Mentor: Dr. Ruth Speidel
Assistant Professor
Project Description
This project tests a community-led training approach that aims to equip early years and childcare (EYCC) service providers with the capacities to support the social-emotional development and mental health of Black and Indigenous children and families in Peel. This community-based project aims to build upon past research by incorporating the voices of Black and Indigenous communities throughout each stage of the research process. To achieve this, the project involves: 1) community-based participatory data collection involving focus groups with Black and Indigenous caregivers and parents to identify areas of strength and potential in these communities, 2) adapting our social-emotional training in consultation with Black and Indigenous community advisor members, and 3) delivering and evaluating the training with local EYCC service providers in collaboration with community advisor members.
Does this project require the SROP Student to be in-person or remote? Either one
Mentorship Statement
My mentoring philosophy is guided by a belief in the importance of fostering active and engaged learners who can apply what they learn under my supervision at the Centre for Child Development, Mental Health, and Policy to their own personal interests and career trajectories. I believe that the most optimal environment for learning at any level is one that actively encourages collaboration and contribution from individuals across many backgrounds and perspectives. The confluence of unique perspectives promotes more a holistic understanding and facilitates creative connections and discoveries, which is why I have signed up for the SROP.