Portrait of Elsa Nanji: choosing early childhood education and strengthening French childcare services in the North

Arriving in Yellowknife two years ago to join her family, Elsa Nanji began her journey in the Northwest Territories during a period of professional transition. Holding a master’s degree in accounting and auditing, she did not initially plan to work in early childhood education. Her integration into the Northern job market first took shape through substitute teaching in schools, followed by a position in an after-school childcare program.

“When I arrived, I accepted the opportunity that was available to me. I didn’t necessarily plan to stay in early childhood education, but working with children had a profound impact on me.”

Over the months, this experience became a thoughtful career choice. Despite demanding days, her relationship with the children emerged as a powerful professional motivator.

“Even when the days were long, the children’s affection gave me the energy to keep going and to give my best.”

This relational dimension echoed something already present in her previous path, particularly her experience supporting and mentoring young people in a community setting. She then decided to fully invest in the early childhood sector.

Training to structure her practice in a Northern context

Aware of the realities specific to the North, Elsa chose to strengthen her practice through training. She first discovered Collège Nordique through English courses, then continued with early childhood training offered online and through workshops.

She highlights the importance of these programs being free and accessible, especially for newcomers seeking to understand the professional and cultural expectations of the field.

“Elsewhere, we don’t always have these opportunities. Here, training is accessible and truly helps us understand the context.”

Among the courses she completed, she mentions Northern early childhood culture, professionalism, supporting children with autism spectrum disorder, and certain concepts related to speech therapy. These learnings helped her better understand professional expectations in early childhood education in Canada, adapt her communication to children’s needs, interpret emotions expressed through certain behaviours more accurately, and recognize the importance of modelling attitudes and habits in overall child development.

She is currently continuing her training in early childhood education with Collège Nordique, in collaboration with La Cité, confirming her long-term commitment to the field.

An educational philosophy centred on the child At the heart of her practice lies a clear conviction.

“Every child matters.”

For Elsa, this statement reflects a professional responsibility. Understanding the emotion behind a behaviour, respecting each child’s pace, and preserving the joy of learning are central priorities. She emphasizes the importance of providing a safe, structured, and caring environment where children can grow without judgment and where effort is valued.

She also reminds us that early childhood education goes far beyond supervision; it represents a decisive stage in children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.

From practice to management: supporting teams

Today, as Manager of Childcare Services at the Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest, Elsa works at both the pedagogical and organizational levels. Her own professional integration journey influences her leadership approach.

She pays particular attention to supporting new employees, many of whom are also newcomers, and views ongoing professional development as a key lever for quality. Supporting teams, clarifying professional expectations, and strengthening competencies directly contribute to the quality of services offered to children and families.

Her role is part of a broader effort to professionalize the sector and consolidate French-language childcare services in a minority context.

Encouraging openness and training

Drawing from her experience, Elsa shares a message with newcomers.

“You have to stay open, be curious, ask questions, and keep learning. Opportunities are not always in the field you initially planned.”

Her journey demonstrates that a professional reorientation can become a lasting commitment when one invests in training and embraces the specificities of the Northern context.

Contributing to the French-language educational continuum

Beyond her current role, Elsa hopes to contribute to strengthening the French-language educational continuum in the Northwest Territories, particularly in communities such as Fort Smith and Hay River. She sees early childhood education as an essential link in Francophone vitality.

Her professional philosophy can be summed up simply.

“Give your best and let the results speak.”

Through her commitment, Elsa helps structure French-language childcare services that are grounded in Northern realities and focused on quality, stability, and the holistic development of children.