Learning Link

What if movement could boost learning, well-being and connection? Join us as we meet, The Physical Literacy Champion’s Network , and explore how physical literacy supports children, educators, families, and communities. Discover simple ways to bring more movement into everyday routines and why every move matters. Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational information and professional experiences related to physical literacy and movement. It is intended for general educational purposes and should not be considered individualized health or medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult appropriate professionals regarding their own circumstances and to participate in physical activities according to their individual abilities and needs.

What does it mean to bring your whole self into your work as an Early Childhood Educator? In this episode of The Learning Link , Hafsa Hasnain speaks with pedagogical leader Lobna Ajaini about passion, purpose and the unique strengths educators bring to their practice. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on relationships, curiosity and unlocking your potential in early childhood education.

Home visitors play a critical role in licensed home child care, providing mentorship, guidance, and ongoing support to help providers create safe, high-quality learning environments. In this episode of The Learning Link , Maverine Guerreiro, shares insights into the role of a home visitor, discussing the rewards, challenges and responsibilities of supporting home child care providers while building strong partnerships with families and promoting positive outcomes for children.

In this episode of The Learning Link , host Bibi Haniff explores how educators can support children and families as they prepare for the transition to kindergarten. From meaningful conversations and book recommendations to celebrating growth and creating closure rituals, discover practical strategies to help children feel confident, supported, and excited about this important next step in their learning journey.

In this episode of The Learning Link , host Bibi introduces CDRCP's Professional Learning Team. As the team continues to expand, this conversation provides an opportunity to connect with the voices, experiences, and passion of each team member.

This podcast introduces the Infant & Early Years Mental Health (IEYMH) Communities of Practice, where educators come together to reflect, share experiences, and deepen their learning from the IEYMH modules. Through meaningful conversations and reflective practice, these sessions create space for connection, insight, and growth in supporting children’s mental health and well-being.

In this episode of The Learning Link , host Brittany speaks with QI Mentor Tracey. This conversation provides an opportunity to understand what Raising the bar is and why it's so important to our community.

In this episode of The Learning Link , host Farrah sits down with Carla Ward, Early Childhood Educator, speaker, entrepreneur, and host of The Everything ECE Podcast . Grounded in the concept of the classroom as the third teacher, this conversation shares practical strategies for designing spaces that support autonomy, movement, independence, and deeper engagement in learning.

In this episode of The Learning Link , host Bibi offers an exciting first look at CDRCP’s 2026 professional learning lineup by introducing a dynamic group of new presenters and facilitators. Listeners will learn about upcoming sessions designed to support educators, leaders, and childcare professionals through practical strategies, inclusive practices, and innovative approaches to early learning.

Join Jessica, our Professional Learning Supervisor, this week as she unveils the newly renamed community of practice: EduConnect. These sessions create a welcoming space for educators to connect, share fresh ideas, spark inspiration, and grow together as a professional community. Each session is thoughtfully tailored to one of three areas: Licensed Home Child Care, Before and After School Programs, and Licensed Child Care. Explore upcoming EduConnect sessions along with a wide range of other professional learning opportunities by visiting our Professional Learning Calendar. You’ll find both in‑person and live virtual options to support your learning needs: https://cdrcpoptin.azurewebsites.net/

Tune in as the Professional Learning team shares their standout moments from 2025. Bibi reflects on the year’s largest events, the newest innovations, and the lessons learned while developing two of CDRCP’s newest initiatives: the Learning Link and the Learning Hub. Take a moment to revisit the successes that shaped 2025 and get excited for what’s ahead in 2026! CDRCP extends a heartfelt thank-you to our listeners for supporting such a dynamic, diverse, and transformative year. We look forward to continuing our commitment to early years professionals, whether you’re learning hands-on at our in-person sessions, engaging deeply during virtual workshops, exploring fresh articles on the Learning Hub, or tuning in to this podcast. We will see you again in the new year! January - March professional learning opportunities are out now! Visit our professional learning calendar to find in-person or live virtual sessions that support your needs: https://cdrcpoptin.azurewebsites.net/

In this episode, Jennifer Logan and Taylor Davis dive into the vital role of mentorship in the early years, exploring how connection, collaboration, and shared learning are shaping the field today. Together, they reflect on the current state of retention and recognition for early years professionals in Ontario, and discuss how both formal and informal mentorship practices can help educators thrive in their professional journeys. Taylor and Jennifer discuss the insights Jennifer has gathered through stepping into the role of Mentorship Project Coordinator at CDRCP, highlighting the organization’s first steps into mentorship with the upcoming pilot launching this November. Jennifer highlights what inspires her exploration of group mentorship versus one-on-one mentorship and how collective reflection may be one piece of the puzzle in creating a sustainable early years sector in Peel. Peel educators... stay tuned! A new Mentorship Pilot program will be coming to Peel soon! Keep an eye out for more information on the pilot, to be released through CDRCP's community messaging systems and CDRCP's social media pages at the end of November. Follow @CDRCP on all social media platforms For more professional learning opportunities like this: https://cdrcp.com/professional-learning/ Sources from this episode: The Early Years: Beginning Early Childhood Educators’ Induction Experiences and Needs in British Columbia (2016) article by Dr. Laura Doan How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/how-does-learning-happen-ontarios-pedagogy-for-the-early-years New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP) https://www.ontario.ca/page/new-teacher-induction-program College of Early Childhood Educators CPL Resource: Mentoring https://www.college-ece.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CPL-Resource-Mentoring.pdf College of Early Childhood Educators Practice Note: Professional Relationships https://www.college-ece.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PN_Professional_Relationships_EN_FINAL.pdf Knowing our Numbers: Regional Municipality of Peel Knowing our numbers https://knowingournumbers.ca/media/filer_public/regional-reports/kon-peel.pdf

