See the World in Colour: Supporting Black Children, Families, and Colleagues Beyond February
Hosted and Facilitated by Nathalie James, ECC Coach | Family & Partner Specialist
Event Details
In this impactful and reflective workshop, we will foster a safe and supportive environment to dive into sensitive topics that affect the lives of those around us -especially Black children, families, and colleagues in our early learning communities.
These conversations invite us to finally see colour in a world that has so often been taught to operate in black and white. This workshop is a space to learn, grow, and acknowledge the biases each of us carries—sometimes unknowingly—and to reflect on how those biases show up in our classrooms, programs, and professional relationships.
Through meaningful discussion, relevant history, current realities, and viewing your classroom or site through the eyes of a Black family, participants will deepen their understanding of the experiences Black families and educators navigate in early learning spaces.
This session is not about performative awareness or one-month commitments. Participants will leave with increased knowledge, practical tools, and a stronger understanding of why it is essential to support, affirm, and see Black children, families, and colleagues all year long - not just in February.
Location
Online Webinar on Zoom
Date + Time
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
6:30pm - 7:30pm EST
Fee
This event is $10.00.
Who is this session for?
- Early Childhood Educators
- Early Childhood Leaders
- Supervisors
- Directors
- Childcare Owners
Meet Our Host & Facilitator!
Nathalie James
Family Support Specialist | Leadership & Relationship Mentor
With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, Nathalie has worn many hats. She has grown from educator to director, across both nonprofit and for-profit programs.
She’s led teams of 30+, supported families and children through the early years, and now oversees six (6) family support locations in Mississauga South.
At The ECC, Nathalie brings her calm leadership and deep care to every workshop and conversation, helping educators strengthen relationships, navigate challenges and conflict resolution, and rediscover the joy in what they do.
Understand the lived experiences of Black children, families, and colleagues within early learning environments.
Reflect on personal, systemic, and unconscious biases, and recognize how they can show up in everyday classroom and workplace practices
Learn the difference between “colorblind” approaches and intentionally seeing, affirming, and valuing identity.
Explore early learning spaces through the eyes of a Black family, gaining insight into how environments, policies, and interactions are experienced.
Discover practical, meaningful strategies to create affirming, responsive, and inclusive environments all year long - not just in February.
Build confidence in engaging in respectful, thoughtful, and necessary conversations about race, bias, belonging, and equity in your program.
What You'll Learn:
Why attend this event?
Move Beyond Performative Awareness
Go deeper than one-month commitments and build understanding that supports Black children, families, and colleagues all year long.
See Your Practice Through a New Lens
Gain insight by viewing your classroom or program through the lived experiences of Black families.
Build Confidence in Critical Conversations
Strengthen your ability to engage in thoughtful, respectful conversations about race, belonging, and equity in early learning settings.
Understand Bias and Its Impact
Explore personal, systemic, and unconscious biases and how they show up in everyday interactions and decisions.
Create Truly Affirming Learning Environments
Learn practical strategies to foster inclusive, responsive spaces where identity is seen, valued, and respected.
FAQ
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Are there any membership fees to join The ECC Learning Lounge?
Nope, there are no membership fees to join The ECC Learning Lounge.
Instead, there will be a $10 admission fee for this event.
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Will there be a recording available of this event?
For virtual events, yes, recordings will be available.
However, it's important to note that not all events will be recorded. Details regarding recording availability will be shared upon registration for each specific event. The recording will be made available through our Podia platform. Details on how to access the recording will be sent to all registered attendees after the event.
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How can I contact the ECC Learning Lounge team for further inquiries?
You can contact here or email us directly at info@anishatheecc.com. We're here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
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What topics are covered in The ECC Learning Lounge events?
Our events cover a wide range of topics relevant to early childhood education, including but not limited to child development, curriculum planning, social-emotional learning, cultural competence, inclusive practices, and leadership skills.
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How can I suggest topics or speakers for future ECC Learning Lounge events?
We welcome suggestions for topics and speakers! You can submit your ideas by contacting us directly with your recommendations via email at info@anishatheecc.com.
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