21st Annual Summer Institute on Early Childhood Development
Empowering Educators: Strategies for a Sustainable Workforce
The Summer Institute is an annual collaboration between the School of Early Childhood at George Brown College and the Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. The institute strives to offer timely information to inform early childhood research, policy, and practice.
This year, the 21st Summer Institute unites educators,administrators, policymakers, researchers, and advocates from across Canada to explore innovative strategies for nurturing a sustainable ECE workforce while tackling critical issues of equity and access.
Through engaging workshops, keynote presentations,and collaborative discussions, you will:
- discover actionable strategies to support, recruit,and retain talented early childhood educators;
- address the challenges of fair compensation and equity and how to advocate for policies that reflect the vital role of ECE professionals; and
- explore initiatives to build a robust and sustainable ECE workforce tailored to community needs.
This event is an opportunity to elevate the voices of early childhood educators and drive meaningful change. Together, we can create a future where every educator feels empowered to shape the next generation of learners.
Morning Keynote
Standing up for Child Care
David Macdonald is a leading voice on how economies can work for people. Each year, he organizes the Alternative Federal Budget—a different take on the federal budget that puts people first. In his keynote address, David confronts the pressing challenges facing the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care plan given his decade of research on the topic.
Fees are falling fast but that doesn't mean the CWELCC plan is going to last. Finding a spot is challenging and rapid system expansion is the only answer. But how is this expansion happening, who is building new spaces, where are they building them, and are we going to like the results?
There hasn’t been a national compilation of how one of the biggest new social programs in recent Canadian history is rolling out ... until now. In this keynote, you'll get an unprecedented look at never-before-seen data about who's winning and who's losing from the $10 billion a year CWELCC plan. Will there be enough financing to keep the system afloat, or will poor allocation doom the entire project? Come find out.
A trusted media commentator regularly featured on the CBC, and in the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and Canadian Press, David’s keynote address promises to be a transformative call to action—one that underscores the urgent need to secure a resilient, equitable future for all Canadians.
DAVID MACDONALD
Senior Economist, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
David has been senior economist at the CCPA since 2011, specializing in child care, income inequality, and federal fiscal policy. He coordinates the Alternative Federal Budget and conducted the child care fee analysis that informed Canada’s national child care plan. He is a frequent media commentator on economic and social policy.
Panel One: Building Equity Through Fair Compensation
This panel brings together a complementary group of experts whose insights underscore the critical importance of a qualified early learning and childcare workforce for the success of the CWELCC plan. United by a common vision, these thought leaders offer a comprehensive perspective on how to recruit and retain the talent essential for delivering high quality early childhood education. Their collaborative approach and innovative strategies highlight practical solutions to the challenges faced by the sector, ensuring that children, families, and communities across Canada continue to benefit from robust and resilient early childhood services.
RAYNA BARRESE
President, Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, Durham Region
Rayna is a passionate early childhood educator with over 27 years of experience. Since 2010, she has worked as a designated early childhood educator in the Kindergarten program with the Durham District School Board. As president of ETFO Durham DECE Local, she advocates for ECEs' rights, professional recognition, and fair working conditions.
JOHN WEATHERUP
President, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 2400
John has served as President of Toronto Education Workers/Local 4400 since its formation in 1998. He represents over 17,000 school board employees, including nearly 1,700 ECEs and DECEs. He also serves on the OMERS Board of Governors and the Sponsors Board, advocating for workers’ rights and benefits.
SCOTT PODREBARAC
Superintendent of Education, Halton District School Board
Scott spent 30 years in education as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. He played a key role in the rollout of full-day Kindergarten in Ontario and led early years programming in multiple school boards. A recipient of Canada’s Outstanding Principal Award, he continues to advocate for quality early learning.
DR. EMIS AKBARI
Professor and Program Coordinator, School of Early Childhood, George Brown College / Executive Director, Atkinson Centre
Dr. Akbari is the executive director of the Atkinson Centre and a professor and program coordinator at the School of Early Childhood, George Brown College. Her research examines early childhood policy changes and their impact. She co-authors the Early Childhood Education Report, serves on the scientific advisory committee for the Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development, and co-leads the Knowing Our Numbers Project.
Panel Two: Opportunities to Build the ECE Workforce
This panel explores real opportunities for building a sustainable early childhood workforce, bringing together perspectives from both a major childcare provider and early childhood systems managers. Through a rich dialogue that draws on their diverse experiences, the speakers illustrate how strategic, well-crafted policies can successfully recruit and retain a qualified early childhood workforce. Using their insights, they demonstrate the transformative potential of strategic, well-supported systems for fostering a skilled, dedicated workforce that can meet the growing needs of children and families across Canada.
DOREEN GILLIS
Director of Early Years, Government of Prince Edward Island
Doreen has nearly three decades of experience in early childhood education, spanning roles in child care, family resource centres, and post-secondary education. As director of early years in Prince Edward Island, she leads initiatives to enhance early learning and child care across the province. She holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education.
LINDA COTTES
Senior Vice President, YMCA of Greater Toronto
Linda oversees 309 child care centres, supporting over 35,000 licensed spaces and 4,000 educators. With 45 years of experience in early learning, she serves on multiple advisory councils and committees, shaping child care policy at provincial and national levels while advocating for high-quality early learning and care. As an expert advisor to the Ontario Ministry of Education, Linda provides critical insights on regulatory changes and the implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Care agreement.
