Prof. Carly Rich

Role & Responsibilities

Carly Rich provides program supports students through teaching, academic coordination, program planning, and student success initiatives while collaborating with faculty and community partners. This role helps prepare future early childhood educators with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional experience needed to support children, families, and communities.

Professional Background

Carly has over 20 years of experience in the early childhood education field, including curriculum development, student support, and inclusive practice. Areas of expertise include Indigenous studies, child development, and play-based learning, with a focus on supporting equitable and inclusive practices in early learning environments through global, Indigenous, and holistic perspectives.

Teaching

Carly is a full-time faculty who teaches with emphasis on contemporary perspectives in early childhood education such as culturally responsive pedagogy, Indigenous perspectives, inclusion, and intersectionality. Her approach to student learning is grounded in experiential, reflective, and inquiry-based practices that encourage critical thinking and professional identity development, supported through mentorship, curriculum development, and community-engaged learning.

Creative Work, Research, or Industry Experience

Carly focuses on supporting and collaborating with community partners in early learning and child care settings, contributing to curriculum planning and program development. Her work emphasizes experiential education through field-based learning opportunities, reflective practice, and mentorship, helping students connect theory to practice in real-world early learning environments.

Community Involvement

• Registered ECE with the College of Early Childhood Educators
• Child Care and Early Years Advisory Table
• Early Childhood Partner's Table
• Child Care Leadership Network
• Nishnawbe Aski Nation - Wiichi-Bimosemik Awaashishag