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
Doors Open & Welcome
Arrival, registration, and morning networking.
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
10:30–11:15
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
11:15–12:00
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
12:00–1:00
Networking Lunch
1:00–1:45
Scaling with Structure: Building a National Early Learning Brand
Speakers: 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
1:45–2:45
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
3:00–3:45
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
3:45–4:00
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.
9:15–10:00
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
10:00–10:30
Design & Built Environments
Speakers: Mike McDermott (Play Envy) | Tim Aylesworth (Park N Play Design)
How physical space shapes measurable quality outcomes.
• Inclusive and intentional design principles
• Indoor and outdoor learning environments
• Case studies from across Canada
10:45–11:15
Elevating Practice: Modern Pedagogies in 2026
Speakers: Megan Turner (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
11:15–12:00
Financial Foundations for Scaling
Speaker: Financial Group | 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