News

Three partners for online learning November 17 2016


The very popular and flexible SECD workshops are now being offered with three provincial partner organizations: Manitoba Child Care Association, Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia, and Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario. Five sessions are scheduled between January and April, 2017. All content is online, and participants choose when and where to complete the weekly requirements, foraccessible and convenient learning.

In an easy-to-use platform,participants review SECD multimedia content. They learn new information, analyze ideas, consider how to apply the information, and discuss the issues with their peers. This all happens with the guidance of a facilitator who provides an orientation, gives support as needed, and encourages participants to think deeply and challenge themselves.

Recent participants have said:

"The best thing was being able to work at the most convenient place and time. And most important we got more ideas and experiences than in a regular workshop." 

I am not totally experienced with technology but the workshop was pretty clearly laid out and user friendly." 

"The workshop online format and pace was great. Being able to flex it around my schedule was fantastic and so important as I have very little free time." 

"I loved reading the information and watching the videos." 

"The pace is perfect for me. It is the best way to learn as I can use my time effectively and access the materials as many time as I need it."

Visit our workshop webpage for more information.

New Initiative – Online Professional Development Workshops October 22 2015


The Science of Early Child Development team is proud to announce a unique training initiative. We have partnered with the Manitoba Child Care Association to provide online workshops as part of their line-up of professional development offerings. In these workshops, registered participants access Science of Early Child Development (SECD) content (videos, readings, links, games, discussions) and “meet” each other in an online platform. During a two-week period, participants choose the times and locations most suitable for them to work through the material, making it convenient, flexible and ideal for people who cannot make it to a face-to-face session!

A facilitator oversees each workshop by welcoming, orienting and guiding participants. Participants will explore websites; do short readings; watch videos of experts, children and programs; and play interactive review games. Ultimately, by exploring the engaging content and then sharing ideas and reflecting with other participants in the online learning community, participants can enhance their work with children and families. 

The first workshop, Focusing on play, is scheduled from November 23 to December 7, 2015. Topics include the value of play for learning and development, the role of play in self-regulation, and risky, active and outdoor play. Click here for more information and registration.  A next session, on positive guidance, will run in early 2016.

Winter sessions dates for online course January 08 2015


Did you know that SECD offers a 40 hour online course?

Winter session start dates:

Feb. 19/15
Mar. 19/15

Want to explore the resource in a structured and in-depth way? Interested in a convenient and content rich professional development experience? Need to fill a provincial training requirement for Child Care Assistants or family child care providers?

Red River College offers a 10-week online course that uses readings, videos, and interactive games from the Science of Early Child Development (Introductory Ed.) to provide knowledge of child development and best practice. Online discussions engage participants and expand learning. Participants complete the work where and when they like.

Past participant comments:

“I really loved the fact that I could do the course from home. Also at my own pace. That helped me alot!”

“I found it easy to work through and I like that you could chat with others working through it as well.”

“The best.....I can use all my skills at my work place.”

For a preview of the SECD resource, click here. To register, click here or call 204-694-1789 or 1-866-242-7073 (toll free).

Red River College University of Toronto AKDN - Aga Khan Development Network