Infant and Early Years Mental Health Learning Day
“Let’s Dive Deeper into Wellness”
Educators working in relationship with children, their families and caregivers, have a critical role supporting the development of mental health and well-being. On April 9 and 10, 2025 we’ll come together to dive deeper into the definition of mental health and its core concepts and enhance our knowledge of mental health as state of wellness that can be fostered through relationships and pedagogical practice.
Keynote segments by Dr. Jean Clinton and Lorrie McGee move through the science of social-emotional development to exploring core concepts of mental health and well-being. Through deep discussion and hands-on experiences, participants will make connections between the core concepts for mental health, and the daily practice and pedagogical approach of educators working in Child Care and EarlyON Child and Family Centres.
Dr. Jean Clinton
Dr. Jean Clinton is a Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, division of Child Psychiatry, Ontario Canada. Dr. Clinton was appointed as an education advisor to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Education 2014 - 2018.
Dr. Clinton is a trainer in Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model in Education (NME). She works intensively with Michael Fullan and his New Pedagogies for Deep Learning team. She is also a member on the MindUP Scientific Advisory Board, as well as a MindUp for Families advisor. Dr. Clinton was a Fellow of the Child Trauma Academy, and has been a Zero to Three Academy Fellow since 2013.
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She has been a consultant to children and youth mental health programs, child welfare, and primary care for over 35 years. Her special interest lies in brain development, and the crucial role relationships, belonging and connectedness play.
Dr. Clinton has authored her first book, Love Builds Brains, however, her far greatest achievement has been raising five great kids and her greatest gift is being Nana to 9 beautiful grandchildren.
Lorrie McGee
Lorrie McGee has been actively working in the early learning field for 40 years and currently is the Organizational Pedagogical Consultant with Compass Early Learning and Care in Peterborough, Ontario. Lorrie has immersed herself in the early learning field, strengthening her understanding of the teaching and learning process.
As a pedagogical leader and professional learning facilitator she believes in engaging educators in reflective practice and ensuring that our work in adult learning parallels that which we want to foster with children. Lorrie has been supporting the creation of systems and a structure of pedagogical leadership within her own organization as well as for others across North America and internationally. 
Lorrie is the co-author of “Creating a Culture of Reflective Thinking: The Role of Pedagogical Leadership in Early Childhood Programs”.
Let's Keep Diving
Explore Big Ideas for the Care of Tiny Humans, a comprehensive resource designed for Early Childhood Educators and those working with infants, young children, and families.​
This five-module series focuses on infant and early years mental health, providing valuable insights into fostering wellness through pedagogical practice. Featuring experts such as Dr. Jean Clinton, Lorrie McGee, and guest contributors, the series covers key topics like social-emotional development, mental health, and well-being.
Access this great learning resource for free on the Sick Kids Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion website.
