Branch Out Learning

Tickets are available for our ECE Professional Development Workshops in Chemainus this weekend! 🎟

Where: 3172-A Garner St in Chemainus
When: Saturday, May 2nd
Cost: $15 per each hour-long session

De-escalation — Bringing Calm to a Heated Moment:
🕙 from 10 am to 11 am
In a busy child care environment, tension can rise quickly — between children, between colleagues, or between staff and families. In this workshop, we explore the art and science of de-escalation: what is actually occurring in the brain during a heated moment, and how to intervene in a way that brings calm rather than adding fuel to the fire. You will learn how to read the early warning signs, regulate your own response under pressure, and use language and body language that defuses rather than escalates. We will address real scenarios drawn from the child care setting, directly related to what you face on the floor. Whether you are supporting a child in crisis, navigating a tense parent interaction, or stepping into a conflict between team members, this workshop gives you a practical toolkit you can reach for in the moment — and the confidence to use it.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1986580803661?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sick: How Sick is Too Sick?
🕦 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
One of the most common daily dilemmas in childcare is determining whether a child is well enough to be at the centre — and knowing what to do when the answer is no. This workshop helps floor staff navigate illness policies with confidence and consistency, covering common childhood illnesses, exclusion guidelines, symptom thresholds, and how to communicate sensitively with families. We explore the balance between compassion for working parents and the responsibility to protect the health of all children and staff in the program. Participants will leave with practical language for difficult conversations and a clearer understanding of how to apply health policies fairly and professionally.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1986582306155?aff=oddtdtcreator

We are excited to announce our upcoming Professional Development Workshops from Branch Out Learning!

Where: 3172-A Garner St in Chemainus
When: Saturday, May 2nd
Cost: $15 per each hour-long session

De-escalation — Bringing Calm to a Heated Moment:
🕙 from 10 am to 11 am
In a busy child care environment, tension can rise quickly — between children, between colleagues, or between staff and families. In this workshop, we explore the art and science of de-escalation: what is actually occurring in the brain during a heated moment, and how to intervene in a way that brings calm rather than adding fuel to the fire. You will learn how to read the early warning signs, regulate your own response under pressure, and use language and body language that defuses rather than escalates. We will address real scenarios drawn from the child care setting, directly related to what you face on the floor. Whether you are supporting a child in crisis, navigating a tense parent interaction, or stepping into a conflict between team members, this workshop gives you a practical toolkit you can reach for in the moment — and the confidence to use it.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1986580803661?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sick: How Sick is Too Sick?
🕦 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
One of the most common daily dilemmas in childcare is determining whether a child is well enough to be at the centre — and knowing what to do when the answer is no. This workshop helps floor staff navigate illness policies with confidence and consistency, covering common childhood illnesses, exclusion guidelines, symptom thresholds, and how to communicate sensitively with families. We explore the balance between compassion for working parents and the responsibility to protect the health of all children and staff in the program. Participants will leave with practical language for difficult conversations and a clearer understanding of how to apply health policies fairly and professionally.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1986582306155?aff=oddtdtcreator

Our workshop series is currently loading.

In person every 2nd Saturday of the month and online replay afterwards.

Join us on weeknights this March for fun programs for ages 5 to 12!
📍 3741 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo

🎤 Sing With Me Singing Club
🕡 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Mondays

👭 Girls Night In
🕡 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Tuesdays

🧵 Fashion Design: Beading
🕡 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Fridays

Interested? Email [email protected] to register 📨
Not in Nanaimo? Let us know where you would like us to start offering programs next!

Join us on weekend mornings this March for fun programs for ages 12+
📍 3741 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo

🐉 🛡 Dungeons & Dragons
🕡 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Wednesdays

📓 🎤 Speech & Debate Club
🕡 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Thursdays

🎬 🎞️ Film & Media Production
🕑 2 pm - 3:30 pm, Sundays

Interested? Email [email protected] to register 📨
Not in Nanaimo? Let us know where you would like us to start offering programs next!

Have you signed up for our March programs yet? Here are our programs starting next month for ages 3 to 5! 🏰 🥁 🛠

Join us on weekend mornings this March for fun programs for children under 3 and their caregiver!
📍 3741 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo

🧑‍🍼 Caregivers Meetup:
🕙 10 am - 11 am, Saturdays
💛 Benefits: social connection, evidence-informed tips, resource sharing, reduced isolation & gentle routine

🧸 Baby Playtime:
🕘 11 am - 12 pm, Saturdays
🧰 Skills they build: gross & fine motor, visual tracking, early communication, bonding & caregiver confidence

🎨 Taste Safe Art Lab:
🕘 10 am - 11 am, Sundays
🧰 Skills they build: sensory integration, creative expression, bilateral coordination, colour & texture language, & confidence with mess.

Please note, children in programs for ages 0-3 must be accompanied by an adult.

Interested? Email [email protected] to register 📨

Hi Branch Out families! We are now accepting registrations for our March 2026 programs 💚

📩 Please email [email protected] to sign up!

👀 Not seeing the program you'd like to register for? Let us know which program so we can offer it again soon.

📍 Not in Nanaimo? Let us know where you would like us to start offering programs next!