In this special episode, we’re highlighting a unique professional learning and mentoring process called Stepping Side By Side (SSBS).

Stepping Side By Side is an innovative, pedagogical approach to onboarding and mentorship, designed for those stepping into the field of Early Childhood Education, and for those stepping up to support others. Developed in partnership with the City of Hamilton and Affiliated Services For Children and Youth (ASCY) in 2021 as part of the City of Hamilton’s Workforce Planning Table, SSBS fosters reflective practice, continuous learning, and a sense of belonging and well-being among educators.

In this episode, you’ll hear testimonial-style reflections from seven educators and leaders who have engaged with SSBS. Each was asked the same three questions and their responses offer a rich, personal look at how SSBS has impacted their professional journeys, their insights, and their relationships.

Bianca Fatia is a Registered Early Childhood Educator at Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic Child Care Centres. As a newer educator, Bianca shares how Stepping Side by Side helped her build confidence, embrace vulnerability, and deepen her relationships with children, families, and colleagues through intentional listening and reflection.

Jessica LaForme is a Supervisor and Registered Early Childhood Educator at YWCA Hamilton Downtown Child Care Centre. She reflects on how Stepping Side by Side supported her in leading a fresh team of educators, fostering deeper connections, and building a culture of intentional practice and peer mentorship.

Nicola Lau is an Early Childhood Assistant at YWCA Hamilton Downtown Child Care Centre. She offers a grounded classroom perspective, describing Stepping Side by Side as a practical guide for applying tools and knowledge, and shares how it transformed her approach to reflection, documentation, and collaboration.

Kelli McCarles is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and Pedagogical Leader at Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic Child Care Centres. With over 35 years of experience, Kelli brings a deep passion for mentorship and reflective practice, and shares how Stepping Side by Side has helped her support educators in meaningful, personalized ways.

Anna Minnitti is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and Pedagogical Leader at Little Peoples Daycare. Her reflections highlight how Stepping Side by Side reignited passion across her team, supported educators at different stages of their journey, and created space for meaningful conversations and growth within her centre.

Cassidy Taylor is a Registered Early Childhood Educator at Imagineers Early Learning Centre. She describes Stepping Side by Side as a tool for growth and leadership, and shares how it helped her reflect more deeply on her role, build confidence, and support others in the workplace.

Jackie Wilson is a Registered Early Childhood Educator at Imagineers Early Learning Centre. She reflects on how Stepping Side by Side has become a reliable resource for mentorship and guidance, especially when supporting new staff and navigating challenging conversations with families.

Listener Note : With seven inspiring voices in this episode, we know it might be challenging to follow along. To support your listening experience, a full transcript (voice AI software used) is available in the show notes feel free to read along as you listen.

For more information about Stepping Side By Side:

In Hamilton and Haldimand Norfolk, contact your Professional Learning Consultant.

Outside of Hamilton, contact Paola Hohenadel phohenadel@ascy.ca

In this episode, ASCY’s Amanda Karr connects with Amanda McGowan, an EarlyON Coordinator from Today’s Family, who participated in the Language of Art workshop series and has since become a passionate advocate for art, learning and leadership. This six-part series, inspired by Ann Pelo’s book The Language of Art, invites educators to move beyond product-focused art and into a world of process, reflection, and identity.

Together, they explore how the series sparked a personal and professional shift, redefining art spaces, embracing vulnerability, and reconnecting with the inner artist. Amanda McGowan shares how materials became a language for expression, healing, and connection, and how this journey continues to shape her work with children, families, and colleagues.

Whether you’re an educator curious about process art, or someone passionate about creating inclusive, expressive environments for children and families, this conversation offers heartfelt insights into the role of art in early years learning.

For more on this topic, be sure to check out Episode 53: A Conversation About The Language of Art.

If you’re interested in exploring The Language of Art by Ann Pelo further, you can find copies at the ASCY Professional Resource Library. It’s also available through most major book retailers.

Better yet, consider engaging with the book as part of a book study with your ASCY Professional Learning Consultant—book sets are available to support deeper reflection and professional learning.

Dans cet épisode, nous allons entendre une conversation sur la documentation pédagogique et ce que cela signifie vraiment pour les éducateurs, les enfants et les familles.

Tina Dupuis-Primeau est originaire du Nouveau-Brunswick. Elle est d'origine mi'kmaque du côté paternel et acadienne du côté maternel. Tina est mariée et elle est mère d'un adolescent et de deux bébés à fourrure. Passionnée de jeux en plein air, elle est une éducatrice qui adore explorer la nature avec les enfants. Tina travaille dans le domaine depuis près de 20 ans auprès des enfants d'âge préscolaire. Ses expériences dans la création d'un environnement qui soutient l'identité linguistique et culturelle en établissant des relations solides ont fait d'elle une lumière brillante dans la domaine de la petite enfance.