Events

The ECDA team and board are proud to present an opportunity for directors, leaders, and stakeholders to come together strengthen relationships, reflect and grow. We will be joined by Bruce Joshua who's motto is: People. Purpose. Perspective. For the morning we will dive into: Culture and Generations Discover how to build a workplace where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. This session explores the foundations of belonging, the realities behind exclusion and discrimination, and the practical steps leaders can take to create a more welcoming environment. Participants will also examine the often-overlooked strengths of introversion in leadership and teamwork, gaining insights that help every individual contribute authentically. An engaging session for professionals committed to shaping a more inclusive, connected organizational culture. In the afternoon we will dive into: Performance Appreciation Transform the way you think about performance appraisals. In fact, let’s change the name, and the mindset! They are performance appreciations! This dynamic session shows how simple shifts can turn evaluations into meaningful conversations that build trust, spark growth, and strengthen workplace culture. Participants will learn practical ways to make feedback more natural and constructive, while also boosting retention, belonging, and overall team success. Perfect for leaders who want performance management to feel less like a task and more like a powerful tool for connection and clarity.   Facilitator Bio Born and raised on Isle Madame in rural Cape Breton, Bruce now makes his home in the Évangeline region of Prince Edward Island. His lifelong commitment to community is reflected in decades of involvement in literacy, education, culture, sport, and recreation—always with a focus on improving quality of life and expanding access to services. Alongside his professional work as an educator and consultant, he has volunteered extensively and served on numerous boards, contributing to community development at every level. Bruce began his career after completing a Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) at Université de Moncton. He later earned three Master of Education degrees: School Administration (Université de Moncton), Curriculum and Instruction (University of New Brunswick), and Leadership and Administration with a specialization in Mental Health (St. Francis Xavier University). He is also a certified Project Management Professional, earning his PMI designation in 2020 and renewing it in 2023. With thirty years in public education, Bruce has held progressive leadership roles and has designed and delivered professional learning locally, regionally, provincially, and nationally. He has taught in the Master of Education program at St. Francis Xavier University, offering courses in change dynamics, leadership, and administrative theory. As a consultant, Bruce has developed and facilitated workshops on outdoor and community-based education, mindfulness, governance, diversity, effective communication, courageous conversations, and HR-related planning. His experience as an athlete, volunteer, educator, and entrepreneur uniquely positions him to support leadership teams in inspiring staff, clients, and communities. Grounded, approachable, and deeply people-focused, Bruce looks forward to working with your teams in the spirit of Capstan Consulting’s motto: People. Purpose. Perspective.

Link to Register: Click Here The ECDA Board and staff are proud to present our 2026 Spring Conference: Nurturing Your Pedagogy. This event has been thoughtfully developed based on the voices, feedback, and engagement of you, our members! Whether you are just beginning your career, growing into your leadership, or somewhere in the middle, no matter where you, we are all continually shaping and refining our personal pedagogies. Pedagogy is not something that simply happens to us. It is something we nurture, grow and develop with intention, reflection, and care. It grows through our daily interactions with children, with families, with our colleagues, and through the values and beliefs we bring into this important work. This conference is an invitation to pause, reflect, and grow together. It is an opportunity to share ideas, challenge our thinking, and deepen our understanding of what it means to support children’s learning and development in ways that are both thoughtful and intentional. It is a chance to step outside of the walls of your centre and find your critical thinking friends, to find your village… to find those who share a pedagogical perspective with you! We encourage you to take this time to nurture your pedagogy, strengthen your professional voice, and reconnect with the passion that brought you to this sector in the first place. We can’t wait to welcome you!   Schedule: 9:00 - 10:00 -- Morning Breakout Session*10:15 - 10:45 -- Networking Break10:45 - 12:00 -- Morning Breakouts Continued12:00 - 1:15 -- Lunch1:15 - 2:45 -- Afternoon Breakouts2:45 - 3:00 -- Networking Break3:00 - 4:00 -- Afternoon Breakouts Continued *Note: There will not be registration at the Spring Conference. Attendees must head directly to their morning break-out session by 9:00 AM *Payment is due in full prior to attending. Registration closes on April 25th at Midnight Preventing Double Payments: Please confirm with your Director or centre owner whether they will be covering the cost of your conference or membership fees, prior to registering for the conference. New Refund Policy: All duplicate payments will now be subject to a $20 administration fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.