Culture and Diversity
Introduction to Spoken Language Interpreting for CNC Staff
Jane Langes from the E-Quality Communication Centre of Excellence explores the roles and responsibilities of professional, volunteer, and workplace interpreters. Participants will learn about standards of practice, ethical principles, accuracy, sight translation, and how to recognize when an assignment exceeds their skills. This session provides practical guidance for anyone called upon to interpret or provide language support in the workplace.
Handout: Working with Interpreters
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion: Building Connections and Quality in the ECE Classroom
In this session, Lobna Ajaini of Childhood Empowerment empowers educators to create inclusive, high-quality learning environments that inspire care and nurture connections. With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, participants will explore culturally responsive teaching practices, develop tools to build meaningful relationships with newcomer families, and learn strategies to foster belonging in diverse classrooms. This workshop equips educators to create spaces where every child and family feel valued and connected.
True “Belonging” Means Not Trying to Fit In
Led by Kerry Drake of KD Talks, this workshop looks at the shift from “fitting in” to truly belonging. Drawing on research from thought leaders like Brené Brown, participants will reflect on identity, authenticity, and courage, and learn how to create spaces where children and adults feel seen, valued, and free to be themselves.
Handout: Workbook
Once Upon a Time: Inspiring Care and Building Connections Through Storytelling in Early Childhood Education
This session with Lobna Ajaini of Childhood Empowerment explores how storytelling can enhance care, language, imagination, and emotional resilience in early childhood education. This online workshop equips educators with practical strategies to integrate storytelling into daily routines, support children from diverse and newcomer backgrounds, and foster inclusive, high-quality learning environments.
Handout: Workbook
Conversations with Families: Neurodiversity
When new to Canada, many parents are experiencing the expected overwhelm that can often accompany change; new physical spaces, languages, cultures, support networks, and routines. Additionally, parents are navigating new frameworks of childcare and support. They are learning through potentially a new lens, Canada’s model and approach to disability–through both the social and medical models. As a first point of contact, the importance of how we approach conversations regarding children with support needs, disability, or neurodiversity cannot be overstated. Monica Maddison guides participants through an understanding of neurodiversity, the social model of disability, and strategies to come alongside parents in conversation that feels both connected and collaborative.
Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project – FREE Training
Did you know that the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) - through the Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project - offers free, self-paced online courses for settlement/social-service and health providers? These courses cover topics such as the social determinants of immigrant and refugee mental health, trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and supporting children and families — which are all relevant to our CNC work. It's a great opportunity for anyone looking to deepen your knowledge, get practical tools and resources, and connect with other providers across Canada.
Teaching Early Childhood Multilingual Learners: Podcast
In this episode of Lifting Language, three early childhood leaders gather to talk about teaching early childhood multilingual learners. It's a great opportunity to reflect on the principles of early childhood education and the role languages play, families as resources, and best instructional practices.
Ages & Stages: Caregiver’s Guide to Supporting Children’s Racial Learning
Every child is learning about race, starting in their earliest months of life. What they learn, when, and how they make sense of it, depends on the messages they get from caregivers, communities, and the world around them. The Ages & Stages Guide brings together the latest research on children’s racial development from infancy through early adolescence, when caregivers have the most impact. It outlines: What kids notice at different ages; how racial learning unfolds over time; and practical steps caregivers can take to support healthy, affirming conversations and action.
Bridging cultures: Mandela Kuet’s Journey to Empower Winnipeg Youth
Mandela Kuet’s childhood in Winnipeg’s North End was shaped by the sights and sounds of a community deeply intertwined with both Indigenous and newcomer cultures. It was a place where the sense of family, culture, and community provided a foundation for Mandela’s lifelong commitment to making a difference. Kuet now runs a non-profit organization that helps bridge gaps, build relationships and create spaces where young people, particularly Indigenous and newcomer youth, can thrive.
When All the Kids are White: How Does an Early Education Program Work Toward Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist Classrooms?
Children begin noticing race as early as six months old—and by age twelve, many have already absorbed racial stereotypes. What happens when a preschool with no racial diversity decides to take action? This article explores how an early years program is rethinking its approach to anti-bias, anti-racist programming.