This spring, the District of Muskoka is partnering with Community Living to offer a four-part professional learning series focused on practical, research-informed strategies for everyday practice. Each session is designed to affirm the good work you're already doing while offering fresh perspectives to deepen and extend your practice. Sessions stand on their own, so you're welcome to attend one, a few, or all four — whatever fits your needs and schedule. All sessions are offered twice, once virtually and once in person at the Bracebridge Library, so you can choose the format that works best for you.
Wondering why certain behaviours keep happening despite your best interventions? This session explores how intentionally planned play-based environments—designed to support development across all domains—directly impact children's engagement, self-regulation, and behaviour. We'll examine research-informed strategies for setting up spaces and activities to meet children where they are developmentally, preventing challenges before they start.
Why do transitions so often feel like the hardest part of the day, and why do some children seem to struggle more than others? This session takes a closer look at what we can realistically expect from children's attention, focus, and self-regulation at different ages — and how small, intentional shifts in our routines can make a big difference. We'll dig into the research behind why common strategies work (or don't), and explore practical approaches you can implement right away to make transitions smoother for every child — and for you.
Why do some children seem constantly "on the go" while others shut down or avoid participation? This session explores how sensory processing differences impact children's behaviour, engagement, and learning, and how embedding regulation opportunities throughout your day can prevent dysregulation before it happens. We'll examine practical, low-cost strategies for creating sensory-rich environments that honour all children's needs and support their developing capacity for self-regulation — including approaches that align with health unit guidelines, so you can feel confident advocating for meaningful sensory experiences in your program.
Struggling with children who seem overwhelmed or off-task during transitions, have difficulty following routines, or repeatedly ask "what's next?" This session examines how intentional visual supports — schedules, picture cues, environmental print, and choice boards — provide predictability and clarity throughout the day. While especially powerful for children with communication differences, executive functioning challenges, or who are learning English, effective visual supports benefit every child and every educator. We'll explore research-informed approaches to creating and using visuals to foster independence, support communication, and make your daily routines work more smoothly for everyone in the room.
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