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rainbow families

Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our initial Rainbow Families workshops in 2025, Region of Waterloo Children’s Services is pleased to expand this learning opportunity and will be offering three additional sessions of Part 1 and Part 2 in 2026. These sessions allow additional staff to participate in the trainings, and continue our commitment to strengthening the visibility, inclusion, and affirmation of 2SLGBTQIA+ children and families in Early Years spaces.
 
As with past offerings, workshops will be facilitated by local educator Shel Secrett, RECE
, who specializes in supporting Rainbow Families and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in early childhood settings.
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​2026 Rainbow Families 

Session 1 – In‑Person (capacity: 50 participants)
Location: 99 Regina St S, Waterloo, ON N2J 4V3, Room 508
Part 1: Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Part 2: Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
 
Session 2 – Francophone Offering
Location: To be determined
Dates: May/June 2026 (details to follow)
This session is intended for individuals working in Francophone programs or for staff who speak and understand French.
 
Session 3 – In‑Person (Evening) (capacity: 50 participants)
Location: 99 Regina St S, Waterloo, ON N2J 4V3, Room 508
Part 1: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Part 2: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
 
Registration
A single registration will enroll participants in both Part 1 and Part 2 for their selected session. Calendar invites for both will be issued upon registration.
Click here to register

Resources

  • Building Bridges: Queer Families in Early Childhood Education 
  • Glossary of Terms (the519.org) 
  • Canadian Pride Historical Society Education Resources 
  • Difficult Conversation Tip Sheet for Educators 
  • 2SLGBTQI Inclusion Posters 
  • Gender Across the Grades 
  • Education and Training - Rainbow Health Ontario 
  • Services - OK2BME 
  • SPECTRUM Families and Youth 
  • Rainbow Collection ​
Join the Early Years and Child Care Mailing List!
Contact Us:
Rhonda Warren; [email protected]
Kim Sangüesa; [email protected]​
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​Region of Waterloo
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