Shirley’s history of working in a family-owned childcare since 1962 has given her an excellent background and years of valuable experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. Shirley completed the Early Childhood Education program at Mohawk College in 1970 and continued her education by taking many courses over the years to keep her up to date with knowledge and best practices. Over the years Shirley has mentored many successful Early Childhood Educators and has had a positive impact on hundreds of children and families. She has continued on a journey of lifelong learning by attending workshops and conferences in leadership development; train the trainers, facilitating workshops and meetings to keep current with research, best practices, Child Care Early Years Act 2014, and How Does Learning Happen.
Shirley is an active leader in the Supervisors Professional Learning Community, Past Member of Raising the Bar Committee and member of Affiliated Services for Children and Youth. Shirley was certified by the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario in 1972. She is past committee member on Hamilton Best Start, and a registered member of the College of Early Childhood Educators. Shirley works in collaboration with the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Public Health Department, The Ministry of Education, Community Living and many other community partners.
Shirley is a long time member of the Association for Early Childhood Educators of Ontario (AECEO)
Shirley is also involved in the community through her volunteer service for the past 32 years with Soroptmist International of the Americas. She has served as club president, region Governor of Eastern Canada and has been a federation board member for the organization. Shirley believes in giving back to her community and is a strong advocate for women and children in her local community and throughout the world.
Shirley believes the greatest rewards in life come from the gift of parenting. A mother of four grown children she is proud of all their accomplishments and successes. Shirley was able to embrace the wonderful journey of parenting through her own personal approach to common sense parenting, knowledge, and understanding of child development. She understands and can relate to the challenges that parents experience in today’s stressful world.
Shirley is dedicated to providing a quality child care program that creates rich learning environments for children to reach their full potential. To provide experiences that engage children in active, creative and meaningful exploration, play and inquiry. To nurture children’s healthy development and support their growing sense of self and to create a sense of belonging in partnership with families.