On today's episode, we're joined by Michelle McKay and Klara Redford, both "shifters" in their own rite. Their passion and expertise in the area of early years education and, in particular, the Kindergarten program allowed us to dive deeply into the uniqueness of shifting into Ontario's FDK context.

Dr. Michelle McKay is a teacher/early years educator who teaches with the Peel District School Board. She completed her Ph.D. at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (University of Toronto) in Curriculum and Pedagogy. Michelle’s research is situated around engaging in acts of reconciliation with Kindergarten students. Her passions include early learning, equity-based work, and inclusive instructional strategies. She provides professional development for educators from across the province on a range of topics related to early learning and play and enjoys working with early years professionals.

Klara Redford is a teacher (OCT) in the Peel District School Board and has spent the majority of her career learning alongside students in the early years where she started in the half day Kindergrten program. Klara was then part of the implementation leadership team for her Board for the roll-out of FDK and taught in the FDK program since its inception. Klara’s love of picture books (and her ever-growing collection) provides endless opportunities for students to see themselves represented, make connections, and be curious about the world around them. Klara continues to work to amplify the voices of early years educators and students and build community through opportunities for Early Years educators to learn from each other and together.
Michelle and Klara continue to develop and facilitate professional learning workshops and resources for early years educators across Ontario. Watch for upcoming events across their social media platforms.
Twitter: @ MsMichelleMcKay @kindyfriends Instagram and Threads: @theredhead.and.thebedhead