About Us
Who Is A Designated Early Childhood Educator?
Through a variety of theories and philosophies, Designated Early Childhood Educators facilitate a child’s journey through the developmental stages in inquiry and play-based learning environments. Designated Early Childhood Educators promote independence and a strong sense of self where children’s thoughts and ideas lead the direction of programming. A D.E.C.E. sets up an inclusive environment to allow for various opportunities that foster children’s development in creative, social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. They are trained to promote children’s skills in early literacy, and early numeracy. Designated Early Childhood Educators have unique skills to encourage children’s curiousity and sense of wonder. It is the practice of D.E.C.E.s to take every opportunity during play and inquiry to extend thinking and guide children through their ideas and discoveries to gain skills and knowledge that are both age and developmentally appropriate. Designated Early Childhood Educators also have strong knowledge about inclusive practice, observing and assessing students, as well as design, implementation and assessment of early learning environments. Designated Early Childhood Educators partner with an Ontario Certified Teacher in a Full Day Kindergarten classroom to provide age-appropriate programming for students, to implement the programming and to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Who is the Simcoe County DECEs Executive and What Do We Do?
The Simcoe County Designated Early Childhood Educator Local is comprised of 6 Designated Early Childhood Educators who work within the Simcoe County District School Board. The Executive is elected bi-annually by the membership. The Simcoe County DECE Local works to regulate relations between the Simcoe County District School Board and the DECEs employed within the board, including but not limited to securing and maintaining, through collective bargaining, the best possible terms and conditions of employment. This includes both Permanent DECEs and Occasional DECEs. The Local Executive strives to advance the cause of Kindergarten, inquiry and play based learning, and the status of DECEs. We work to promote a high standard of professional ethics and a high standard of professional competence within the SCDSB. We promote and protect the interests of all members of our Local and the students in their care. Our Local promotes and defends the health and safety of members in the workplace. The Simcoe County DECE Local also work to provide ongoing educational opportunities for DECEs that is meaningful to our work in Kindergarten.
