2016 Recipients – Excellence in Early Childhood Education

Certificate of Excellence

Certificate of Excellence Recipients

British Columbia

Sophie Loewen

Sophie Loewen

Sophie Loewen views each child as competent and capable. She sets up stimulating and relevant learning activities for them, based on their remarks and questions. She has connected with the local First Nation community, and strives to keep the language and customs alive. The children act out stories she writes and sing songs for Elders in their traditional language.


Maureen Wagner

Maureen Wagner

Maureen Wagner's room is a "Yes!" place, where children can experiment and take risks through play. Parents and caregivers from up to 60 families learn and play beside their young children each morning at her early learning drop-in program. With a flexible schedule, children stop and start play- and exploration-based activities depending on their interests and development.


Kim Hunter

Kim Hunter

Each day, the children in Kim Hunter's care step through a fairy door into an enchanted and peaceful world. Ms. Hunter advocates for them to experience the world and work things out by doing, while developing fine motor skills. Chopping vegetables for lunch, stacking wood or building a chicken coop all inspire imaginative play and problem solving.


Ontario

Laurie Higgins

Laurie Higgins

For Laurie Higgins, every morning brings new ideas and activities to incorporate into the day. She gets to know the children individually, so she can encourage their interests, and ensure they feel included and valued. Children create books that highlight their strengths and talents: how to wear a hijab, or to play and win at tic-tac-toe.


Saskatchewan

Lindsay Stuart

Lindsay Stuart

Lindsay Stuart focuses on the well-being and long-term development of her young learners. She believes that Kindergarten is about more than just preparing for Grade 1. An experienced educator, Ms. Stuart's classroom is a destination for educators from across Western Canada. For her, school isn't a prescribed set of activities, it's a learning adventure!

Certificate of Achievement

Certificate of Achievement Recipients

British Columbia

Lois Mae Pearson

Lois Mae Pearson

Veteran educator and "wonderful person we all love" shares her extensive experience with families and opens the world to children through drama and charitable activities.


Nicky Nickpasand

Nicky Nickpasand

A comprehensive curriculum in a structured environment, combined with educator's dedicated attention to children's needs, lead young learners on to success in school, regardless of ability.


Vita Di Giovanni

Vita Di Giovanni

Parents, therapists and counsellors are welcome additions to the classroom as they work together to support children with and without special needs in their learning and growth.


Bea Van Roy

Bea Van Roy

An immigrant herself, educator respects children's home language and culture, helps new families find their way and ensures city kids get plenty of time in nature.


Manitoba

Olha Zablotski

Olha Zablotski

A model in the province, home-based childcare centre provides a warm and caring environment for parents to leave their children and for the little ones to learn.


Laura Burla

Laura Burla

Differences are celebrated in this "invaluable" educator's classes, with children welcoming and supporting each other, leading activities and learning from one another.


Ontario

Lori Benn

Lori Benn

"Let's find out together" is this "gem" of an educator's enthusiastic response to children's questions and ideas as every day she helps the children in her care shine.


Quebec

Marie-Ève Gauthier

Marie-Ève Gauthier

An educator who is always looking for new ways to stimulate the children's minds and to encourage them to cooperate and communicate with each other.


Marie-Êve Thérien

Marie-Êve Thérien

This educator's goals, both at the child care centre and at the social economy company she founded, is to meet children where they are to foster their optimal development and integration.


Saskatchewan

Meghan Nickason

Meghan Nickason

Co-founder and now director of first licensed day care centre in small rural community now works to ensure families of all means can access early childhood education services.

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