Join us for the Launch of the Spark Guide on October 8, from 12:30 to 2:00 PM MT! 

This virtual event is for early childhood educators and program leaders looking to strengthen culturally responsive practices in their programs. The event will feature a panel discussion with experts from Alberta who were essential in developing the Spark Guide. They will be sharing:

The impact of culturally responsive practices in their programs.

You’ll also learn about the upcoming resources and training opportunities related to the guide.

The Spark Guide empowers educators and program leaders to build vibrant, inclusive environments where children can explore each other’s cultures, build confidence, and share their unique experiences. The guide is packed with practical strategies and relatable examples. It is a must-have resource for those seeking to enhance their culturally responsive practices and foster equity and belonging in their programs.

Engage with fellow educators and program leaders

Hear from those who helped shape the guide

Get access to the Spark Guide’s resources and training

Amaka is an Early Childhood Education professional with over 20 years of experience. These include frontline educator roles to leadership positions as a Child Care Director. Currently, she’s a faculty member at Bow Valley College, where she teaches Early Childhood Education and Development. At the same time, she’s a project coordinator for Creating Cultural Connection with Alberta Resource Centre for Quality Education (ARCQE). In this capacity, she is building relationships with programs in Southern Alberta, engaging in dialogues and hands-on experiences to promote understanding of diversity, and supporting the positive outcomes. Amaka is deeply passionate about early childhood education and is committed to addressing challenges in the field by emphasizing understanding of cultural contexts. She brings this valuable perspective to her teaching and her practice. Amaka’s contributions to the Spark Guide include her roles as an advisor and storyteller.

Naheed Mukhi is an Early Childhood Development Consultant at Multicultural Health Brokers in Edmonton. She is also a doctoral student at the University of Toronto. Her community, academic, and research work centres around the preservation of children’s home culture and language(s) in newcomer refugees and immigrant families. With experience as an early childhood curriculum developer and teacher training consultant in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Syria, Naheed brings a global perspective to her advocacy work on promoting culturally responsive early years practices and environments. Naheed’s contributions to the Spark Guide include her roles as an advisor and implementation partner.

Kirsten is a Director and Educator at Prématernelle La Capucine. She has a strong interest in early childhood education and the development and well-being of both children and educators. Over the past 17 years, both personally and professionally, she has woven together a deep understanding of the impact and importance of culturally responsive child care. A mother to her four Francophone children, she has also been the Director of the Centre d'Appui Familial, a Roots of Empathy instructor, and Mentor for Francophone programs in Alberta and she currently holds the position of Director of La Capucine preschool and daycare. For 10 years, Kirsten was also one of the few Doulas, birth educators, prenatal/postnatal and kids yoga teachers offering French language services and support in Calgary. The many meaningful relationships Kirsten has created with children, families, and educators from pregnancy through the early years in the French community have given her a unique and privileged lens through which she can see the challenges faced by Francophone families. Kirsten contributed to the creation of the Spark Guide in her role as an advisor.

Alicia Fingal is an Early Childhood Specialist and Human Development Director at Imagine Institute for Learning. Alicia is a dedicated professional, with a heart for nurturing young minds and supporting caregivers, families, and professionals alike. Alicia has a degree in Honours Psychology, a diploma in Early Childhood Education, and over 10 years of hands-on experience working as a Supervisor and Director in early learning and child care. Alicia contributed to the Spark Guide as an implementation partner leading the development of training for program leaders.

Spark Guide Launch Event