Candidate Biographies

Candidate’s Biographical Summary

Candidate’s Full Name:

Aliya Amin

Present Position:

Program Support ECE

Place of Employment:

Victoria Village Childrens Services

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice:

Advise on program support particularly for children with needs

Self-Identification (if any):

I am a Canadian-born Guyanese Muslim woman.

Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)

Program

Educational Institution

Year of Graduation

Degree, Diploma

(2 years) Early Education Leadership Program

Harvard University

2021

Certificate in Early Education Leadership

Early Childhood Education

Centennial College

2015

Diploma in ECE

Bachelor of Arts

York University

2013

BA

Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)

Position

Association/Organization

Dates

ECE/Program Support ECE

Victoria Village Children Services

2015-Present

Other Community Involvement

Position

Association/Organization

Dates

Event Coordinator Volunteer

Islamic Institute of Toronto

2013-Present

Tutor for Children

(Own)

2017-2021

I believe I should be chosen as a council member because of my education history, classroom experience and my knowledge of provincial and municipal policy. I also strongly believe I have a unique perspective that can contribute to the team. I work well with others and also am able to carry my own duties as necessary. I manage time well in between work and professional learning and can commit my full efforts to this team. As a person of colour wearing a religious headscarf, I was initially hesitant to pursue education as a career. Previous experiences contributed to my anxieties about what others would think of trusting me with their children. While studying for my ECE Diploma I was excited to start my coop experience and even more excited to see that there are many in the profession that look like me. When I learned that we  had a professional governing body supporting us I did my research and was proud to see inclusivity and land acknowledgement featured prominently. I diligently signed up for and rewatched several workshops and continuing education seminars held by the college in addition to assisting coworkers with their CPLs. To think that someone of my Caribbean background and Muslim beliefs could affect positive change with other council members is an incredible opportunity that I knew I had to try to achieve! I thank you all for your kind consideration.

Place of Employment:

City of Toronto

Licensed Early Learning and Child Care Centre

Being on Council would be a way for me to give back to the profession that I felt proud to be part of for over twenty years. Over the years, I have gained valuable knowledge in the field of early childhood education. However, I know that there are more to learn specially in the area of leadership and legislation, something that I am extremely passionate about as it would allow me to contribute to our community of early educators to self-regulate the profession in the public interest. As a member of this professional community, I would be honoured to help establishing professional standards and uphold regulatory mandates of the college in my best ability. As a member of the council, I conduct myself with integrity and commitment, and I intend to work hard and free from bias to represent the interest of all. If elected, I look forward to work with the members of the Council and other individuals from different fields to fulfil the mandates of the Council.

Sincerely

Mitra Azadmehr

Place of Employment:

University of Guelph/Guelph – Humber

Toronto

Area of Practice:

Backed by my 10+ years of experience as a RECE, I am running for council to bring my knowledge and experiences to serve and protect the public interest.

I have been a sessional professor for 10+ years at the University of Guelph-Humber and Humber College; which is the current position I hold. Additionally, I have also taught at Seneca College and Durham College. I have sat on a review panel for the College of Early Childhood Educators in October 2016 to provide insight on the most recent Code of Ethics.

Throughout my work experiences, I have engaged in educating students within the classroom on topics such as professional issues, curriculum, leadership, inclusion; as well as, engaging in field practicum teaching. My extensive field practicum experiences (10+ years) have provided me with the opportunity to work and visit with numerous RECE’s, early learning and child care centres across the GTA.  Throughout these experiences I have gained invaluable knowledge and perspective about early learning across the GTA as well as circumstances that existing RECE’s and new graduates face.

I aim to use this knowledge to serve the public as well as contribute to professional standards and continued professional learning for RECE’s

I appreciate your vote!

Place of Employment 

Graydon Hall Nursery Schools

North York, ON

Serving as a council member, I strive to not only be able to expand the ways I can support the community but also give back to the profession by upholding the standards and regulatory requirements. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” I believe that my passion to make a difference in the life of children and families and the experiences that I have had along the way will provide a unique perspective and voice for many educators that are new to Canada and/or the field and are facing challenges to find the harmony between transferring their cultural experiences and learning new ones.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Jessica C, RECE

The Nikki Clarke Network

Toronto, ON

CMAS

Toronto, ON

With the experience I have gained both sitting as a member of the council and having participated as a non-council member, I know that the work of the College is vital to upholding the professionalism of those who work so diligently in the field. I believe my experience and perspective, which spans a variety of childcare-related fields, would be a true benefit to the College. I have not only worked in both profit and not-for-profit licensed childcare environments, but for the last 20 years, my focus has been developing and monitoring the standards of childcare for immigrant and refugee children across Canada. With this breadth of experience, I know and appreciate the value that we, as educators, bring.

Working in an organization that serves over 5,000 immigrant children each day, I have seen the challenges faced by RECEs and families. I believe wholeheartedly in the role of the college to protect the public interest and uphold the professionalism of the field.

As someone committed to quality early childhood education for all, I would love to bring my experience and perspective to our College.

Candidate’s Biographical Summary

Candidate’s Full Name:

Irene Egerszegi

Present Position:

DECE

Place of Employment:

TDSB

Scarborough, ON

Area of Practice:

DECE kindergarten

Self-Identification (if any):

Education (ECE program/other relevant post-secondary qualifications)

Program

Educational Institution

Year of Graduation

Degree, Diploma

Registered aba therapist

Geneva

2021

Diploma

Participation in Early Childhood Education Organizations (e.g., associations, interest groups related to Early Childhood Education)

Position

Association/Organization

Dates

Owner

Learning coach

2007-present

Author

Self employed

2007- present

Other Community Involvement

Position

Association/Organization

Dates

Tutor

Private

2007- present

I am interested in running for counsel because I totally believe in the ece profession as being a vital part of education. I would like to assist in making sure members are involved and not alone in their supportive roles.

