About Heather Jackson

I have been an early childhood educator for 40 years. Most recently, I have owned and operated The Sunflower School for 13 years in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada. We are inspired by the infant toddler preschools in Reggio Emilia Italy. In 1998, I attended a presentation about the infant toddler centres featured in Reggio Emilia's study tours. Since then, I have been on an amazing journey of thinking and gathering information. I have attended Reggio Emilia study tours twice over the past 10 years. I have also attended the NAREA conferences over the years at The Opal School, The Boulder Journey School, Teaching Beyond the Square, Beginnings Nursery School in New York City, and Charlestown Nursery School in Boston. As an educator, I believe in lifelong learning and have made many amazing connections over the past two years, including Harvard University Professor Louisa Penfold, Dr. Sylvia Kind from Capilano University, and Jennifer Carvajal at Teaching Beyond the Square. These connections have provided professional development and guidance for my team. I am a mother/stepmother to four dazzling, strong women. I have been very blessed to have five magical, mighty granddaughters. I am also a partner in love and life with my darling husband who supports me along this journey and cooks dinner for me every night! I love my work and the work we do as early childhood educators at The Sunflower School with our children and families.