Portraits of Home: Working in Community Daycare Homes in New Brunswick

Abstract

Part of a larger project involving the design and implementation of a first-time curriculum framework for early childhood care and learning in New Brunswick, this paper highlights the stories of Canadian early childhood educators working in home-based daycares. In particular, a common theme of "sense of place" is discussed in relation to four portraits that are presented in this article: (1) Home as Survival, (2) Transition to Home, (3) Home as Transition, and (4) Coming Home. Through each portrait, the role of life changes and transitioning towards new beginnings is discussed, along with possibilities and constraints for ongoing discussion and reflection.

Learning Together: Our Reflections on Connecting People and Practices in Intergenerational Meaning-Making Experiences

“…Intergenerational relationships grew over time through a series of written communications, including an invitation to bake Christmas cookies, followed by a letter that communicated that the elder had broken her leg, which led to another invitation to visit and add names/drawings to the elder's cast (Scheffel, 2013). Meaning-making opportunities emerged in response to a specific relationship with this elder neighbour, one that became central to this daycare's connections to the community.…”