All events relating to ECEC

Description:

A new study for the IRPP by Gordon Cleveland and his colleagues: "New Evidence on Child Care in Canada: Use Patterns, Affordability, Quality" shows that the use of nonparental and regulated early learning and child care is widespread, that many families spend a considerable amount annually purchasing child care, but that the quality of much child care is too low.

The direction of child care policy has been a bone of contention between the major federal parties. Now that the federal election is over, it is a good time to re-evaluate policy directions, taking into account the latest evidence.

Please join the Institute for Research on Public Policy in a discussion between one of the authors of this new work, and other child care policy experts: Gordon Cleveland (University of Toronto Scarborough), Sarah Fortin (IRPP), Martha Friendly (Childcare Resource and Research Unit) with comments from Linda White (University of Toronto).

To RSVP, please register online. As space is limited, you are encouraged to register no later than December 2, 2008.

This annual summer institute, which was established in 1995, brings together senior policymakers and leading researchers to review recent research findings and to discuss major directions in social policy. It is organized by the School of Policy Studies of Queen's University with support from Human Resources and Social Development Canada, the Policy Research Initiative of the Government of Canada, and the Government of Ontario. This year's theme, The New Poverty Agenda: Reshaping Policies in the 21st Century, explores the patterns of poverty today, highlighting changes from the past. It assesses policy responses, concentrating in particular on the problems facing working-age individuals and families and their children. The program explores the implications of the new patterns of poverty for key social programs. It also explores the potential contribution of mobilizing networks of public, private and community groups at the local level. Finally, it turns to the politics of poverty in the 21st century, asking whether poverty can be a priority. To register, click on the link below and follow Step 1.

The OMEP World Seminar is one of OMEP major activities every year, and OMEP Canada has the mandate to host it this year. The World Seminar will be held in Québec City and more that 350 delegates from more than 60 countries will participate.

For 60 years, many such meetings have taken place. They are essential forums for achieving OMEP's objectives and reputation. They help share the knowledge, competencies and know-how of resource persons from the five continents, and convey common values, in accordance with the OMEP philosophy and mission adhered to by the members.

In 2001, at the World Congress in Santiago, Chile, OMEP adopted a work plan based on the education for a culture of peace and non-violence, within the world decade dedicated to this theme by UNESCO. The Seminar on Nurturing Peace Together with Children will likely be the crowning achievement of this work.

The Seminar will be a significant occasion as OMEP will be celebrating its 60th anniversary, and the Canadian Committee of OMEP its 50th anniversary. Furthermore, Quebec, our host city, will be celebrating the 400th anniversary of its foundation.

Among many keynote speakers will be Ms. Michèle S. Jean, President of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, Ottawa, Dr. Verónica Romo López, professor, Universidad Central, Santiago, Chile, Dr. Diane Levin, professor, Wheelock College, Boston, USA, Dr. Patricia Tarr, professor, University of Calgary, Alberta.

The manifesto of our guest of honour, Mr. Paul Gérin- Lajoie, first holder of the Québec Ministry of Education, will be read during the closing ceremony.

Join leaders in early education at the fifth annual Summer Institute for a daylong series of workshops, group discussions and presentations.

The appointment of an Early Learning Advisor for the province of Ontario provides an opportunity to review the status of pre-service education for early childhood educators and for primary education teachers. Given the current climate of difference and distinction between the two professional domains, this year's Summer Institute provides an opportunity to discuss, evaluate and strategize the teacher education programs for both professions in Ontario.

The 2008 Summer Institute, co-hosted by George Brown College and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, brings together professionals, policy experts, teachers, early childhood practitioners, university and college faculty, and researchers. Breaking the silos of teacher education and early childhood education provides an opportunity to consult, plan, and collaborate on the professional training needs of educators for integrated early learning environments.

The exceptional contributions of Aster Fessahai to the early childhood profession will also be celebrated. Hear her ideas about the future of the early years profession in Ontario.

The conference will be followed by a wine and cheese reception.

Forum sponsored by Ryerson University.

An opportunity to learn about options and share feedback.

Presented by:
the Steering Committee of the Common Table for Childhood Development and Care
Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario
Family Support Institute Ontario
Middle Childhood Matters Coalition
Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care
Ontario Early Years Network

The Institute of Child Study at the University of Toronto presents the 2008 Leighton G. McCarthy Memorial Panel Discussion.

Panelists include:

The Hon. Margaret Norrie McCain
Former Lt. Gov. N.B.; Co-chair, Ontario 's Early Years Study 1 & 2; ICS Special Advisor

Prof. Carl Corter Atkinson Charitable Fdn. Chair, Early Child Development & Education
Janet Davis Councillor, Chair, Children's Services Committee, Toronto
Hon. Ken Dryden MP, York Central, Lib; Chair, Caucus Com. on Social Development
Frances Lankin President/CEO United Way Toronto
Paul Tough New York Times Magazine editor; Author/writer on children's education
Justin Trudeau Liberal candidate, Papineau; Youth, children, & environment advocate

What do we know about labour conditions among the working poor worldwide, how do those conditions affect broader public health and what can Canada and other governments do to improve conditions for the world's most disadvantaged workers?

On Thursday May 1st and Friday May 2nd, 2008, the McGill Institute for Health and Social Policy (IHSP) will host Global Strategies: Improving the Labour Conditions of the Working Poor. This conference will gather leading academics and policy makers, including senior representatives of the government of Canada, labour and non-governmental organizations and international experts, to not only consider these issues but to propose effective policy solutions.

Keynote speakers:
Hon. Ken Dryden, Hon. Hugh Segal, Stephen Pursey, John Frank, Kathy Newman, and Pat Horn.

This is a free space limited conference.