Cultivating and Sustaining Intentional Spaces of Belonging - Speaker Series for Before and After School Educators
.jpg)
Intended For: All Early Learning and Care Professionals
Date: Nov 19, 2025
Time: 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Fee: FREE
Current Availability: -1
Description
“Belonging is a manifestation of deep connection.” (Biss, 2019).
In this workshop we will explore the vital role of cultivating belonging within the early year spaces. As educators, fostering an inclusive environment not only supports children's emotional and social development but also enhances their overall learning experience. Through case studies and reflective activities, we will examine the barriers in our before and after school programs that influence and impact belonging. We will discuss practical strategies for creating a strong sense of community, encouraging openness, fostering brave and safe spaces, and embracing differences. This work begins with our personal commitment, learning, unlearning, and actions as educators as we foster a deeper understanding of the issues within our own learning communities from the vantage point of our role. Additionally, it's essential to recognize that as we nurture belonging in our school age children, we must also attend to our own.
Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will be able to identify and discuss common barriers in educational settings that hinder a sense of belonging.
- Participants will engage in reflective exercises that allow them to assess their own biases and assumptions, leading to a deeper understanding of how these can affect the sense of belonging.
- Participants will be able to discuss and share ideas for establishing brave and safe spaces that encourage openness and facilitate rich interactions.
- Participants will explore and share practical strategies for fostering a sense of community and inclusivity ensuring children feel valued and supported.
- Participant will engage in reflective practices to assess their own readiness, mindset, and dispositions in fostering belonging and inclusion.
Presenter:
Andrew B. Campbell (DR.ABC) is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, in Leadership for Racial Justice in Teacher Education in the Master of Teaching Program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. He is the Coordinator for the Black Future Educators’ Program (BFEP) and the newly appointed Centre for Black Studies in Education (CBSE) Director. His exemplary work has seen numerous awards bestowed to him, such as a 2024 recipient of the Black History Month Award, from the Jamaica Canadian Association; The 2022 Award for Excellence in Initial Teacher Education from University of Toronto; The 2021 Distinguish African Caribbean Award from University of Toronto, African Alumni Association; The 2021 Champion Educator Award from the Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators (ONABSE), and numerous others. His scholarship and teaching focus on advancing equity and belonging, affirming Blackness, educational leadership, 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, teacher education and Black educators’ pedagogy and practice. He has presented at numerous conferences and has delivered many presentations as a keynote speaker, motivational speaker, and workshop facilitator. He loves people, food, fashion, travelling and bringing his community together for a good meal.
Session Objective
- Toronto Children's Services is hosting a monthly virtual speaker series designed for educators working in before and after school programs. Each month features subject matter experts who will guide us through critical conversations and practical strategies to cultivate belonging and help create inclusive environments where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
Location: Online
Standards of practice
- Caring and Responsive Relationships
- Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Safety, Health, and Well-Being in the Learning Environment
- Professionalism and Leadership
Presented By: Shanice Denton (RECE),