An early childhood educator in Fergus earned the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence Early Childhood Education recently.
Barb Henneberry teaches at the Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington. She says a big part of her philosophy is to get them out into nature and help them develop empathy and mindfulness.
That includes tending a community garden and visiting a neighbouring woodlot – or “The Forest” – as the children call it. She has the children do some breathing exercises and practice mindfulness when they first arrive and also encourages them to take risks and explore.
The Innnovation, Science and Economic Development website says the award is given to Early Childhood Educators who show leadership, exemplary early childhood education practices, and commitment to help build the foundation children need to make the best possible start in life.
