Profile of Rolande Ebelle: Supporting, Learning, and Structuring Early Childhood Education in the North

Arriving in Yellowknife at the end of July 2025 with her family, Rolande Ebelle began her journey in the North with extensive experience in education. Originally from Cameroon, she is a trained educator who worked for nearly 20 years as a primary school teacher, supporting children from kindergarten through the end of elementary school.

In her country of origin, early childhood education is not structured in the same way as in Canada. Young children are typically cared for within the family until they begin school, in an environment that supports the transmission of language and culture.

It was upon arriving in Canada that Rolande discovered a different approach.

“For me, daycare was mainly a place where children were dropped off. I didn’t know it could also have an educational purpose.”

This discovery reshaped her understanding of the field and led her to fully engage in early childhood education.

Stepping into a leadership role in a new context

Upon arrival, Rolande applied for both educator and supervisor positions. She was ultimately selected as a supervisor at La Tanière, a francophone early childhood education centre in Yellowknife, where she now works.

Her role is both broad and essential. She ensures the centre operates effectively, that children are safe, and that educators are supported, while also serving as a key link between families, staff, and administration.

“The supervisor must make sure everything is running well in the daycare and that the children are safe.”

Her daily responsibilities include scheduling, monitoring educational materials, overseeing maintenance of spaces, and ensuring health and safety standards are met.

She also highlights the importance of hygiene in early childhood settings, noting that it is sometimes underestimated despite being essential.

Supporting teams and strengthening practices

Beyond administrative responsibilities, Rolande places strong emphasis on supporting educators in their daily work. She underlines the importance of guiding teams through challenges, especially when working with children whose needs may be more difficult to interpret.

She emphasizes that each child is different and requires adapted approaches.

“Each child has their own specific needs. If one approach doesn’t work, you have to try another.”

Her role includes encouraging and motivating staff, helping maintain a positive work environment, and ensuring consistency in educational practices.

Continuing education to understand Canadian realities

Despite her extensive experience, Rolande strongly believes in the importance of ongoing professional development.

“Years of experience are not enough, I still need training.”

She explains that the training offered by Collège Nordique has helped her better understand Canadian realities, professional expectations in early childhood education, and life in the North.

“Collège Nordique helped me understand Canadian realities and life in Northern Canada.”

She also values the flexibility of online training, which makes it possible to balance work, studies, and family life.

Additionally, she highlights the importance of language skills, particularly English, in order to live and work effectively in a bilingual and multicultural Northern environment.

An educational vision centered on each child’s potential

Rolande’s educational philosophy is grounded in a clear belief.

“Every child has something within them that needs to be discovered.”

For her, the role of educators is to create conditions that allow children to develop their potential, confidence, and autonomy. She emphasizes the importance of teaching core values from an early age, including self-respect, respect for others, and a love of life.

Her goal is to help children thrive and express their abilities through meaningful activities and supportive guidance.

Adapting, learning, and planning for the future

Like many newcomers, Rolande has had to adapt to several challenges, including the Northern climate and balancing work, family, and studies. She notes that these challenges become more manageable over time with the right support and experience.

She plans to continue her education, particularly in the area of inclusive education, with a focus on supporting children with specific needs.

In the longer term, she hopes to continue developing her professional skills, obtain a driver’s license, and build a stable life in Canada.

Her personal and professional outlook can be summed up simply.

“Everything is grace.”

Through her journey, Rolande contributes to strengthening francophone childcare services in the North, bringing a structured, thoughtful, and evolving approach to early childhood education.

Published on May 19th 2026