Strive

ECEC LEADERS! 📣 Your next Community of Practice is happening on Wed. September from 9:30 - 11:00 AM at Strive & on Zoom (choose the ticket type for how you'd like to attend - treats and coffee from Black Walnut will be provided for those attending in person)! ☕

This opportunity is for professionals in leadership positions to come together and reflect on how to lead and support educators across various early learning and childcare programs. ✨ Topics may include administration, communication with families and professionals, inspiring a team, and more. Conversations are ongoing, and new participants are always welcome.

Registration closes Tues. September 1 at 12:00 PM. Communities of Practice are FREE for the regions we serve. Ticket type is based on the county you work in. Register now at www.striveswo.ca/event-posts/cop-leadership-sept26

ATTENTION ECEC LEADERS!

Join us for a 3-part series designed to support the facilitation of the DEIB micro-learning content presented in May at The Aware Leader (registration is for all parts). 💡

Meaningful leadership begins with how we show up—for ourselves, for our team, and for the children, families, and communities we serve. Creating equitable, inclusive learning environments requires more than new strategies; it calls for ongoing reflection, courageous conversations, and a willingness to lead with humility, compassion, and care. The Learning Circle offers a dedicated space for Early Childhood Education leaders to slow down, learn together, and deepen their practice. Through shared reflection, dialogue, and practical application, participants will explore how heart-centred leadership can foster cultures of belonging, trust, and equity within their teams and organizations.

📅 Tuesdays: September 15, October 20, November 17
🕛 9:30 - 11:00 AM
📍 Strive Classroom (265 Maitland St., London)
💲 London/ Middlesex: FREE (Restricted to London/Middlesex)

Registration for this series closes on Monday, September 14 at 12:00 PM. Learn more at www.striveswo.ca/event-posts/insight-to-impact-series

Come explore How Does Learning Happen?'s ENGAGEMENT foundation in this engaging, hands-on session happening on Tues. September 15 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM, facilitated by Mary Hewitt (Unlocking Childhood with Mary Hewitt)!

In this session, we will explore the important research surrounding “awe” and partake in exercises that re-acquaint us with our own deep sense of awe and wonder. In doing so, we can truly see the world (and materials!) through the ‘eyes of a child’—an essential element to offering engaging opportunities in our programs.

Educators will also have the opportunity to live-into engagement by creating their own invitations for play, developing their understanding of the ‘educator as provocateur’ and immerse themselves in learning about the role of ‘emergence’ in children’s play.

📅 Tues. September 15, 2026
🕛 6:30 - 8:30 PM
📍 Earl Nichols Arena (799 Homeview Rd., London)
💲 London/ Middlesex: Pay What You Can | Elgin/Oxford: $10

You don't have to have attended any of the previous parts in this series to attend! Learn more and register at www.striveswo.ca/event-posts/hdlh-engagement

We invite you to rest...

Each August, we intentionally pause our professional learning calendar to create space for something that is often overlooked: rest! Throughout the month, we have cleared our calendar of workshops, communities of practice, and networking meetings to encourage ourselves and our community to slow down, reflect, and invest in our personal well-being.

If you have a moment, take a read through this year's blog post, where we reflect on how rest shouldn't just be left for recovery, but rather, an intentional part of our routine. Read now at www.striveswo.ca/blog-posts/invitation-to-rest-2026

Episode 89 of Leading Inspired Learning is now available! 🎙✨

In this episode, Ally, Strive Manager, once again hosts Marcia Nicole, RECE, OCT, MPED, PhD (Student) of Ispyr to Educate, in a follow-up to Ep: 61 - In Conversation with a Black Educator. They discuss Marcia’s research on the experiences of Black educators and leadership, how her perspectives on professional learning continue to evolve, and the power of making sure your voice is heard to create meaningful change. Listen, learn, reflect, enjoy!

Listen now at www.striveswo.ca/podcast-posts/ep-89 (or wherever you get your favourite podcasts)! This episode is also available in video format via the link above, on Spotify, or on our YouTube channel!

Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and review! ✨

Registration for Fall 2026 Professional Learning is now available!

Explore pedagogically aligned professional learning happening from September to December. From communities of practices, be well sessions, play-based learning, and more, these opportunities are made for you to connect, reflect, and engage with our sector! Spaces are limited, reserve your spots now!

Register for upcoming professional learning at www.striveswo.ca/events

Hear all about our upcoming opportunities for learning, connection, and reflection during your August 2026 Professional Learning Update with Andera! 🎤

Listen now at www.striveswo.ca/podcast-posts/minisode-45 or through our link in bio!

Also available on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! ✨

Hello August! ✉️

Check out Strive’s Monthly E-Blast.

Read now at https://mailchi.mp/striveswo/hello-august (and subscribe to get it directly to your inbox)!