What if professional learning felt more like dialogue than information delivery? In this episode, Bibi Haniff is joined by guest, Rosalba Bortolotti, founder of Acorn Collaborative, to explore how listening, reflection, and connection can reshape the way educators grow together. Rosalba shares her journey of building communities where educators can slow down, listen deeply, and reflect together. From her exploration of the pedagogy of listening to the art of creating inviting and collaborative learning spaces, Rosalba invites us to see professional growth not as training, but as transformation.

It’s Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day! Taylor takes over the podcast and, in this episode, she invites listeners to participate in the celebration, recognition, support, and advocacy for early years professionals . Taylor shares the insightful reflections on the impact of ECEs have on children and families, the value of care, and highlights special messages from the Child Development Resource Connection Peel (CDRCP). Whether you’re an early years professional, a parent, or simply someone who values the role of early learning, this episode is a reminder of why today—and every day—we honour the dedication, compassion, and skill of early childhood professionals Thank you, early years professionals. Today is for you. For more professional learning opportunities: https://cdrcp.com/professional-learning/ Peel Region’s Campaign of the experiences of educators: https://peelregion.ca/news/early-childhood-professionals-share-their-joys-challenges-hopes-future Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care: https://childcareontario.org/child-care-worker-and-early-childhood-educator-appreciation-day-2025/ AECEO: https://www.aeceo.ca/

Esha and Jessica explore the inspiring history of the Lifelong Learning Conference and share what’s ahead for the 2025 Lifelong Learning Symposium. From keynote highlights to this year’s top themes—equity, innovation, and early years professionals appreciation. Get the inside scoop on the event that’s shaping the future of education. Registration for Day 1: NOW CLOSED How to register for Day 2: https://youtu.be/K2cnDpMqO1k?si=zcbZw5bcONabpywq Registration for Day 2: https://upstream1.cdrcp.netference.ca/

In this tidbit episode, Bibi takes a moment to pause and reflect on her experiences with early literacy and incorporating books into child care classrooms. Bibi opens up about her personal journey with books, both as a reader and as an educator. From childhood favourites to classroom staples, she reflects on the transformative power of literature and how books continue to shape minds, spark empathy, and create connection in learning spaces.

Bibi and Taylor dive deep into the critical topic of self-care and educator mental health. As former child care classroom educators themselves, they reflect on the emotional toll the profession can take and why it’s time to normalize rest, boundaries, and well-being in education. Drawing from personal experiences, Bibi and Taylor explore the pressure to "do it all," and the challenges that contribute to emotional exhaustion in educators. More importantly, they share strategies, practical self-care practices, and accessible resources that helped them and others reclaim balance and joy in both personal and professional life. Resources from this episode: College of Early Childhood Educators Wellness Resources: https://www.college-ece.ca/members/wellness-resources/ CDRCP On Demand Webinar - Moving Mindfully with Children by Lisa Clarke: https://app.livestorm.co/cdrcp/moving-mindfully-with-children More professional learning opportunities like this: https://cdrcp.com/professional-learning/

In this episode, Emma and Taylor dive into the incredible offerings of the Child Development Resource Connection Peel (CDRCP) Resource Centre . They explore how this valuable community resource supports educators, students, and early years professionals through its hands-on materials, curated resource bins, and welcoming environment. Join them as they unpack how the resource bins not only enhance professional practice, but also provide meaningful support for student field placements and inspire creative program planning in early learning settings. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your journey in the field, this conversation will leave you with practical insights and fresh ideas for enriching your programming and professional growth. Tune in and get inspired to make the most of your community resources! CDRCP Resource Centre Homepage: https://cdrcp.com/resource-centre/ Peel Region early years professionals, join us for Lifelong Learning Symposium 2025 Day 1 - In-Person: For leaders and aspiring leaders, for more information or to register HERE Day 2 - Live Virtual: For all early years professionals and is a Peel Region system closure, registration coming soon!!

The Professional Learning team are in the hot seat as guests this week as this episode dives into the role of the Professional Learning and Resource Specialists at CDRCP and how their work supports quality enhancement across the early years sector. You'll hear firsthand how professional learning goes beyond workshops; acting as a catalyst for reflective practice, continuous growth, and meaningful change. The team shares insights into their day-to-day work, the impact of intentional learning, and how they tailor professional learning for Peel educators and leaders to strengthen quality across programs. Emma, Bibi and Jessica offer valuable advice for professionals in the field and the wider early years community looking to grow, connect, and lead with purpose. For more professional learning opportunities visit our website: https://cdrcp.com/professional-learning/

In this episode, we’re joined by Ji Eun Park, a passionate and experienced Quality Initiative Mentor at CDRCP. Ji Eun shares valuable insights into her role supporting early childhood educators and programs in enhancing the quality of care and learning environments. We dive into what it means to be a Quality Initiative Mentor, how CDRCP supports quality enhancement, and a look into the new Raising the Bar in Peel profile.