Rooted in Care: A Professional Wellness & Advocacy Retreat for Early Childhood Educators

When: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Where: Red Deer, AB

Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Welcome to Inspired Minds ECC’s very FIRST Educator Wellness Retreat! A Professional Learning Day focusing on YOU!

Rooted in Care is a restorative professional retreat dedicated to honouring the image of the early childhood educator as a knowledgeable, reflective, and essential professional. This intentionally designed experience invites child care and family day home educators to slow down, reconnect, and be nurtured—both personally and professionally.

The morning focuses on connection and well-being, offering engaging, reflective, and hands-on self-care practices that support educators in reconnecting with themselves and one another. Through shared experiences, gentle reflection, and meaningful dialogue, participants will explore what it means to care for themselves while caring for others.

In the afternoon, we begin with a guided walk in nature, grounding ourselves in connection to the land and creating space for reflection and renewal. From there, the focus shifts to professional identity and advocacy—valuing the work we do, strengthening our professional voice, and exploring ways to advocate for ourselves and the early learning and child care profession.

Connection, inspiration, and care are the roots of this retreat—supporting educators to feel grounded, valued, and empowered to continue their important work with confidence and purpose.

Learner Outcomes

By the end of this retreat, participants will:

• Support their personal and professional well-being by engaging in reflective and relational self-care practices that recognize educator wellness as foundational to responsive, high-quality early learning and care.
• Strengthen professional relationships and collaboration by connecting with fellow educators through dialogue, shared experiences, and collective reflection, fostering a sense of belonging and professional community.
• Deepen reflective practice and professional identity by examining the image of the early childhood educator through inquiry and reflection, recognizing their role as knowledgeable, capable, and essential professionals.
• Develop pedagogical leadership and advocacy skills by exploring ways to articulate the value of early learning and child care, use professional language, and advocate for themselves, children, and the profession.
• Engage in land-based reflection to reconnect with place as a source of well-being and inspiration, supporting holistic understanding, ethical relationships, and reflective professional practice.
• Strengthen ongoing professional learning and competence by aligning reflection, collaboration, and advocacy with FLIGHT: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework, supporting continuous growth and intentional, responsive practice.

For event information, please check out our educator wellness retreat information package: Download Here

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Registration closes 48 hours in advance!
• Waiting for PD Funding and Release Time Funding Approval.
• Certificate of participation will be available to registered participants.
• All tickets are non-refundable. Transfers may be requested with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice.
• E-transfers to be sent to tina@inspiredmindsecc.ca

Limited Tickets Available!