Every year for the past nine years, the Fédération des parents has presented the Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education in British Columbia during the opening evening of its conference.
This annual award recognizes the contribution of an educator whose work is particularly appreciated in their community.
Nadia Salam, from la Garderie et prématernelle Les Moussaillons in Richmond, has won the honour for 2019.
According to the parents at this preschool centre, Ms. Salam is, first and foremost, in touch with the needs of each child that she welcomes every day. Gentle and patient with little ones, she has a great ability to listen. Her passion for early childhood education is palpable in everything that she does at the child care centre.
The atmosphere in her classroom is stimulating, thanks to the creation of various stations that encourage children to explore, play, and discover. She knows how to create a culture of confidence for children, while promoting reasonable risk-taking that helps them develop and grow.
In her class, families of all nationalities are celebrated. Throughout the year, the themes she highlights bring out diversity and its many facets: cuisine, customs, dance... in short, everything is celebrated.
She is also an educator who knows how to innovate; for example, by introducing nature into her child care centre! Each year, her classroom hosts a dozen caterpillars that, one beautiful day, turn into magnificent butterflies. It is the children who are then responsible for helping the butterflies settle into their natural environment. Outside, the little ones are often invited to explore the areas around the school, to find interesting objects and then bring them back to class to observe them. In this way, a simple rock can become a source of great discoveries, scientific questioning, or even a work of art.
Eager to enrich her educational program, this professional educator regularly participates in the various training courses offered in French that are related to early childhood. She also demonstrates leadership, including taking under her wing the recruits who are beginning their careers in early childhood education.
In the photo, Ms. Salam is accompanied by the President of the Fédération des parents, Suzana Straus, and Michelle Marsan, Member Services Coordinator (Preschool Sector).
Congratulations, Nadia!
(Photo credit: Gaëtan Nerincx)
