Hi! I am Gillian Orton

Early Childhood Educator (ECE) | Insured | First Responder Trained | Active First Aid

My greatest joy comes from helping each child find their highest level of comfort and potential. I was raised in a Montessori household, where my mother was an educator. She blends that foundation with Forest School principles and a focus on emergent and play-based learning.I believe in supporting the family system as a whole and creating experiences that challenge children emotionally, physically, and intellectually.

Education and Credentials

  • Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Sheridan College

  • Additional coursework at Ryerson University

  • Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), fully insured

  • Certified first responder with active first aid training

Teaching Philosophy

Gillian creates ethical, child-centred environments where reading, writing, spelling, and math emerge through baking, cooking, and real-life projects. She leads nature walks to identify local flora, rescues animals to foster empathy, and encourages self-directed, risky play so children can learn through exploration. Mixed-age groups nurture leadership, communication, and independence.

Availability

Free School Childcare Co-Op is closed on Fridays through Sundays and during the New Year period.

Roots and Community

The Orton family has been part of Prince Edward County since the early 1980s and returned seven years ago. Gillian draws from these deep roots to create outdoor and food-based experiences that connect children to the land, to each other, and to themselves.

Logistics & Information

Operations are from Monday - Thursday, 8:30-4:00

Free School strives for a minimum of two hours of outdoor time daily, and at a minimum, one food experience per week.

Local artists are brought in to help inspire the children and create large art projects throughout the year.

We organize a visitor at least once a month to the program, including family members, locals, and visits to the farm/library/store.