University of Guelph-Humber

The University of Guelph-Humber’s Early Childhood Studies program recently celebrated early childhood educators, students, community leaders, and the profession more generally at the inaugural annual Becoming Leaders of Open Mentorship (BLOOM) Gala, an event meant to acknowledge the often-unsung heroes of an important and rapidly changing profession.

The awards were intended to recognize the impact, advancement, and leadership of UofGH’s ECS students and instructors, as well as early childhood professionals from the greater community, for the difference they’re making in the lives of children and families.

“Children are really our future. It’s really important that the people who work with and impact our kids on a daily basis truly feel valued and respected, while understanding what a great impact they make,” said Dr. Nikki Martyn, Program Head of Early Childhood Studies. “It feels like now is a time that we are starting to understand what it means to be a regulated profession and what that means for society to recognize the importance of it.”

Years in the making, the event was particularly uniquely because early childhood educators are rarely honoured or awarded for their work the way professionals in other fields frequently are.

“It’s a really undervalued, underappreciated, and underrecognized profession,” said Elena Merenda, Assistant Program Head of Early Childhood Studies. “This was important to the professionals working in the field because they don’t get a thank you.

“There’s a shift right now globally where early childhood educators are expected to be leaders. It’s important for us to say: ‘You are important, you do have a place in the workforce and children and families’ lives, and you can be a leader.’”

Celebrating the winners

At an elegant three-course banquet held in UofGH’s Atrium, awards in eight categories were given to UofGH students, faculty, and alumni, as well as educators from outside the university community who have made contributions to the field.

Melissa Dodaro, Jocelyn Lambton and Carey Wong received Student Excellence Awards, given for leading and mentoring their peers, while Merenda and Katie Begley received Instructor Appreciation Awards, ECS alumna Lisa Cheaney-Hogan won the Community Impact Appreciation Award, Maria Papa received the Professional Appreciation Award, and Aren Sammy and Oceanne Arsenault Perron were the recipients of the Professional Bloomer Award, given to people who are new to the field and already flourishing.

From outside the UofGH community, Christina Rahmoun was honoured with the Early Childhood Education Advancement Award, Denise Martyn was celebrated with the Demonstration of Leadership in Early Childhood Studies Award, and Deborah Kayondo won the Honourary Bloom Award, given to a person who makes a “profound impact in the field of Early Childhood Studies.”

Kayondo said she was honoured to receive the award, noting that it’s uncommon in her field for professionals to receive any kind of positive attention.

“The Gala provided an opportunity for RECEs, students, and instructors to meet, connect, network, and offer support to each other, which is rare in our work setting,” Kayondo reflected. “I was proud and humbled to be the first recipient of the Early Childhood Honourary Bloomer Award. Being recognized for making a significant contribution to the field of Early Childhood Studies made me realize how observant and responsive leaders, colleagues, and parents play a vital role in initiating the nomination of an individual.

“Once again, I feel honoured to be a pioneer nominee and recipient of the Bloom Gala Award and hope that more RECE professionals will experience the glamour of future Bloom Galas.”

Effecting change

The goal of the Bloom Gala was not just to honour deserving professionals, instructors and students, but also to empower current and future early childhood educators to truly understand their value as they assume responsibility of steering the profession into the future.

“Our students have to effect change. They’re the future. They’re going to decide what this field will look like,” Dr. Martyn said. “It’s a shift we need them to understand, so they can be strong advocates and develop a confidence that they know that this is meaningful.”

In reflecting on the event – which she said was “pure joy” – Dodaro said that message was certainly received clearly by the students and recent alumni in the audience.

“The event was truly uplifting and joyous, and a night I will never forget,” said Dodaro, who will begin work in McMaster University’s Master’s Degree program in Child Life & Pediatric Psychosocial Care this fall. “As I prepare to graduate, the Bloom Gala left me feeling empowered to learn, lead and share my knowledge and skills with the world.

“More significantly, the efforts of the ECS faculty have left a lasting impression on myself. All of the faculty members have encouraged me, challenged me, and supported me throughout my four years at the University of Guelph-Humber.

“With their support and guidance, I have developed a newfound confidence to make positive changes in the field and use my knowledge to make a difference in the lives of children and families. The ECS program has left me feeling empowered and ready to take on a leadership role.”