Become an Early Childhood Educator Information Session

Become an Early Childhood Educator Information Session

-Join AECENL and Family and Child Care Connections to discuss entering the field of early learning and child care and to find out more about centre-based care, family child care, certification, post-secondary education, financial incentives, and more!

These sessions will be held three times throughout 2024-2025.

• October 29, 2024, 7-8 PM NDT
• January 29, 2025, 7-8 PM NST
• April 29, 2025, 7-8 PM NST

Facilitators - Melissa Backway (ECE Navigator-AECENL) and Olga Sullivan (Recruiter - Family and Child Care Connections)

-Melissa Backway is a Level IV ECE who has been in the field since 2011. She has experience in many different early learning and child care roles, such as Early Childhood Educator, Administrator, Child Care Consultant, and Manager within family and community supports. When she is not working, you can find Melissa exploring the woods with her little boy Mitchell and dog Fasa.

Olga Sullivan has over 31 years of experience in the nonprofit childcare sector. She is deeply passionate about fostering the growth and development of young children and supporting their families. Olga began her journey in 1993, graduating with a diploma in Early Childhood Education, which laid the groundwork for a fulfilling career dedicated to nurturing young minds.

In 2023, Olga returned to school to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education through the College of the North Atlantic, motivated by a desire to deepen her understanding of the latest trends and best practices in the field. This experience not only enhanced her skills but also reignited a passion for lifelong learning.

Currently, Olga works with Family and Child Care Connections, where she plays a vital role in recruiting childcare providers to become regulated and overseeing the family child care capacity funding initiative offered by the Department of Education. Olga's goal is to ensure that families in the community and rural areas of Newfoundland and Labrador have access to quality childcare options that meet their needs. She believes that every child deserves a supportive environment to thrive, and I am committed to creating opportunities that foster that growth.

Obtaining PL Certificates

-Online Events: Participants are required to be signed in for the duration of the event, display their screen name in full, and fill out an exit survey provided by the host. Participants will receive an individualized PL verification email within one week of the event.

-Group Online Events (for services attending online PL as part of a close-out day): Participants are required to sign an attendance sheet provided by the host. The host must submit a photo of the attendance sheet along with a group photo to admin@aecenl.ca by the time the event has concluded. Participants will receive an individualized PL verification email within one week of the event.

For more information on Zoom and navigating virtual professional learning, please visit: https://aecenl.ca/index.php/professional-development/pl-presented-aecenl/live-workshop-series/navigating-virtual-professional-learning