10 Reasons to Choose Quality Early Learning and Child Care

Expert knowledge Early childhood educators are experts in child development and are trained to create inspiring learning environments!

Intentionality Early childhood educators provide your child the gift of time and attention. They will stop and explore the new flowers or jump in the mud puddles with your child.

Young at heart Early childhood educators know how to have fun! They’re not afraid to be silly and laugh with your child; all while nurturing your child’s creativity and helping to build their self-confidence.

Setting limits Every child needs reasonable boundaries, such as no playing ball inside. Early childhood educators set limits and support families in doing the same.

Love of literacy Early childhood educators read and tell stories, sing songs, and do puppet shows to inspire a love of language and to build early literacy skills.

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Confidence boost Early childhood educators provide safe opportunities for your child to be independent and to become confident in their personality and decision making skills.

Inspired learning Early childhood educators ask open-ended questions to inspire creative thought and curiosity, to encourage children to explore, and to make learning fun.

Life skills Early childhood educators use their expertise to develop programs that use play as a tool for teaching math, literacy, science and essential life skills that last for life!

Making friends Early childhood educators are educated to appropriately support children to gain social skills, which are so important in making friends and developing positive relationships!

Helping hand Everyone gets stumped by parenting from time to time - juggling schedules, demands, and behaviours. When it gets tough and you need someone to talk to, reach out to your child’s early childhood educator!

Professional, Certified, Licensed.

Helping PEI families make the early years count

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Meet Our Team : Board of Directors

If you would like to contact any ECDA board member, please email info@ecdaofpei.ca.

Laura MacNevin

Board Chair

Laura MacNevin is an Early Childhood Educator practicing at Hunter River Early Learning Centre. Laura graduated from the Human Services program at Holland College in 2001. After practicing in a variety of roles within the field of Human Services Laura chose to return to school to receive her Early Childhood Care and Education certification. Most recently Laura has taught the first two rounds of the Accelerated level 3 ECCE program at Holland College. Laura is excited about the opportunity to begin her role as a member of the ECDA Board of Directors. Laura lives in Clyde River with her husband, 2 children and dog. When not at work Laura enjoys spending time outdoors and travelling.

Ashley Bernard

Board Director

Ashley Bernard is an Early Childhood Educator practicing at Sherwood-Parkdale Headstart in Charlottetown. In 2017, she graduated from the Early Childhood Care and Education program at Holland College after seeking a profession that would allow her to contribute to her community while fulfilling her need for learning. Ashley is passionate about being a lifelong learner and is always looking for ways to foster that in the children of her programs. She joined the ECDA Board of Directors to extend her connection with the early childhood community and advocate for the field. Ashley has spent most of her life living in rural parts of PEI. Outside of her professional life, she loves to explore and go on adventures during the day and snuggle up with her pets and watch a movie at night.

Tammy Shields

Board Director

Lawkeysha Fife

Board Director

Keysha is originally from The Bahamas and came to PEI to enroll in Holland College's ECCE program in 2019. She got her start working in Childcare (in PEI) subbing at Holland College ELC while enrolled in the program. She graduated in 2021 and started her current job at Wee The West, Bloomfield shortly thereafter. She started out working with 2 and 3 year olds and shifted to working with 4 and 5 year olds in the Pre-K program where she has been ever since. She joined the board in January 2023 and has been very excited about this new opportunity to learn and grow. In her down time, she enjoys spending quiet time at home, exploring PEI and spending time with my family.

Darla Farquharson

Board Director

Darla is co-owner/director of Mighty Oaks Academy and Mighty Oaks Academy School Age. Darla has worked with children and families on Prince Edward Island for over 25 years ensuring high quality care is always at the forefront of her practice. Starting as a frontline educator, Darla has seen the importance of providing support and guidance to all educators, and as a co-owner, she makes this a top-priority to support educator’s ongoing training journey for their professional practice. Previously, spending two years on the ECDA board allowed Darla great room to grow professionally and she is looking forward to renewing this journey. Darla is looking forward to being a voice for the school age sector and moving our whole sector forward in this ever changing field. Darla lives in Covehead with her husband, two children and dog. She enjoys camping, travelling and days at the beach with her family.

Mandy MacNevin-Reynolds

Board Director

Mandy MacNevin-Reynolds is a seasoned ECE with 25 years+ in the sector. She has spent the majority of her career as an frontline infant educator at Milestones EYC. She believes firmly in providing high quality, relationship based education, that helps foster positive mental health for her center’s youngest children. As a trained Handle With Care facilitator, Mandy hopes to spread the message of positive, responsive care to Island families and fellow educators. Mandy is excited to make a return to the ECDA Board of Directors. In the past has served both on our organizations board, as well as a term on the CCCF Board of Directors. In her personally time, Mandy loves to spend time with her husband, travel and explore our beautiful Island

Kaylee Molyneaux

Board Director

Kaylee Molyneaux is a frontline Early Childhood Educator with the Holland College Early Learning Centre. She entered the field in 2015 after graduating from UPEI with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degree specializing in elementary years and Indigenous Education. Kaylee then attended Holland College while working in the field obtaining an Early Childhood Certificate. Kaylee strongly believes in lifelong learning and is always eager to further her resources and knowledge in the field. Kaylee has had the privilege of working with children of all ages. She takes pleasure in seeing the children fulfill their curiosity and creativity while guiding their development throughout. Kaylee is excited and grateful to join the board in 2024 as it will allow her to strengthen connections and advocate for the early childhood field. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband and family enjoying all the outdoor activities PEI has to offer.