Development Growth in Your Program

We all understand the importance of Social-Emotional Learning for children in early childhood programs. Yet, one of the biggest challenges is making sure our programs are offering the best opportunities for social-emotional development. This webinar explores the most current thinking about social-emotional development and how to ensure the staff you supervise are applying best practices in your programs.


WEBINAR: Wonder of Wonders! Harnessing the Wonder of Play through Provocations

From a very young age, children begin expressing their own unique views and ideas. Children are born with many strengths and abilities that continue to unfold and mature throughout their lives. When we respect and value a child’s individual interests in play, we are giving them the fundamental right to realize their unique potential. Children have the amazing capacity to construct their own learning. In this webinar, participants will learn about how we can harness this undeniable power and wonder of play in Play Provocations. They'll learn about what a play provocation is and how they can support and expand the hidden potential of children’s play!