Programs and Activities
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.
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.
Belonging Begins with Us: Building Deeper Relationships in CNC Programs
Tammy Nucci explores how educators can create trusting, inclusive relationships with children, families, and peers—regardless of language or background. Drawing on trauma-informed care, culturally sustaining practices, and early childhood best practices, participants will learn strategies to design routines and environments that promote safety, respect, and belonging. This session offers practical tools and reflective discussion to help build relationships rooted in empathy and inclusion.
Handouts:
Workshop Outline
Learner Journal
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