Inclusion is at the heart of culturally responsive child care. It’s about creating environments where every child and family feels seen, respected, and supported—no matter their background, identity, or lived experience. For early learning educators, inclusion is a commitment to ongoing learning, reflection, and growth.
Our Spark Resource Hub events calendar is designed to connect educators and leaders with opportunities to deepen their skills, expand their perspectives, and strengthen inclusion in their programs. From leadership training to national conferences, the upcoming events share a common goal: helping early learning professionals build more equitable, welcoming, and culturally responsive spaces.
Here are five upcoming events you won’t want to miss:
Spark In-Depth Leadership Training
In part one of this two part train-the-trainer session, program leaders will develop a strong foundational understanding of the Spark Guide’s key principles and concepts. Participants will learn about their role in modelling culturally responsive practices in their programs and facilitating sessions to support educators. This training prepares program leaders for part two of the training, which is a full-day in person training.
Date(s): September 12, 25
Time: 9:00AM – 12:00 PM
Type: Training
Organization: Imagine Institute and Spark
Learn moreOpening Minds: Mental Health Series
Early childhood professionals are invited to participate in this six-session online training series. Each session focuses on evidence-based core competencies including cultural humility, brain development and resilience, trauma informed care, mental health literacy, social and emotional development, and grief and loss. Learn new skills to add to your professional toolkit!
Date(s): September 17 – Oct 10
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Type: Training
Organization: Kids Included (formly GRIT)
Learn MoreWayfinding in Early Years Conference
Early childhood professionals will benefit from this day-and-a-half conference—Wayfinding in the Early Years: Identity, Behaviour, and Belonging—held in Jasper, Alberta. They will explore inclusive, evidence-based and gender-informed strategies that support children’s identity, behaviour, development, and sense of belonging.
Date(s): October 4 – 5
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Type: Conference
Cost: $175 – 225
Location: Jasper, AB
Organization: AECEA
Learn MoreUnderstanding and Implementing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in the ECE Workplace
Through examining real-life examples of bias and developing action plans, you’ll gain tools to promote fair opportunities, address personal bias, and support belonging across your entire team. This session equips leaders and educators with actionable steps to foster DEI in their programs.
Date(s): October 16
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Type: Webinar
Organization: Westcoast Family Centres
Learn MoreInclusion Summit on Early Learning & Care
On October 20, you will engage with researchers and individuals with lived experience of disability to explore inclusive practices, from Indigenous ways of knowing to accessibility strategies. On October 21, your learning will deepen with a focused research and policy workshop. You will walk away with fresh perspectives, practical tools, and renewed inspiration to foster belonging and inclusion in their early learning settings.
Date(s): October 20 – 21
Time: 12:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Type: Conference
Cost: $25 – 300
Location: Edmonton, AB & virtual
Organization: Kids Included
Learn MoreThese are just a few of the upcoming opportunities to learn, connect, and strengthen inclusive practices in early learning and child care. New events are added to the Spark Resource Hub events calendar regularly, so be sure to check back often and find the trainings, webinars, and conferences that inspire you and support your professional journey.