York Region In-Person Workshop

Workshop Recap: The 3Es with York Region

On March 28, 2026, the Centre of Child Development, Mental Health, and Policy (CCDMP) facilitated an in-person workshop as part of The 3Es of Social-Emotional Development training series in collaboration with York Region. The CCDMP is an approved provider within York Region’s Early Learning and Child Care Facilitator Registry. Our training team has been contracted to deliver three training sessions between 2025–2026 and has completed the first two cohorts, reaching 158 early childhood educators and practitioners during our Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 sessions. Participants from both cohorts were invited to attend this cumulative, in-person workshop. 

During the workshop, attendees explored key principles of social-emotional development through mindfulness practices, hands-on activities, and guided reflection through three activities that aligned with the core modules of The 3Es of Social-Emotional Development training. The session also provided opportunities for participants to connect with other educators, practice strategies together, and share their experiences as early childhood educators and practitioners. 

Activity 1: “Empathy for the Self Journal”

The first activity station focused on The 3Es of social-emotional development (Emotion Regulation, Empathy for the Self, Empathy for Others). Attendees received a notebook and star stickers and were guided through reflective prompts to begin on a self-kindness journal. The goal of this journaling activity was to encourage participants to practice empathy for themselves. The use of a physical journal was intentional to promote a slower, more mindful approach and to support ongoing self-care practice at home through the act of writing. 

Activity 2: “Is It Connecting, Caring, or Coaching?”

The second activity explored The 3Cs of positive early relationships (Connecting, Caring, Coaching) through an interactive game in which a statement was read aloud and participants moved to a designated corner of the room to indicate whether it reflected “Connecting,” “Caring,” or “Coaching.” The activity aimed to deepen educators’ understanding of the distinctions between the three approaches, with a particular emphasis on recognizing and applying coaching strategies.

Activity 3: “Case Scenario Through a Humanistic Lens”

The third activity explored The 3Rs of supporting children and ourselves in times of stress and growth (Recognize, Respond, and Reflect). Participants engaged with a case example involving a three-year-old child and his mother in a daycare setting. They were encouraged to adopt a whole-person perspective, considering key areas of the child’s development alongside broader contextual factors such as social, cultural, and environmental influences. The group discussed how they would respond as educators, including potential next steps to support the child and their family.

Conclusion

The workshop concluded with a large-group discussion, where participants reflected on their overall impressions of The 3Es training content, strategies, and activities. York Region generously provided lunch following the session, and many attendees shared positive feedback about their experience with The 3Es training. The CCDMP training team looks forward to continued collaboration and future learning opportunities with York Region.

For more information about The 3Es of Social-Emotional Development training and workshops, please contact us at training.ccdmp@utoronto.ca. 

Here are some quotes from workshop attendees!

“It is a great opportunity for me to reflect on myself, the children, and the families. We spend a lot of time with children, but sometimes we don’t have enough time to pause and think deeply about their development. This reflection supports me in finding better ways to encourage and support children’s growth and learning.”

“Great session, great group discussions and thoughtful activities. The presenters had great enthusiasm, we're knowledgeable and a true delight to listen and interact with.”

“This was very much needed. I feel this is so important for caregivers. More workshops like this are needed. More education and reflection is needed. Caregivers need help to reflect and learn and be mindful. Thank you. I feel this should be done yearly.”