Schedule

In today’s fast-paced and emotionally demanding environments, school-age care staff are often the unsung heroes supporting children’s development, emotional regulation, and sense of belonging. Yet, the same qualities that make these professionals effective (empathy, patience, and adaptability), also place them at heightened risk for burnout and compassion fatigue.

This session, developed and facilitated by Brittany Norlin M.Sc., Registered Psychologist and Clinical Director at Onyx Assessments, provides practical, evidence-informed strategies for self-care, team cohesion, and leadership. Drawing from Brittany’s master’s thesis on the psychological mechanisms of self-care and sustainable professional functioning, this workshop bridges research and real-world application, leaving participants with actionable tools that can be immediately implemented in their roles.

Children with ADHD often present with challenges in attention, self-regulation, and behaviour, including oppositional and defiant tendencies. This session invites childcare professionals to shift their perspective from managing behaviour to understanding the brain systems that drive it. Participants will explore how dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to reward and novelty, and norepinephrine, associated with alertness and goal-directed activity, can be intentionally engaged to support attention, intrinsic motivation, self-regulation, and cooperative behaviour. 

Through hands-on examples, participants will learn to incorporate movement, interest-driven activities, structured challenges, and reward-based strategies into everyday routines. These approaches can reduce defiance by reinforcing positive choices, increasing engagement, and providing predictable, supportive structure. Educators will gain insight into how intentional, brain-based strategies can enhance children’s focus, emotional regulation, and willingness to cooperate. 

Grounded in research and practical application, this workshop equips educators with tools to foster inclusion, build resilience, and strengthen relationships, helping children with ADHD and co-occurring oppositional behavioural challenges behavioural challenges, creating classrooms and programs where all children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

You will gain a foundational understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The session explores what autism is, begin to explain how it presents differently in people, and common characteristics such as differences in communication, sensory processing, and social interaction. 

The session also addresses common myths and misconceptions about autism, helping to build empathy and reduce stigma. You will gain practical tips on how to support and communicate effectively with autistic individuals in everyday situations—whether at home, in school, at work, or in the community. The session will bring lived experience and local context, provide relevant, real-world examples and encourage open, respectful dialogue.

By the end of the session, you will leave with increased awareness, a better understanding of neurodiversity, and the tools to help create more inclusive and supportive environments for autistic individuals.

This interactive session explores the vital role of early childhood educators in shaping children’s development, strengthening families, and enriching communities. Drawing on insights from educators across Alberta and recent AECEA research, this presentation examines how history, policy, and social narratives have shaped the profession’s current realities and how, together, we can strengthen recognition and respect for educators as skilled professionals.

Through storytelling, reflection, and guided discussion, participants will explore the concept of professional identity (how educators see themselves, and how others perceive their work). We will identify the everyday skills educators already use — such as interpersonal connection, emotional regulation, and introspection — as powerful tools for advocacy.

This session is collaborative and participatory. Attendees will be invited to take part in an envisioning exercise, reflecting on what a future might look like where educators are fully valued and supported, and how each of us can contribute to that vision.

Participants will leave with practical strategies to strengthen professional identity, communicate the value of educators’ work, and engage in small but meaningful acts of advocacy within their own circles. Together, we’ll reimagine what’s possible when educators are recognized not only as caregivers, but as essential contributors to the wellbeing of children, families, and society.