Place of Employment: 

Studio 123 Early Learning Centre

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice:

Building Relationships with children and families

Behavioural Guidance

Diversity Inclusion

As a fairly new Executive Director at Studio 123 Early Learning Centre, I feel I make an excellent candidate for the Council. Since entering my new position, I have made it my mission to include diversification in programming, curriculum and daily strategies. In the past 6 months, I have integrated increased Indigenous materials including books and artwork. I ordered materials from Goodminds.com a First Nations owned and operated Children’s bookstore in Brantford, ON. I have lead my staff to focus on inclusion, diversification and celebration of culture. For Black History month, we ordered a large selection of books written and illustrated by Black authors. Each educator chose an age-appropriate selection to add to our ever-growing library. Teaching all-inclusive love and acceptance is a huge passion of my teaching. I think I have a lot to bring to the table of the Council. Although I am new to the College and to my position, I bring lots of leadership experience and a plethora of new and exciting ideas.

Thank you, sincerely.

Kathryn Firth

Place of Employment:

York Region District School Board/Toronto Catholic District School Board

North York, ON

Area of Practice:

Stratford Career Institute

From a active preschool teacher to a aspiring JK/SK Teacher…To challenge myself and develop professional / personal goals during the pandemic is paramount like empowering yourself in wanting to teach, believe in yourself, confident in your abilities, and understanding self. By being part, of a male council/staff/colleague in the College of ECE, it is a remarkable position to advocate and reflect diversity, equality, multi-culturalism, anti- racial, and anti-oppressive framework. In turn, developing a sense to council in a multi-cultural society. To be aware of the Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics that is presented to all members of the College of ECE. As a struggling Male ECE professional and a passion to learn and be coachable throughout my career as a male ECE. I have learned specific methodology and explored particular subjects/issues in the classroom program or daycare settings. I had began this journey in ECE since 1995 at Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology. In terms of experience, it has been a challenge in either a elementary, secondary, day programs, daycares of after school programs. It shaped me to practice my core values, beliefs, respect, and trust. Especially, being a member of the College of ECE. I will try this opportunity to plan for, observe, engage with, and support the council. And children’s play and learning. I will communicate and work respectfully with children, parents, and other professionals. As a committed council member I can document interactions with children, parents, and other professionals clearly.

Place of Employment: 

George Brown College

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice:

Non-Profit Child Care

Post Secondary Education

I have been with the Council for the past three years and I have experienced the importance of the College’s roles and responsibilities for the sector: for educators, the public, children, and the profession.

My experience in various roles as a frontline educator to an instructor equipping future educators to a leadership role in the sector will help bring unique and diverse perspectives to the Council. In addition, my current work with trauma-informed and Anti-Bias and Anti-Racism curriculum will also bring an essential lens to the Council: a lens that is critical as our sector moves forward.

Place of Employment: 

Brock Early Learning Centre

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice:

I feel that my long term experience in the field as well as being a witness to the many changes in the sector over the years can be a valued asset to the College.

Especially with the proposed affordable child care initiative coming in on the horizon, those of us who facilitated the start of FDK have valuable insight into preparations and discussions that should be had.

Place of Employment: 

Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice:

I am applying to be a Council member as I feel that my background and passion to support other educators would be a great asset to the Council. I was selected as an RECE Advisor but I would like to do more.

I have over 20 years’ experience in the Early Childhood sector. This includes being a classroom educator, quality assurance supervisor, and centre supervisor. I have a strong understanding of the CCEYA, HDLH? AQI, and other regulations.

RECE’s need to be seen as competent and capable. As RECE’s we must adhere to the Code of Standards of Practice in order to be entrusted with the designation of Registered Early Childhood Educator.

I feel that as an educator, particularly one whose role is to mentor, lead and guide others, it is so important especially now, that our voices are heard and I am driven to support this.

I believe that we need the recognition from our communities and government. Several years ago, Chrystia Freeland, Martha Friendly and Carolyn Ferns visited the JCC. I was privileged to sit at the round table representing our Early Childhood department at the Miles Nadal JCC, participating in a discussion about the state of early childhood education and making childcare more financially accessible for families.

This is a great leadership opportunity for me. I believe that I have the experience and knowledge to support other educators and be an integral part of the council.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Place of Employment:

Tiny Explorer

Toronto, ON

Area of Practice:

Candidate Statement

Place of Employment:

YMCA of Niagara

Welland, ON

Area of Practice:

Place of Employment:

A Child’s World Family Child Care Services of Niagara

Welland, ON

Area of Practice:

Lucky Day Nursery

Hamilton, ON 

Hamilton Early Years Quality Project

Supervisors Professional Learning Community

Leadership and Supervision Community of Practice

Pedagogical Leadership Learning Community

Hamilton Wentworth District School Board

Hamilton, ON

I am a person of colour, muslim woman and naturalized Canadian. I have been working as an ECE in Ontario for the last 12 years and an educator for over 18 years. Currently I work as a DECE in a FDK program. It is indeed a privilege to be part of a self-regulatory body and have professional status. The college’s mandate of protecting the public interest by setting standards, developing competencies and skills, and creating programs that expand ECE professionalism and knowledge is not only what I feel passionately about as an early years instructor but is also at the heart of my masters research. The growth and development of the early years profession is interdependent, interconnected and complementary to ECE leadership and regulation of the profession. I would like to research, contribute, and amplify this relationship.

Place of Employment:

YMCA of Niagara

St. Catharines, ON