Using Digital Technology in School-Based Child Care? Yes, But With A Thoughtful and Educational Approach

By Martine Rioux

Since a new Ministry of Education regulation took effect in 2023, all of Quebec’s school-based child care programs have been required to develop an activity plan aligned with their school’s learning plan. At the Centre de services scolaire des Draveurs, this learning plan is itself aligned with the Commitment to Success Plan, which emphasizes the development of digital competency among both students and staff.

In this context, Émilie Godbout, digital learning consultant, and Karina Marcotte, education consultant for school-based child care, developed a series of training sessions on the educational use of digital technology for educators and technicians. The purpose is to promote educational, simple, engaging, and meaningful uses of digital technology.

Three Training Sessions for Building a Reflective Digital Culture

Training 1: Digital Citizenship

Offered for the first time in 2023–2024, this session encourages adults to reflect on their own digital attitudes and behaviours. Educators are invited to consider how they use technology and social media, as well as the image they project to children. “Adults must lead by example by adopting more responsible digital practices,” explains Émilie.

Training 2: Technological Skills and Informed Choices

Scheduled for 2024–2025, this session focuses on technical competencies. Participants explore available devices such as iPads, interactive whiteboards, and laptops, identify instructional goals, and experiment with hands-on activities designed for children.

Training 3: Guided Experimentation (planned for 2025–2026)

The next stage will be even more practical. Ready-to-use and collaborative projects will help educators integrate digital tools with confidence. Participants will have the opportunity to test applications and share their experiences. “The goal is to experiment more. Experiencing activities firsthand helps educators build genuine understanding,” notes Karina.

Clear Guidelines for Digital Use in Child Care Settings

Through discussions among education consultants, technicians, and educators, several guiding principles emerged to support the selection of appropriate digital activities in school-based child care settings.

• Activities should respect the playful and social nature of child care.
  Digital use should not isolate children.
  
• No violent, inappropriate, or commercial content.
  Activities should promote collaboration or adult–child interaction.
  Digital activities should replace existing practices in a positive way rather than simply add to them.
  

For example, instead of unstructured online games or random videos on YouTube, children can:

• Read an interactive storybook on an interactive whiteboard
• Play educational games on the CBC website
• Get moving with Jeunes en santé, a Quebec initiative promoting healthy lifestyles for youth, activities
• Take part in a digital treasure hunt
• Create a stop-motion animation
• Design a digital book using Book Creator
• Explore logical thinking with simple robotics (such as Bee Bot)
• Produce creative or educational videos
  

A Gradual and Positive Transformation

Although not all school-based child care programs in the school service centre have yet completed the training, educators—whose time is often divided among supervision, classroom assistance, and child care activities—are already changing their practices. Some have replaced Messenger with Teams for professional communication, while others have chosen more appropriate options instead of ad-filled YouTube videos.

“The transition is happening gradually but steadily. Each setting is progressing at its own pace, based on its specific context,” note the two consultants.

How do you integrate technology in your child-care setting to spark engagement without increasing screen time? We’d love to hear and feature your initiatives in Engaged Learning’s pages!