District 7 — Hamilton / Niagara Region

Creek Childcare Centres

Welland, ON

Statement:

My name is Chevelle & I have been an ECE throughout the Niagara region for over 12 years. I have ample experience as a front line staff worker & as a supervisor which is where I spend my days currently. As an ECE & a mother of 2 little boys, I know both sides on what it takes to be a dedicated & successful ECE & what this position means to the children & to the families we serve. I do my best to get involved in every aspect of this profession by attending networking events, being an active member of the ECE program advisory committee with Niagara College, & always looking at ways to extend my knowledge bank through webinars, seminars, or readings. Having practical experience all over the Niagara Region will aid me in being the best council member for this district. I will advocate for all my local educators & upcoming students wanting to pursue this career because this is the passion that drives me & that has had me dedicated to this industry for the past 12 years. I have so many more years ahead of me & so many families to watch grow! I am eager to be a part of it all, in every way possible, & am confident in my abilities to be a College Council Member in this upcoming election.

YMCA of Niagara

Beamsville, ON

Statement:

I have spent time leading teams through volunteerism with my children’s hockey and lacrosse associations which included regulation of the officials coaches etc.  During these years, I was able to hone my leadership skills.

Through my time as a Union Steward, I was able to support and advocate for the staff with whom I worked, while always staying accountable to my Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

I am a passionate Educator and Pedagogical Leader who was mentored by the best Educator and Leader I have ever met.  Darlene Edgar was able to instill in all of us the importance of the College and the absolute need for a regulatory body.  I feel the best way to carry on this important system especially in these trying times of crisis is to step up and work to do so.

Creek Childcare Centres Inc.

Welland, ON

Statement:

I’ve been registered for 7 years but have worked in childcare for 12 years, while still being in my 20s, I feel like I have accomplished more than most. I own two centres in the Niagara region, and hoping to expand into the Haldimand county by the end of 2025. I feel as though I can represent the middle aged Reces well since I have been in both childcare, school and administrative positions. I am committed to bettering the work force for not only myself and my employees, but future RECEs. I can encourage them to achieve their dreams and goals of being the best educator they can be, while advocating for their rights!

Hamilton Wentworth District School Board

Hamilton, ON

Statement:

As a doctoral student researching how leadership, growth, and capacity-building of Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) within Ontario public school boards impact our youngest learners, I view running for council as a natural extension of my passion for ECE leadership and transformative change.

Holding professional status as an RECE within a unique self-regulatory body is both a privilege and a responsibility I deeply value. The College’s mandate—protecting the public interest by setting standards, developing competencies and skills, and creating resources that expand ECE professionalism and knowledge—is central to both my doctoral research and professional values. I believe the growth and development of the early years profession is interdependent, interconnected, and intrinsically linked to strong ECE leadership and effective regulation, and I am committed to contributing to this vital work.

My current work as an Early Intervention Designated Early Childhood Educator within specialized services in an Ontario public school board focuses on promoting inclusion, fostering social-emotional skill development for children of all abilities, facilitating multidisciplinary collaboration, and designing professional learning opportunities for educators working with early learners. As a proud first-generation Muslim Canadian woman of colour, I bring over 15 years of experience as a dedicated educator and advocate, fostering inclusive relationships with children and families, teaching and mentoring post-secondary early years students, and building meaningful connections within diverse communities.

I am eager to bring my research, experience, and dedication to the council to build a stronger, more equitable future for early childhood education.

Top of the Ridge Day Care

Ridgeway, ON

Statement:

I am highly interested in running for council as I have made a personal goal to step out of my comfort zone and push myself to do new things in my profession. I am willing to assist others in my sector and provide knowledge and skills to the best of my ability.

Garderie le Petit Navire

Hamilton (Ontario)

Statement:

My name is Michele Patricia Nicole Itchi Traore, and becoming an educator has been a real pleasure for me. Every day, I find joy and inspiration in working with children, and it fuels my passion for this profession. As an educator, my top priority is the well-being of the children in my care. I strive to create a nurturing, inclusive, and welcoming environment where every child feels respected for their uniqueness.

