At Rothewood Academy, learning never stops—and that includes our educators. While students enjoy a well-earned break on Pro-D Days, our teaching teams are hard at work deepening their knowledge, sharing strategies, and refining their practice to better support the children in our care.
Professional development days (also known as Pro-D Days) are an essential part of the school year across B.C., where these dates are set provincially in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the BCTF. These days are designed not as time off—but as time in for educators to grow in skill, confidence, and purpose.
This kind of professional development is especially important in early childhood education, where teaching is as much about responsive relationships and emotional attunement as it is about curriculum. The early years are a time of rapid growth, not only for children but for those who guide them. Supporting toddlers and preschoolers requires a deep understanding of developmental milestones, emotional regulation, and play-based learning strategies. Pro-D Days give early childhood educators the time and space to deepen this understanding with intention.
At Rothewood, we believe great teaching begins with great teachers—and great teachers are always learning. Several times a year, all our educators come together to engage in thoughtfully designed workshops focused on current best practices in early childhood education. These sessions explore everything from inclusive teaching and social-emotional development to curriculum design and child-led learning.
Our most recent session explored the topic of Gathering Time—a vital part of the day at Rothewood. Gathering Time is more than a morning check-in; it’s a space where children build community, learn to take turns, practise active listening, and express themselves through story, movement, and song. During the Pro-D session, educators reflected on how to make this time more meaningful and inclusive, exploring ways to support every child’s voice—especially those who may need time and space to warm up or opt out.
For early childhood educators, Gathering Time is not simply a routine—it’s a powerful window into how children engage with each other and with their environment. Professional development that focuses on these everyday moments allows educators to see their work through a fresh lens, refining techniques that can have lasting developmental impact.
Professional development at Rothewood is also about collaboration. Teachers share ideas, support one another through mentorship, and take inspiration from each other’s classrooms. Our administrative team plays a hands-on role, guiding sessions and encouraging reflective practice in a nurturing, professional environment.
This type of collaborative growth is particularly impactful in early childhood settings, where much of the work is relational and hands-on. Seeing how another educator sets up a provocation, manages transitions, or guides emotional expression can lead to meaningful shifts in practice. The opportunity to share, reflect, and problem-solve together builds a culture of excellence and care that directly benefits our children.
These days leave our educators feeling recharged and reconnected to their purpose. When our teachers return to the classroom, they do so with new tools, deeper insight, and a shared sense of pride in the work we do together. Because when teachers grow, children thrive—and at Rothewood, we’re proud to invest in both.
