Diane Kashin Died: Toronto Ontario Author and Retired ECE Professor Passed Away
Diane Kashin was a registered early childhood educator, a retired professor, a consultant, a workshop and webinar presenter, a co-author of three ECE textbooks, and a passionate advocate for outdoor play and Reggio-inspired pedagogy. She passed away on January 2, 2024, at the age of 62, after a long battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, two children, and four grandchildren.
Who Was Diane Kashin?
Diane was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, where she developed a love for learning and teaching from an early age. She received a Bachelor of Honours Degree from York University, an Early Childhood Education Diploma from Seneca College, and a Master of Education and Doctorate Degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. She taught early childhood education at both the degree and the diploma level for over 30 years, inspiring and mentoring thousands of students and colleagues.
Kashin was also a prolific writer and researcher, who contributed to the field of ECE with her publications, presentations, and blog posts. She co-authored three ECE textbooks: Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education, Outdoor and Nature Play in Early Childhood Education, and Emergent Curriculum in Early Childhood Settings. She also wrote a book for Redleaf Press on professional friendships in ECE, titled Cultivating a Culture of Friendship in Early Childhood Education, which was published in 2023.
Diane was well-known for her blog, Technology Rich Inquiry Based Research, where she shared her insights, reflections, and experiences on various topics related to ECE, such as documentation, mind mapping, critical friendship, reflective inquiry, and more. She also engaged in continuous professional learning through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where she had a large and loyal following. She was the past president of the Association for Early Childhood Educators of Ontario and the current coordinator of the York Region Nature Collaborative.
Diane Kashin was a strong advocate for outdoor and nature play, and Reggio-inspired pedagogy, which she incorporated in her teaching and learning practices. She believed that children learn best through play, exploration, and inquiry, and that educators should support and facilitate their curiosity and creativity. She also valued the role of professional friendships and communities of practice in ECE, as she believed that educators should collaborate, communicate, and learn from each other.
Diane was a kind, generous, and supportive person, who touched the lives of many people with her wisdom, humor, and enthusiasm. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and colleague, who always had a smile and a word of encouragement for everyone. She was a role model and a leader, who inspired and influenced many people in the field of ECE and beyond.
Diane will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and the ECE community. She leaves behind a legacy of excellence, innovation, and passion, that will continue to inspire and guide future generations of educators and learners. She will always be remembered as a pioneer, a visionary, and a friend.
Rest in peace, Diane Kashin. Thank you for everything.
