Since 2001, Kids Can Fly has been dedicated to supporting the wellness of children in Brantford and Brant County. On Thursday, November 7th, with the support of the City of Brantford, we hosted our Annual ECE Awards Celebration to honor the outstanding Early Childhood Educators in the region.
The City of Brantford recognizes that supporting Early Childhood Educators is essential for the growth and well-being of our youngest citizens. In 2024, the city was able to direct funding to support several initiatives aimed at providing Early Childhood Educators with tools, resources and supports to succeed.
These include:
• RISE Training: A professional learning series designed specifically for Early Childhood professionals, aimed at providing educators with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools needed to promote equity and inclusion in learning environments. The RISE training builds on the Inclusion and Access Pathway you all received in 2023.
• Circle of Security: A program based on attachment theory, designed to help caregivers understand and respond to the emotional needs of children in a way that promotes secure attachment. This on-site training has been facilitated at a number of child care sites to date, with additional trainings booked into early 2025.
• Community Services Training: Representatives from every child care had the opportunity to spend an afternoon learning about the resources available in our community for children and families from the experts at Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services, Lansdowne Children’s Services, the Y Immigration and Settlement Services and Nova Vita.
• The Messiness of Parenting Podcast: Just released in October, is a resource for parents, caregivers and educators reminding us that we are not alone and we have what it takes.
• New wage floor: In 2024 we saw the wage floor for RECEs increase to $23.86, up from $19.00 in 2023.
In addition, the city continues to resource Community Living Brant, Lansdowne Children’s Centre, and the Joint Brant Haldimand Norfolk Professional Development Committee to provide educators with free learning opportunities and workshops throughout the year.
We are so grateful for the City of Brantford’s continued support of the Annual Kids Can Fly ECE Awards Celebration. This esteemed event would not be possible without the backing of our community.
