Please note that the date for the presentation by Dr. Sarah Aiono presented by the Horizon School Division and HEYFRC will be held on May 12, 2025. The presentation date has been shifted from the original article below. Details are on the updated poster which follows.
Original Article
The Humboldt Early Years Family Resource Centre paid a visit to Humboldt City Council on the Monday, March 24 regular meeting of council with information on upcoming opportunities for engagement.
Along with Trish Maxwell, Superintendent of Learning for the Horizon School Division and accountable partner for HEYFRC, appeared as part of the delegation alongside HEYFRC program designer Kelly McLarty, with news of an upcoming speaker.
During her submission to council, Maxwell clearly outlined the reasoning for the intensifying focus in early years education across jurisdictions and particularly in the Horizon School Division.
“Access to adequate childcare and early education programs are crucial for building healthy communities as they foster cognitive, emotional and social development leading to better long-term outcomes for Individuals and society,” Maxwell explained.
She says that teachers see the benefits of these programs when students come into pre-K and Kindergarten learning situations in the school division.
HEYFRC and the Division are bringing in Dr. Sarah Aiono, a highly recognized New Zealand education with a distinguished background of study, research and practice. She will be speaking to the Horizon School Division principals' group and will then present to the public on May 13 (Ed. Note: Shifted to May 12) from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Horizon School Division offices.
“She will be talking about the benefits of supporting early learning in supporting strong communities,” Maxwell told council. “The more people who understand the very important programming and the benefits of early learning, the better it is for our communities.
A note on Dr. Aiono provider for council members and administration states:
“One of Dr. Aiono’s primary passions lies in supporting teachers to implement evidence-informed play pedagogy in their classrooms with unwavering fidelity. With her doctoral research focused on the impact of professional development on play practices in the primary classroom, she possesses unparalleled insights and expertise in this vital area.
“Drawing from her extensive experience as a classroom teacher across all year levels, including students impacted by trauma; neurodiverse and those with challenging behavior and learning needs, Dr. Aiono has a profound understanding of the real-world challenges educators face.”
Maxwell invited council members to attend, along with community groups and individuals, to find out more about the critical nature of early learning and become advocates of the work the HEYFRC is doing.
If you are interested in attending the event with Dr. Sarah Aiono in Humboldt, you can RSVP with the following link.
More details are available by reviewing the latest council meeting and agenda at humboldt.ca.