Being part of the College RECEs advisors is a privilege. It allows me to deepen my knowledge, uphold ethical practices, and contribute to the integrity and values of my profession. I am committed to fostering a stimulating and creative environment where every member can grow and make a meaningful difference – all while ensuring the safety and well-being of the children remain at the heart of everything we do.

I am applying to demonstrate my ability to co-design and maintain inclusive, diverse and equitable spaces where each member is valued.

Place of Employment:

Just 4 Moms And Kids

Scotland, ON

Statement:

I believe being part of this committee is going to be helpful for when I apply to becoming a college professor. My goal is to work with adult students and working on a committee will help me become more involved with how other adults learn and grow as well as process information given to them.

Place of Employment:

Statement: 

Childcare is my life’s work and the only area of study I have ever been truly passionate about. I believe that dedicating my life to early childhood education and the advancement of the field is the best way I can contribute to the world. I recognize the significance of the College of Early Childhood Educators as a regulating body that helps maintain and raise the standards of the profession. I would love the opportunity to represent my region and participate in and contribute to decisions within the College. I have prided myself in the diverse experiences of my education and professional practice. I have deliberately sought out opportunities to create a well-rounded understanding of children, families and educators. In my diploma program, I was able to use an international placement in Grenada to further my understanding of culture’s role in child development and pedagogy. During my undergraduate degree, I had the unique experience to conduct a study of RECE’S understanding of self regulation in children and investigated ways in which to improve education for professionals in the field. Lastly, in my Masters’ program, I chose a course stream to expose myself to as many different topics, theories and issues in our field that I had not yet familiarized myself with enough. This included children’s health, both mental and physical and the barriers this created to education and participation. I have worked in both private and public sectors and believe that my particular background would be an exceptional asset to Council.

2011-2019 and

2024-present

Place of Employment:

Community Health Centre of Hamilton Niagara 

Hamilton (Ontario) 

Statement:

I’m running for the College of Early Childhood Educators for several reasons: 

1. My passion for early childhood education
I’ve always been driven by the desire to support young children in their development. Contributing to their development, learning and well-being is a true calling for me.

2. Commitment to quality and safety
I want to ensure that my professional practice meets the highest standards of quality and safety. Membership at the College represents a commitment to professionalism and serves as a vital assurance of trust for families and the broader community.

3. Continuous Professional Learning
By joining the College, I want to benefit from training, tools and resources to refine my skills and keep up to date with the best practices in pedagogy.

4. Contribution to the profession
Being part of a regulated profession enables me to play an active part in raising the profile of the early childhood educator profession, and to advocate for the importance of this vital role in society.

5. Compliance with regulations
I understand the importance of complying with the legal requirements and the College ethical standards in order to practice within a rigorous professional framework.

6. Positive impact on my community
I am driven to create a better future for children by fostering an educational environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and self-confidence.

Today’s Family

Hamilton, ON

Statement:

As a dedicated Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) since October 2022 and a professional in the field since 2007, I bring a wealth of experience and commitment to the College of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) Council. My career has taken me across diverse communities, exposing me to a range of socio-economic and cultural dynamics, all of which have shaped my approach to inclusive, meaningful education. I am deeply committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of educators, ensuring they are equipped to make a positive impact on the children and families they serve.

I have demonstrated leadership and innovation in my role as part of the YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington, and Brantford, where I helped launch and operate the organization’s first EarlyON programs in 2018. Witnessing the transformative impact ECEs have on communities fueled my passion for advocating for and protecting the rights of RECEs.

Beyond early childhood education, I extend my mentorship to youth aged 12-18 through my work with the Canadian Armed Forces Cadet Program. This role complements my expertise in early education, broadening my reach and reinforcing my dedication to supporting youth development at all stages.

As a council member, I will advocate for the rights and recognition of RECEs, foster relationships across diverse communities, and ensure ethical practices that prioritize the well-being of children and families. My commitment to service, leadership, and lifelong learning makes me a strong candidate for this vital role.