Westcoast Wave Newsletter - March 2026
Read on for a vibrant mix of learning opportunities, government news, and family centred resources across Westcoast in our March Westcoast Wave Newsletter!
The World of Child Care
News & Articles
The world of child care and early childhood education is always changing, especially here in BC. We regularly gather articles, opinions and information to share. We hope you’ll find it interesting and valuable, whether you’re a parent, guardian, service provider or student. We encourage you to join the conversation with your own observations, news and questions.
BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 4: Rita Chudnovsky
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 4 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast!
During this episode, we're joined by Rita Chudnovsky, as we explore $10aDay Child Care: Where We Are and Where We Are Going! For more than 30 years, has been right in the heart of BC’s child care advocacy movement and a femtor to many. She’s worked alongside the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC and so many community partners across the province and the country. And if you ask her, she’ll tell you that it didn’t take long before the work—and the people—completely captured her heart.
Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 4: Rita Chudnovsky or wherever you get your podcasts.
Westcoast Wave Newsletter - February 2026
Read on for a vibrant mix of learning opportunities, community celebrations, and family centred resources across Westcoast in our February Westcoast Wave Newsletter!
A Year with the BC Early Learning Framework - Article by Maryam Naddaf
A Year with the BC Early Learning Framework is a transformative professional learning series created by Maryam Naddaf to help educators deeply engage with BCELF principles. Through year-long workshops blending reflection, dialogue, and real-life practice, participants shifted from seeing BCELF as a “resource” to embracing it as a living tool for change. The series fostered confidence, collaboration, and innovative practices across BC communities.
BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 3:
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 3 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast!
During this episode we explore the BC Early Years Professional Development Bursary Program—what it is, why it matters, and how it’s shaping educators' learning across the province of British Columbia, in Canada. Our guests are two impactful leaders—Kathreen Riel, who manages the bursary fund, and Maryam Naddaf, Director of Frog Hollow’s Reggio-Inspired Learning Centre.
Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 3: Kathreen Riel & Maryam Naddaf or wherever you get your podcasts.
BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 2: Gabriela Cervantes
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 2 of our BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast!
During this episode we're excited to kick things off with a special guest who has dedicated much of her career to advocating for the rights and well-being of children and families, especially those from equity-seeking communities. We were honoured to spend time with Gabriela Cervantes, a public policy, and advocacy specialist with OXFAM Canadaand The Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC.
Listen now at BC's Path to Universal Child Care Podcast Season 5, Episode 2: Gabriela Cervantes or wherever you get your podcasts.
From Isolation to Inspiration: The Transformative Power of Communities of Practice in Early Childhood Education
Check out an article written by Kathreen Riel, the project manager of the ECE Professional Development Bursary Program.
In this article, Kathreen explores how communities of practice are transforming professional development for early childhood educators in British Columbia. Rather than focusing solely on improving outcomes, these communities offer spaces for connection, reflection, and personal growth.