Métis Nation of Ontario

The Métis Nation of Ontario’s Annual Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Conference is a professional development gathering for people working across the early years sector—early childhood educators, supervisors, pedagogical leaders, and related roles—who want to strengthen their practice in ways that support Métis children, families, and communities. The conference is designed to build knowledge, share promising approaches, and help participants thoughtfully bring Métis perspectives, teachings, and experiences into early learning settings.

For 2026, the conference is scheduled for March 6–8 at White Oaks Resort and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, with programming that includes sessions and workshops focused on practical, on-the-ground improvement in early learning environments.

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds is a leader in creating natural playgrounds and green spaces. We want to share our expertise in playground design and nature play globally. Our team, comprised of award-winning playground designers, architects, planners, and educators, is committed to enhancing children’s experiences in outdoor environments that nurture their development through immersive nature-based experiences.

Our mission is to connect 1M children to nature every day by 2030!

In Adam Bienenstock’s opinion, we’ve all kind of “lost it.” (“It” being free-range access to natural spaces and unstructured play.) So-called grown-ups keep getting in the way of the best experiences nature has to offer our kids. Adam takes audiences on an irreverent journey through his decades of work building programs, parks, and natural playgrounds that connect children, adults and communities to nature. Combining cutting edge research with humorous anecdotes, this keynote explores why and how to infuse world class nature-based play into our children’s lives.

Woodworking with young children is a lost art. Many educators cringe at the word and start to visualize cut fingers and flying hammers. Get past your fears and join this workshop to find out how to make it happen.

Come discover how woodworking uses math, problem-solving, fine motor, and social skills while fostering creativity, imagination, and independence. Create an environment where children can be competent and capable when using real tools. In this workshop, we will review the importance of woodworking, understand where to start, the tools to use and safety protocols to implement.

Join the education team who share their expertise and insight to support your outdoor programming throughout the year. All webinars are on the first Tuesday night of the month (excluding holidays) from 7 pm to 8 pm EST.

Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds is giving away an Outdoor Classroom or Early Learning Pod from our “OutClass™”.

All OutClass™ outdoor classrooms include locally sourced trees, creating an immersive and educational environment like no other.

The result isn’t just class outside. The introduction of a vibrant schoolyard forest brings life to learning, fostering a deeper connection with nature and with the subjects themselves.

To participate in the contest, please click on the button below.