SONYA BOURGEOIS
Director of Toronto, Early Learning and Child Care Services, City of Toronto
Sonya oversees Toronto’s municipal child care system, managing 39 centres and supporting home child care providers. With experience in senior leadership roles at the municipal and provincial levels, she is committed to high-quality early learning and community development. She holds a Master’s in Social Work and is dedicated to supporting children and families.
Special Presentation
Giving for Change - How Philanthropy Shapes Early Education Policy
Book Launch
Few have left as profound an imprint on Canada’s early education policy as the Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain. In her new book, she chronicles a transformative journey defined by visionary philanthropy and an unwavering commitment to the future of our children.
Her early works—most notably, the seminal early years studies, coauthored with the late Dr. Fraser Mustard—changed the conversation on early childhood across the nation. By sponsoring cutting-edge research, Margaret’s efforts not only elevated the dialogue within legislatures and boardrooms, but also set the stage for innovative policy reform.
Travelling across Canada, she engaged directly with premiers, local leaders, and influencers, championing models that test-drove real change. Her relentless advocacy and strategic vision played a critical role in shaping the historic 2021 federal budget, where she is acknowledged as a motivator behind the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care plan.
Join us as we celebrate this remarkable milestone—a tribute to a legacy that continues to inspire and redefine what is possible in early education policy. This book is not only a testament to Margaret’s extraordinary influence, but also a call to action for all who believe in building a brighter, more equitable future for Canada’s youngest citizens.
Copies of the book will be given to conference participants.
Afternoon Keynote
Innovative Strategies to Improve ECE Compensation
We are honoured to welcome Susan (Sue) Colley as our keynote speaker. With a wealth of experience spanning decades in early childhood advocacy and policy, Sue brings unparalleled expertise to the conference stage. As chair of the board of
Building Blocks for Child Care (B2C2), she has empowered not-for-profit and public childcare organizations in Ontario to
expand and thrive by providing strategic advice and support in every phase of facility development.
A trailblazer in the field, Sue was a founder of Action Day Care and the first executive director of the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care. She has also played a pivotal role in major studies of child care policy and programs for the University of Toronto, the City of Toronto, and the Province of Ontario. Her work has consistently demonstrated that with the right policies, it’s possible to transform the early childhood sector.
In her keynote address, Sue shares innovative strategies to improve compensation systems for the early childhood workforce—a critical element in ensuring that childcare professionals are not only valued, but are also empowered to deliver the highest quality care. Her insights illuminate how rethinking compensation can attract and retain the dedicated talent necessary for building a robust, equitable, and sustainable early childhood system. Join us for an inspiring session that promises to reshape the conversation around workforce investment in early learning and child care.
SUSAN COLLEY
Chair, Building Blocks for Child Care (B2C2)
Susan is chair of Building Blocks for Child Care (B2C2), supporting Ontario’s not-for-profit and public child care expansion. A founder of Action Day Care and former executive director of the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care, she has contributed to major child care policy studies. She also serves as secretary-treasurer of Rise Up Feminist Digital Archive.
WORKSHOPS
Our workshops explore key issues in early learning and care, offering insights and strategies from experts across the sector. Sessions cover a range of topics, from workforce sustainability to innovative practices, fostering discussions that inform policy and practice.
WORKSHOP #1: Culturally Relevant Education – Centennial College’s Indigenous ECE Stream
Tiffany Dittman, M.Ed., BASc, RECE, Centennial College
Barb Wilson, Centennial College
WORKSHOP #2: How Strategic HR Practices Keep Top Educators
Kim Hiscott, RECE, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services
Ronna MacPherson, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services
WORKSHOP #3: Breaking Barriers: Equitable Child Care for Children with Disabilities
Shannon Costello, Cochrane District Services Board’s Services
WORKSHOP #4: Urban Nature Connect: Transforming Learning and Well-being
Kelly Birch-Baker, RECE, Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care Centre
Faye Jantzi, RECE, Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care Centre
WORKSHOP #5: Land as First Teacher: Considering The Educator’s Role in Land-Based Learning
Dr. Darlee Gerrard, School of Early Childhood, George Brown College
WORKSHOP #6: Supporting Newcomer Children in Canada: Fostering Social, Emotional, and Cultural Well-being
Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac, Mount Saint Vincent University
Nahal Fakhari, Mount Saint Vincent University
WORKSHOP #7: Inspiring Educators through the Pedagogy of Care, Reflective Practice, and Design of Space with Ongoing Professional Growth as a Learning Community
Dominique-Ann Boisvert, United Counties of Prescott and Russell
Maryse Grégoire, United Counties of Prescott and Russell
Learn More
ECE Award of Excellence
GAIL HUNTER, RECE
Gail Hunter’s dedication to early childhood education spans over 45 years, leaving an indelible mark on children, families,students, and colleagues. She’s known for her social justice advocacy work, and leadership in DEI, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and dismantling systemic i equalities.
As a former early childhood educator, childcare supervisor, and child care advisor,Gail’s expertise was instrumental in shaping childcare start-ups and providing ongoing support across various sectors.Upon joining George Brown College in 1991as a professor and ECE program coordinator, she played a pivotal role in launching key programs, including the Winter Intake ECE Diploma and the Early Childhood Leadership Honours Degree.
Beyond teaching, her leadership nurtured the invaluable partnership between George Brown College and the Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education (P.A.C.E.), which later expanded to a Jamaica-Canada collaboration. She remains passionate and committed to the ECE sector by continuing to work with children and staff in George Brown’s Lab Schools, U of T’s Atkinson Centre, and local and international agencies.
The Annual Summer Institute on Early Childhood Development is presented by:
