Exploring the possibilities...

We're a network of Early Childhood Professionals that are committed to providing an inspiring, Nature-Based, comprehensive professional development system FOR educators BY educators.
Our Approach
About Us
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How We Help

Our facilitators have over 40 years of combined experience in Licensed Child Care and continue to work directly in programs daily. We continue to have first-hand experience of the day-to-day joys and frustrations that arise in the realities of our field, and the unique solutions that can be implemented to enhance learning further.

 

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We work with educators, supervisors and executives of multi-site organizations to provide a professional development experience like you’ve never participated in before, that will leave you inspired and excited to go to work.

We provide you with hands-on and engaging in-person or online opportunities to learn new skills, solve problems, collaborate reflectively with other educators, enhance the performance and buy-in of staff members, and find fresh new ideas and perspectives.

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In Person & Virtual Learning

All of our Pedagogical Coaching & Consulting services are offered one-on-one, small or large group, or virtually. These encounters can be hosted on your site or ours.

As a provincially recognized, high-quality early learning program, we are often requested to offer professional learning experiences across the province and Canada.

All of our work is grounded in strong values, forest and nature school ethos and the high image we hold of children, educators and families.

In Person Learning Virtual Learning
Coaching and Consulting

We will work collaboratively with your team to engage in mentorship to support educators or administrators in your specific pedagogical goals. We will curate sessions based on your organization's goals and vision for early learning. 

We can create opportunities for leaders, educators, and administrators. We are passionate about creating conditions for individuals and groups to co-construct their professional identities through interactive, research-informed encounters.

Staff Meetings and Customized Workshop Development

Discovery Professional Learning creates industry-leading training programs to ensure each educator has the tools, skills, and dispositions necessary to be a part of the growing number of professionals that provide high-quality care and learning to children in Ontario.

Child Care Leadership Support

We will work alongside your leadership team to support coaching, mentorship and reflective practice. With an emphasis to integrate the Forest and Nature School ethos and improve the quality of your programs.

Conferences

We develop hands-on and interactive experiences that allow educators to foster Nature-Based skills and dispositions that will improve the quality of outdoor environments and experiences for children.

Learn at Your Own Pace Online Modules

Interactive online modules that allow educators to learn skills that will enrich their practice and programs at their own pace. Some topics include: Rituals and Routines, Mud Kitchens, Mapping with Children, as well as Democracy and Advocacy.

Read about what others are
saying about our courses

This was by far the most reflective leadership course I have ever been part of and the one that has influenced my daily practices the most. Karen and Jessica are highly skilled at creating an environment of self-development through reflections and provocations where participants feel safe to... Read More

This was by far the most reflective leadership course I have ever been part of and the one that has influenced my daily practices the most.

Karen and Jessica are highly skilled at creating an environment of self-development through reflections and provocations where participants feel safe to explore their own practices with curiosity, critical thinking and compassion.  We enjoyed and got so much out of the first series that we are doing another one again this year!

I have found much of the course very validating. Emergent curriculum sounds like something that needs "do-ing", but I've found it is actually a natural product of a child-led program. If we are listening to children and taking their lead, the rest comes with time (and self-reflection). When I was... Read More

I have found much of the course very validating. Emergent curriculum sounds like something that needs "do-ing", but I've found it is actually a natural product of a child-led program. If we are listening to children and taking their lead, the rest comes with time (and self-reflection). When I was an educator on the floor, my impulse was always to throw caution to the wind and embark on whatever adventure children wanted to take me on. If anything, my programming likely needed a bit more structure, but I have such an immense craving for children's ideas. I already know how I see the world. I'm seeking something NEW! I've heard my own story a hundred times, I want to hear theirs

I find a lot of my struggle has been in de-programming educators from fiercely held practices that don't seem to match their values. This course has already given me many tools to broach that conversation. Reading over the many images of the child that we can hold as educators were eye-opening. I can recognize many of the ways we can commodify children for the benefit of educators or even parents. I see many long-held traditions of child care that seem to cater to parents, without always bringing benefit to the children. (Does a 3-year-old need the graduation from preschool in front of a group of parents and peers? Are there ways to celebrate that milestone in a way that reflects the needs and ideas of the child?)

This experience brought a different aspect of thinking and kept wondering about what I know, what I am wondering and what is really important. Felt empowered that change comes from oneself and communicates it with others. Again, this experience was overwhelming but in the best way. I really enjoyed... Read More

This experience brought a different aspect of thinking and kept wondering about what I know, what I am wondering and what is really important. Felt empowered that change comes from oneself and communicates it with others. Again, this experience was overwhelming but in the best way. I really enjoyed this format of discussions and exchange. You girls (Karen and Jessica) did great work

Kathy, Andrew Fleck Children's Services (March 2022)
Benoit, AFCS Ottawa
Leeanne RECE, Simcoe County (May 2020)

Professional Learning Events

We have worked and continue to work with communities across the country to support educators and leaders to grow different components of their programs with a particular focus on:

  • Nature based pedagogy
  • Forest and Nature school, risk assessments and mitigation
  • Leadership support
  • Cultivating thriving teams and supporting staff retention
  • Inquiry, play based, and emergent pedagogy and curriculum
  • How does learning happen? Ontario’s pedagogical framework
View Events
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Your Guide to Pedagogical Documentation

Pedagogical Documentation is the process of making learning visible via taking photos of the learning process, saving artwork, videoing action, making notices and recording voice, and then using that documentation purposefully. 
Download Now All Resources

Our Instructors

With more than 40 years in the industry, our team is quality-focused when it comes to early learning child care and passionate about challenging the status quo.

Jessica Holder

RECE, BSc, Forest School Practitioner

Email Jessica (705) 733-2052
About Jessica
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Karen Eilersen

RECE, Forest School Practitioner

Email Karen (705) 733-2052
About Karen

Professional Learning Blog

You’ve got curiosities…we’ve got stories! Check out the Discovery Professional Learning blog where we discuss some of the unique solutions you can implement to take your early child care center program to the next level.

Nature Based Learning - May 31, 2024
Tiny Explorers: Fresh Ways Elevate Outdoor Summer Adventures for Infants & Toddlers!
Jessica Holder
Nature Based Learning - May 13, 2024
Transforming Your Practice: Embracing Nature-Based Education
Jessica Holder
Nature Based Learning - April 22, 2024
Nurturing Professional Friendships: A Catalyst for Growth and Learning
Jessica Holder, Cindy Green, Karen Eilersen
View Our Blog
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This is a place where human rights are respected and where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, transgender,  two spirit and queer people, and their friends and allies, are welcomed and supported.

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