Celebrating 15 Years of FDK
As the 2025-26 school year begins, we want to celebrate the 15th anniversary of full-day Kindergarten and, importantly, ETFO’s representation of designated early childhood educators (DECEs). Since the implementation of FDK, DECEs have played a crucial role in ensuring children receive a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Kindergarten provides lasting benefits for children’s reading, writing, numeracy, self-regulation, and social skill development. This is, in large part, due to the play-based learning expertise and leadership of DECEs. The value of DECEs in Kindergarten classrooms cannot be overstated. DECEs enrich Kindergarten by providing specialized knowledge of early childhood development, developmentally appropriate practice, play- and inquiry-based learning, and social and emotional development, to name just a few. ETFO celebrates our DECE members and their vital contributions to educating our youngest learners.
Videos
Featured
Listen
Listen to a panel discussion exploring the vital work of DECEs (Designated Early Childhood Educators) in Kindergarten classrooms. Hear from DECEs and a Teacher panelist as they share insights on collaboration, play-based learning, and how their teamwork supports children’s growth and development.
Building & Enriching Partnerships
Features videos of Kindergarten teams sharing their ideas about how they as teachers and designated early childhood educators (DECEs) develop their partnership together. Exploring these partnership stories will help you foster and sustain the relationship you have with your Kindergarten team partner.
About
Welcome to the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario’s (ETFO’s) Professional Learning in the Early Years website. This website has been created to serve as a companion to ETFO’s Professional Learning in the Early Years workshop series as well as to provide a rich source of professional learning for members across the province. Educator teams, individual teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators (DECEs), and teacher leaders will be supported by etfopley.ca. There are a wide range of videos, a photo gallery, and classroom tours to explore.