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!

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Helping PEI families make the early years count

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Meet Our Team : Staff

Sonya Hooper

Executive Director

(902) 368-0070 | s.hooper@ecdaofpei.ca

Sonya Hooper is an educator, activist, professional speaker, and executive director of one of the leading early childhood associations in the country. She obtained her diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education from Holland College in 1990. In 2012, she took the next step in her education by completing a Masters Degree in Education. Throughout her years within the regulated sector, Sonya has worn many hats, including kindergarten teacher, special needs assistant, centre director, and centre owner/operator. She has been involved with the Early Childhood Development Association of PEI (ECDA) since her early years in the sector, volunteering to enhance quality of practice, wages, and working conditions for her peers. In 2003 Sonya took the inaugural position of executive director of the ECDA. She has continued to work towards an increasingly professionalized sector by raising the bar of quality, increasing recognition for the field, and inspiring government policy.

Bonnie L. Bell

Administration & Member Relations

(902) 368-1866 | bbell@ecdaofpei.ca

Bonnie is currently working with the Early Childhood Development Association of PEI as Administration and Member Relations support to the members of the ECDA organization. She has been with the organization since 2010 and enjoys working close with all members of the Association. A graduate from Holland College, she has a diploma in Administration, Clerk Typist portfolio and has over 30 years experience working in an office environment.

Sarah Dennis

Educational and Training Coordinator

(902) 368-1876 | sarah.dennis@ecdaofpei.ca

Sarah joined the ECDA in 2018 in the role of the Educational and Training Coordinator. Sarah brings to the position strong administrative and logistical know-how gained during her previous tenure as a Research Assistant at the McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics (MCCHE) at McGill University, where she assisted in planning high-level academic conferences and exploratory meetings. Sarah’s goal is to provide top quality professional development in order to facilitate the best learning opportunities for the sector!

Rhyanne Beatty

Communications Coordinator

(902) 368-1879 | rhyanne.beatty@ecdaofpei.ca

Rhyanne is a multi-skilled communications professional who’s thrilled to work for the ECDA! She’s passionate about producing thoughtful, inclusive, and beautifully designed content. Through her management of the ECDA’s social media channels, weekly newsletter, and bi-annual magazine, she strives to engage the early learning and child care community, instill pride in the sector, and celebrate the hard work of educators. Rhyanne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and International Development Studies from the University of Prince Edward Island and a graduate certificate in communications from Centennial College in Toronto.