COS 2026 Summit Program
Two Days. One Industry Shift.
The ELCC sector is no longer operating in a stable environment.
Funding structures are evolving. Licensing expectations are tightening. Workforce pressures continue. Growth now requires structure — not guesswork.
COS 2026 is designed for operators, directors, and decision-makers who want clarity, strategy, and alignment.
This is not a motivational conference.
This is an operational and leadership summit.
DAY 1
Strategy, Policy & Growth
March 14, 2026 | Bow Valley College | Calgary
Day 1 focuses on the macro forces shaping childcare in Alberta and across Canada — and the leadership decisions required to respond effectively.
9:00 – 9.25
Doors Open & Registration
Arrival, registration, and morning networking.
9:25 – 9:45
Opening Address
Speaker: Krystal Churcher
Welcoming leaders from across the sector and setting the stage for the conversations ahead.
• The role of operators in shaping the future of child care
• Strengthening leadership through collaboration and shared experience
• Bridging the conversation between operators and policy makers
9:45 – 10:30
Inside Licensing: Compliance & Quality in Alberta
Speaker: Child Care Delivery, Ministry of Education
A direct look at regulatory expectations and inspection realities.
• Common non-compliance triggers
• Documentation standards
• Enforcement and inspection priorities
10:30 – 11:30
Leading Through Change: Culture, Retention & Governance
Speakers: Krystal Churcher (Churcher Group) | Kim Richards (Kids&Co) | Justin Bergeron (HR, Salopek & Associates)
Executive leadership in a shifting childcare landscape.
• Workforce culture and retention
• Strategic retention in a competitive labour market
• Leading through policy change
11:30 – 12:30
Networking Lunch
12:30 – 1:30
Scaling with Structure: Building a National Early Learning Brand
Speaker: Natacha Beim (CEFA)
What does it actually take to scale a childcare brand nationally?
This session examines the systems, leadership architecture, and operational consistency required to expand while protecting quality.
You will explore:
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Brand governance at scale
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Franchise structure and oversight
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Protecting standards during growth
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Lessons from CEFA’s expansion journey
1:30 – 2:30
Operational Architecture: How Systems Protect Quality at Scale
Speakers: Tammy Adams (Wintergreen) | Jess Gobble-Reil (NECPA) | Patrice Gauthier (ECONO)
What does it actually take to scale a childcare brand nationally?
This session examines the systems, leadership architecture, and operational consistency required to expand while protecting quality.
You will explore:
-
Brand governance at scale
-
Franchise structure and oversight
-
Protecting standards during growth
-
Lessons from CEFA’s expansion journey
2:45 – 3:15
Navigating Municipal Approvals: Permits, Planning & Growth in Calgary
Speaker: City of Calgary
Growth requires municipal alignment.
This session provides practical guidance on permits, planning processes, approvals, and common delays affecting childcare operators.
You will gain clarity on:
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Permit pathways and timelines
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Zoning considerations
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How to avoid costly municipal missteps
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Planning for expansion with confidence
3:15 – 4:00
How to Talk to Politicians: Practical Advocacy for ELCC Operators
Speaker: Vincent St. Pierre (Fueling Brains)
In this practical session, Vincent St. Pierre will share real-world insights on how operators can engage with politicians, influence conversations, and advocate for the needs of their programs and communities.
You will gain clarity on:
• How to communicate effectively with elected officials
• What politicians actually pay attention to when operators speak up
• How to frame issues so they resonate at the policy level
• Practical ways operators can participate in advocacy conversations
• Building long-term relationships with decision-makers
4:00
Closing Reflections & Networking
DAY 2
Practice, Design & Financial Sustainability
March 15, 2026 | Bow Valley College | Calgary
Day 2 moves from policy and strategy into practice.
We examine how pedagogy, environment design, and financial foundations shape sustainable, high-quality childcare operations.
9:00
Doors Open & Welcome
Morning networking and brief opening remarks.
9:15 – 10:15
National Landscape & Policy Outlook
Speaker: Michelle Ferreri
What 2026 means for ELCC operators across Canada.
• Federal direction and funding shifts
• Workforce and sustainability pressures
• Positioning for long-term stability
10:15 – 11:15
National Direction for Early Learning in Canada
Speaker: Peter Jon Mitchell (Cardus)
Where is childcare policy heading between 2026–2030?
• CWELCC trends and funding realities
• Workforce implications
• Long-term system sustainability
11:30 – 12:00
Design & Built Environments
Speaker: Mike McDermott (Play Envy)
How physical space shapes measurable quality outcomes.
• Inclusive and intentional design principles
• Indoor and outdoor learning environments
• Case studies from across Canada
12:00 – 12:45
Elevating Practice: Modern Pedagogies in 2026
Speakers: Christine McGavern (Montessori) | Amanda Worms (Reggio Emilia)
How physical space shapes measurable quality outcomes.
• Inclusive and intentional design principles
• Indoor and outdoor learning environments
• Case studies from across Canada
12:45 – 1:15
Financial Foundations for Scaling
Speaker: Irfanali Moledina (RMI)
Sustainable growth requires financial clarity.
• Key financial metrics successful operators track weekly
• Cash flow realities under funding models
• Planning for expansion responsibly
1:15 – 1:45
The Future of Child Care Operations
Speaker: Krystal Churcher (Churcher Group)
As the child care sector evolves under new funding structures and growing operational pressures, many operators are asking the same question: who will lead the next generation of centres?
This session explores emerging leadership models designed to support operators, strengthen program stability, and ensure long-term sustainability in an increasingly complex environment.
• Why strong operational leadership is becoming the most critical factor in centre success
• New approaches to supporting owners who want to scale, transition, or step back from daily management
• Introducing leadership pipelines and management support models for the future of child care