About Us
Our Organizational Structure
AECENS is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its membership. AECENS has been incorporated since 2003. In 2019, our name changed from Nova Scotia Child Care Association (NSCCA) to Association of Early Childhood Educators of Nova Scotia (AECENS).
Board of Directors:
- Susan Long - Chair
- Samantha Daniels-Tenwolde - Treasurer
- Carolyn Webber - Secretary
- Jacqueline Cameron
- Normand Gendron
- Bosede Olatunjo Folawemimo
- Marlene Francis
- Dr. Brooke Richardson
- Mary Ellen Shatford
- Leanne Thomey
- Beth Towler
- Justin West
- Janessa Williams (Temporary Leave)
- Susan Willis
Staff:
- Cheryl Crocker, Executive Director
- Beverly Clark, Membership & Events Coordinator
AECENS is a membership-based association dedicated to supporting ECEs and elevating their professional practice.
Mission
To promote the professional recognition of early childhood educators in Nova Scotia, and to provide support and resources for excellence in professional practice.
The Association of Early Childhood Educators of Nova Scotia (AECENS) is a non-profit membership-based professional association by and for all early childhood educators (ECEs) in the province. We believe that ECEs are the key ingredient in delivering quality early childhood education and child care.
AECENS is the voice for credibility and professional recognition for the early childhood education sector in Nova Scotia.
Mandate
- To promote public awareness and recognition that ECEs are the key ingredient in delivering quality early childhood education and child care
- To support the professional practice of ECEs through education, professional development, and ethical and best practice standards
- To provide a safe place for ECEs to belong, network, and support each other
- To represent and advocate for members so they can provide quality early childhood education and child care
- To empower ECEs to advocate for and value themselves
- To be a united voice for the advancement of all ECE professionals
There’s never been a better time to be an ECE. Together, we are building a culture of professional recognition and respect.
ECEs are professional, ethical, compassionate experts. We stand united in the value of our work.
We value:
- Support for reflective and high-quality ECE practice
- Asking, listening, and responding to our membership
- Respect, honesty, and trust
- Continuous learning
- Strength in numbers
AECENS believes that ECEs are the key to quality early childhood education and care. We represent and serve a diverse membership, regardless of their workplace or position. Our membership is inclusive of all cultures and communities and can be found throughout the entire early years sector, including:
- urban and rural centres
- pre-primary programs
- non-profit centres
- private centres
- early intervention services
- family resource centres
- early years centres
- early childhood resource support centres
- post-secondary training programs
- family home agencies
- retired practitioners
AECENS Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators
How We Serve You
AECENS is the only organization in Nova Scotia that focuses on the professional practice of individual ECEs regardless of where our members work. Membership is voluntary and members pay an annual fee.
AECENS serves our membership in many ways:
- Advocates for professional recognition by government, employers, parents, and the public.
- Offers high quality professional development and conferences.
- Provides free access to the most up to date information and resources in the ECE field in Canada through our partnership with the Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF).
- Are a united voice for our membership at the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD).
- Shares the credibility of being part of a professional association focused on high quality and ethical practice, objective and agreed-upon professional standards, continuous learning, decision-making support, and advocacy.
- Offers great opportunities for mentoring, networking, and leadership skills development.
- Are committed to personal, organizational, and workforce growth & development.
AECENS represents our members at the following tables:
- Provincial Early Years Partnership meetings
- Government consultation sessions – Regulations, training, workforce development, budget lockup, bilateral agreement consultation sessions, and national government consultation sessions
- The Atlantic Institute – Brings the Atlantic provinces together to support Early Learning and Care
- Canadian Child Care Federation (CCCF)
- Early Childhood Collaborative Research Centre Events – Issues related to standards of practice, ethical practice, and workforce development
- Discussions about our Professional Recognition Project – Includes our discussion paper Pathways to Professional Recognition