Events
ABC Head Start Society’s Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture
Wednesday, November 26
EVENT DETAILS:
Wednesday, November 26
4:45 PM - 7:00 PM
ABC’s Grovenor Campus
(Located In The Terra Centre)
10320 146 Street NW, Edmonton
Navigating Complexity: Rethinking Behaviour in the Early Years
Rethinking behaviour in a changing world — why early education and intervention matter now more than ever.
Across classrooms, homes, and communities, families and educators are seeing it every day — children’s behaviours are becoming more complex. Emotional needs are rising, attention and regulation look different than they once did, and the experiences shaping early development are more diverse than ever before.
These shifts can feel overwhelming, both at home and in the classroom. But what if these behaviours aren’t simply challenges to manage — what if they’re messages? Signals about connection, environment, and the world our children are growing up in.
Join ABC Head Start Society and our community partners for an evening of conversation, reflection, and discovery — blending our Annual General Meeting with an inspiring public lecture that explores what “complexity” really means for children today.
Drawing on recent research and the lived experiences of early learning educators, we’ll explore how compassion, evidence, and community partnerships are reshaping the future of early childhood education.
Together, we’ll move from complexity to connection — and celebrate the vital role that early learning plays in building brighter futures for children and families.
PROGRAM INFO:
Part 1: Annual General Meeting
4:45 PM
Brief updates, reflections, and highlights from the past year at ABC Head Start Society.Part 2: Public Lecture & Panel Discussion — Navigating Complexity
(Sponsored by Edmonton Community Foundation)
5:30 PM
An engaging, research-informed conversation exploring how educators, families, and communities can support children in a changing world.
Enjoy complimentary food and on-site child-minding. Admission is free, but space is limited.
Keynote Presentation
Navigating Complexity: Rethinking Behaviour in the Early Years
Presented by April MacDonald Killins, Research & Evaluation Coordinator, ABC Head Start Society
Our keynote for the event, Navigating Complexity: Rethinking Behaviour in the Early Years, is led by April MacDonald Killins, ABC Head Start Society’s Research & Evaluation Coordinator. Drawing from a multi-year research project examining the rise of challenging behaviours in head start settings, April explores how children use behaviour as a form of communication—and what these signals reveal about their developmental, relational, and emotional needs.
Grounded in local data and educator perspectives, the presentation highlights key factors driving behavioural complexity, including poverty-related stress, disrupted attachment, trauma, language delays, neurodiversity, and the experiences of newcomer and refugee families. April shares insights into how these pressures intersect in today’s classrooms and what educators, families, and community partners can do to meaningfully support children.
We’d like to invite you to shift the lens: from asking “What is wrong with this child?” to “What is this child trying to tell us—and how can we meet them where they are?” It sets the foundation for a thoughtful, solutions-focused panel conversation on strengthening early learning environments in an increasingly complex world.
Following the keynote, our panel discussion brings together leading voices in early childhood education, research, and inclusion to explore the growing complexity of children’s behaviour in today’s classrooms.
Each panelist offers a unique lens—spanning neurodevelopment, play and cognition, emergent curriculum, family context, and educator practice—to help us better understand what children are communicating and how we can respond with compassion, clarity, and evidence-informed strategies. Together, they will reflect on the challenges facing families and educators, and share practical insights on how to truly meet each child where they are.
Panel Discussion
Meet our Speakers
April MacDonald Killins
Research & Evaluation Coordinator, ABC Head Start Society
April MacDonald Killins is an educator and researcher whose work focuses on early learning, social inclusion, and family wellbeing. At ABC Head Start Society, she leads research partnerships, program evaluation, and evidence-informed practice to better understand and respond to rising behavioural complexity in young children. A former arts-based educator and Edify Magazine Top 40 Under 40 recipient, April is known for her warm, inclusive approach and commitment to helping all children feel seen, understood, and supported.
Jennifer Baeta
Assistant Principal and serving on Board of Directors for ABC Head Start Society
Jennifer Baeta brings over 15 years of early childhood and primary teaching experience, with expertise from preschool to Grade 3. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership specializing in emergent curriculum and Reggio-inspired practice. Jennifer is passionate about literacy, interest-led learning, and creating intentional environments that foster curiosity and belonging. She serves on ABC Head Start Society’s Board of Directors, contributing to inclusive early learning and educator capacity-building across the region.
Dr. Ozlem Cankaya
Associate Professor, MacEwan University
Dr. Ozlem Cankaya is an early childhood researcher and Associate Professor at MacEwan University specializing in cognitive development, early numeracy and literacy, and the role of play in children’s learning. Her current research explores loose-parts play and how adult-facilitated engagement supports children’s problem-solving, language, and executive functioning. With experience spanning international research, cross-government data analysis, and kindergarten teaching, she brings a rich, culturally informed lens to strengthening early learning environments.
Raelene Finlayson
Former Early Learning Consultant, Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton
Raelene Finlayson is a recently retired Early Learning Consultant with more than three decades of experience in early childhood and inclusive education. Her career includes roles as educational assistant, teacher, administrator, and school principal. Known for her warmth and relationship-centered approach, Raelene has supported children, families, and educators through complex behavioural, developmental, and neurodiversity-related needs. She is widely respected for her expertise in autism, play-based learning, and creating inclusive environments where all children can thrive.
Facilitator: Kim Brousseau
Program Manager, ABC Head Start Society
Kim Brousseau joined ABC Head Start in 2021 and brings over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and family support. She holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education from the University of Alberta and has worked as a classroom teacher, disability coach, and coordinator supporting children with disabilities. Before joining ABC, Kim spent nearly a decade managing and directing a Head Start program in Edmonton. Her long-standing commitment to inclusive early learning continues to guide her leadership at ABC Head Start.
Make ABC Head Start Society your Charity of Choice for your upcoming event.
Third Party Fundraisers
Raise Funds for ABC Head Start Society
Are you considering making ABC Head Start Society your charity of choice for an upcoming event? Do you want to host a fundraising event and direct the proceeds to a meaningful cause?
By raising funds for ABC Head Start Society, you directly support inclusive early learning and essential support services that empower Edmonton families facing financial, social, and developmental challenges. Whether it's a community event, workplace fundraiser, or a personal celebration, your generosity helps provide children with brighter futures and a strong start in life.
ABC Head Start Society will gladly support your fundraising efforts by providing:
Promotional materials and resources
Guidance and fundraising tips
Recognition on our website and social media platforms
Ready to make a difference?
Contact us today to discuss your fundraising idea and learn how together, we can create meaningful change in our community.
We’re excited to partner with you!
Be as creative as you would like, just remember your fundraiser must align with ABC Head Start's mission, vision and beliefs.
Contact Our Manager of Partnerships & Engagement to get started.
Megan Pedersen
ABC Head Start's Open House
Join us at one of our site locations on Monday, April 7th between 4:30 -6:30 PM for our Open House! Meet the staff, tour a classroom and learn more about our early learning programs and support services.
ABC Head Start's Garage Sale - Day 2
Find treasures and support early learning at ABC Head Start Society’s Garage Sale! Discover great deals on, toys, books, educational supplies, classroom furniture and more—all proceeds help Edmonton children access inclusive education and essential support services. Join us for good finds and a great cause!
ABC Head Start's Garage Sale - Day 1
Find treasures and support early learning at ABC Head Start Society’s Garage Sale! Discover great deals on, toys, books, educational supplies, classroom furniture and more—all proceeds help Edmonton children access inclusive education and essential support services. Join us for good finds and a great cause!
Circle of Security Parenting Program
Learn how to foster and develop strong relationships with your child through responsive parenting.