ABOUT US
There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line.
OUR IDEA
Two Educators + One Goal
= 1 AMAZING ECE COMMITEE
THE ECEC-ON was created for the sole purpose of providing an online community where supporting our Early Childhood Educators is our number 1 goal. The ECEC-ON strongly believe that the field is a VALUABLE, VITAL and VALIDATED profession that has been underestimated for far too long.
At The ECEC-ON we created a virtual community where our Educators can safely and confidentially connect with fellow Educators across Ontario. We provide an online community filled with various tools, resources, tips, printables, networking opportunities and so much more!
The ECEC-ON strives to address and debunk the MYTHS of Early Childhood Education and replace them with FACTS!
OUR MISSION
At the ECEC-ON we believe that the field of Early Childhood Education is one of very high importance to the functionality of the economy and society. ECE Educators are professionally trained individuals who pour countless hours into educating and shaping the young minds of tomorrow!
EDUCATORS: YOUR sacrifice to ensure the safety and well-being of the whole child (emotional, cognition, social, communication, and physical) shall not go unrecognized and thus at The ECEC-ON we work hard to provide YOU the proper space to find peace, support, and solidarity to ensure that YOU continue to grow and feel confidence and pride in being an Early Childhood Educator.
Karina Langevin
Co-Founder
RECE, Educator Consultant, AP Trainee
Hello! My name is Karina and I am an RECE with 20 years’ experience. I am a wife and Fur Mama to Bella our 4 year old Canaan dog. I
graduated from Humber College with Honors in 2004, where I had the privilege to meet my ECE Mentor Mrs. Carol Reid (a champion in Early Childhood Education). My role as Educator has been shaped by my teaching experiences as a Kindergarten Teacher in Singapore, Lead Classroom Teacher (Infants to School agers) in various centres throughout the GTA, Assistant Director for a Before & After School Programmes, ECE in-home Educator to affluent families in the GTA, Business Owner, and now Co-Founder of this amazing Committee.
What empowers me? Having firsthand experience of our educators’ daily plight and struggles EMPOWERS me to make this Committee the BEST it can be to ensure that our Members get what they deserve.
I am currently working on obtaining my Clinical Aromatherapist Certification with the goal of merging my two passions: Early Years Education and Aromatherapy.
Sophia Tate
Co-Founder
RECE, AECEO.C, Resource Consultant, Founder of DTSH Developmental Services Inc. and Sophia Safety Programs
Hi, my name is Sophia Tate. I am a wife and the mother of 4 children.
A Registered Early Childhood Educator and Resource Consultant, I have spent 6 years as an Elected Board member with the College of Early Childhood Educators Ontario, as a member I participated on the Election, Discipline and Fitness to Practice committees.
I have spent over 20 years supporting the Early Year sector and collaborating with other professionals to better meet the needs of children and families. I am a forever learner and believe that it is important to make sure I keep my skills sharp.
I have my First Aid Trainers certification and Youth Leader through the Red Cross. In 2020, I became a Parent Ambassador to help meet the needs of children and their families within the black community through the Family Education Centre. I am a proud owner of two businesses, DTSH Developmental Services Inc. and SophiaSafety Programs, two services that support all children and their families in the home, community, school and online.
Leen Jaber
Senior Web Editor
Hi there! I am a Master's student at McMaster University in the area of English and Post-Colonial Studies. I have worked as an in-home instructor and private editor for private clientele, as well as a teaching assistant for McMaster University and The Peel Public School Board. I joined the ECEC-ON because it is an amazing grass-roots community run by educators for educators. I believe in their initiative to create a safe and diverse environment that aids educators in the classroom, the field, and even at home.
Rachelle Gibbs
ECEC-ON Wellness Editor
RECE, Certified Coach
Rachelle is an RECE, Certified Coach and Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher. Rachelle has been working with children and youth for over 17 years and is passionate about creating positive, healthy environments for children, families and educators. Rachelle lives in Niagara Falls and enjoys spending time outside in nature and healthy, active living!
Mona Fakhry
ECEC-ON Collaborative Editor
RECE, Child Development Consultant, Aspiring psychotherapist, MACP
Hey there, my name is Mona Fakhry a passionate Registered Early Childhood Educator, who has worked in the early year sector for several years. I am a proud Seneca College alumni of the ECE program as well as hold a Honours Bachelor of Child Development program. I have worked in various roles such as an Early Interventionist, Resource Con-sultant and as a Supervisor and RECE in child care settings. Currently I am facilitating webinars independently and in partnership with professional networks, to support professional development opportunities for early childhood professionals. I am pursuing a Master of arts in Counselling Psychology, which contributes to my passion about well-ness for educators. You can find me on www.ecec-on.ca website as a Collaborative Editor for the online Community of Support page. I will be posting monthly wellness videos titled “Wellness Wednesdays by Mindfully Mona”. These prerecorded videos will be short wellness tips for educators, which they can view at their own convenience. I am so excited to connect with all of you amazing educators. You can follow my online Instagram community on @mindfully_mona as well as my ECE podcast on Youtube @superhumansofece. Lets celebrate and nurture wellness for educators, as a community!
Jane Cotnam
The ECEC-ON Insurance Advisor
Independent Insurance Broker
Your Real Life Insurance co.
I was born in Montreal, but spent equal time in Mont Tremblant. In the early ‘80’s, I moved to Toronto to pursue a career in insurance. I am a hearing-impaired member of CHS (Canadian Hearing Society) and had the privilege of teaching ASL (American Sign Language) to kindergarten children in a play environment.
I am proud of being an dedicated independent group benefit plan broker and advisor, and I specialize in groups that are hard to acquire benefits for. This is why I am working with the Early Childhood Educators within the ECEC-ON. I truly believe that everyone has the right to take care of themselves and their families. Group benefits, such as dental coverage and practitioner coverage, helps do exactly that.
Jane Cotnam, jane@yourreallife.ca
HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MYTHS THAT WE AIM TO DEBUNK!
ECE MYTHS
- Just sit and cradle children
- Just clean noses and wipe bums
- Just sing songs all day
- Just play with children all day
- It is an Easy job to do
- Can't cut it as a Teacher so work in Daycare
- School Skills are taught ONLY in School
- Children are not taught anything just cared for
- Teachers are paid well because the Fees are High!
- Parents don't need to be involved
ECE FACTS
- Teachers work long hours
- Teachers help children learn basic life skills
- Teachers teach children how to work both independently and socially.
- Teachers teach Colors, Letters, Shapes, Numbers and much more!
- Teachers encourage IMAGINATION
- Teachers spend their own time & money on program planning
- Teachers ARE PROFESSIONALS
- Teachers are over worked and under paid
- Teachers develop professional relationships with classroom parents
- Teachers are undervalued!