The Academy · For early childhood educators
Monthly Learning Lab sessions for ECEs — free, hands-on, with a certificate of completion.
Hands-on sessions with Krystal on the day-to-day realities of the classroom — planning, engaging activities and calm, connected environments — with ready-to-use tools you can try the next day.
Next Learning Lab
Explore sorting and investigation trays, create pattern and design creations, and build at engineering challenge stations. Focus: problem-solving, mathematical thinking, engineering concepts, and collaboration.
Hosted by Krystal Churcher
One registration covers the whole monthly series. You’ll get invites and reminders for every session, starting with this one.
Why educators join
Classroom setups, positive guidance, child-led inquiry, routines and transitions, supporting diverse learners.
Interactive, peer-led workshops built for real classroom dynamics — bring your questions and your notebook.
Official certificate of completion for your professional learning records, plus ready-to-use activity sheets.
Sessions
You only register once. Sign up for any upcoming Learning Lab and you’re registered for the whole monthly series: you’ll get the invite, reminders and recording for every session, starting with the next one.
Thu Nov 12 · 7:30–8:30pm Alberta time
Explore sorting and investigation trays, create pattern and design creations, and build at engineering challenge stations. Focus: problem-solving, mathematical thinking, engineering concepts, and collaboration.
Hosted by Krystal Churcher
One sign-up covers every monthly session.
Thu Dec 10 · 7:30–8:30pm Alberta time
Explore a celebration discovery table, create in a family traditions art studio, and build gathering spaces. Focus: diversity, inclusion, family engagement, cultural awareness, and relationship building.
Hosted by Krystal Churcher
One sign-up covers every monthly session.
Oct 2026 · Recording
Watch our October 2026 Learning Lab on light and shadow play: low-prep early science activities that build observation, prediction and critical thinking.
Watch recordingSep 2026 · Recording
Three community helpers play invitations for preschool and toddlers: a discovery basket, a roleplay prop studio and a construction challenge, by age group.
Watch recordingAug 2026 · Recording
Storytelling and early literacy activities for toddlers and preschoolers: story baskets, child-made puppets and a story scene challenge by age group.
Watch recordingJul 2026 · Recording
How educators turn water play into learning: Explore, Create and Build setups for 12 months to 4 years, plus sample observations for families.
Watch recordingJun 2026 · Recording
Music and movement activities for child care: sound exploration, ribbon art and obstacle courses for 12 months to 4 years, with observation wording.
Watch recordingMay 2026 · Recording
Nature-based activities for educators: discovery bins, nature mark making and loose parts play, adapted for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Watch recording
Hosted by
Krystal Churcher is a seasoned child care operator, advocate, and entrepreneur with over a decade of hands-on experience and policy insight. As the founder of award-winning rural child care centers and Chair of the Association of Child Care Entrepreneurs, Krystal is a trusted voice in Alberta and across Canada.
Krystal co-leads the National Committee on Child Care Reform, and supports operators through the Churcher Group with licensing, grants, staffing, and programming. Her sessions blend empathy, expertise, and real-world strategies—perfect for anyone leading in today’s child care landscape.
Register
This one form registers you for the whole monthly series, not a single date. Whichever session caught your eye, you’ll get the invite, reminders and recording for every Learning Lab, starting with the next one, plus your certificate for live attendance.
You’ll also receive the monthly newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime (CASL compliant).
Free printable templates, classroom tools and guides for educators, created from what successful centers actually use.
