Resources
New Year, New Inspiration: Early Years STEM
Kick off 2026 with fresh ideas for hands-on learning! Watch this 1-hour recorded session with top-rated presenter Lobna Ajaini, who shows how STEM in the early years is rooted in curiosity, loose parts, and creative problem-solving—not just “hard science.” Watch Creativity and Innovation Using STEM in the Early Years!
RAISED between Cultures: Video and reflection guidebook for intercultural practice in the early years
The RAISED Between Cultures model was designed to promote intercultural practice and reflection when working with culturally diverse children and families. The video and guidebook highlight the importance of possessing a deep understanding of cultural backgrounds, experiences, and migration challenges, as well as family strengths to support children's learning and development.
It’s Multicultural Children’s Book Day!
The goal of Multicultural Children’s Book Day is to raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity and get more of these books into classrooms, libraries and collections. Here's a list of books and activities... maybe you'll find a new favourite!
Storybooks Canada — Free Multilingual Stories
Storybooks Canada is a free open educational resource that offers beautifully illustrated children’s stories in text and audio, available in English, French, and 30 of the most commonly spoken languages in Canada. These stories come from the African Storybook collection and have been carefully adapted to reflect themes that resonate with children across diverse communities.
2025 CNC Conference session recordings are now available!
The 2025 CNC Virtual Conference: Inspiring Care was a powerful reminder of all the ways we can support newcomer families across the country. In case you missed it - or just want to revisit the expert strategies shared - you can now access most of the 2025 CNC Conference session recordings in the CNC Learning Centre!
New Resource: Reducing Risks Through Effective Supervision
Inadequate supervision is one of the most common concerns in early learning and child care settings. The new resource, Professional Supervision: Reducing Risks in the Environment, provides practical strategies to strengthen supervision, reduce risks, and keep children safe across all environments. You can use it to reflect on current practices, enhance team collaboration, and build confidence, so your team can provide safe, engaging spaces where every child can learn and thrive.
Free E-Book: An Educator’s Guide to a Whole-Child Approach
Whole-child learning goes beyond a simple idea—it supports every child’s growth by celebrating strengths, personalizing instruction, and reducing challenging behaviors. This approach can help us create spaces where all children can thrive. Explore what it means, why it works, and how to apply it in this e-book.
Creating Magical Spaces
Creating environments that inspire curiosity, exploration, discovery, and play is both an art and a challenge. While trends evolve, truly meaningful spaces always center the child—supporting play, belonging, safety, and well-being.A magical environment responds to children’s interests and invites everyone to participate with joy. Join Tina Geers from Inspired Minds ECC Consulting Inc. as we explore how thoughtful choices—from natural elements and cozy lighting to our own presence and engagement—can transform early learning spaces. Every setting is different, but each one has the potential to be magical. ✨
Baby Talk: Supporting Infant and Toddler Language Development
Are you working with young children who are actively learning language(s)? In this his online workshop Nancy Tovell of Bookmates focuses on how we can support children’s language development in the early years. Included will be practical, interactive family literacy strategies to help children engage and communicate with their caregivers, while building fundamental speech and language skills.
Handouts:
Baby Talk Literacy Activity Ideas
Baby Talk Rhyme Booklet
Baby Talk Suggested Book List
Beyond Pom Poms: Exploring Process vs Product Art Through A Cultural Lens
Megan Wales DiCarlo, CNC Program Manager & Arts-Infused Early Learning Specialist at the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, invites educators to reimagine art through a culturally inclusive lens. This session explores diverse materials, traditions, and process-based, child-led approaches that foster identity, sensory exploration, and meaningful creative expression. Participants will learn practical strategies for integrating authentic cultural materials, music, movement, and storytelling to create inclusive, engaging art experiences.