Jill Wickins

Jill Wickins is a stalwart figure in the early childhood education community, having dedicated over four decades to the field. As a Registered Early Childhood Educator with Compass Early Learning and Care, she has left an indelible mark on the lives of over 4000 children and their families. Throughout her extensive career, Jill has worn many hats, embodying roles ranging from educator to advocate, leader, and mentor.

Her approach is rooted in the belief of a value/strength-based methodology, which she applies not only to succession planning but also to day-to-day operations. Jill understands the pivotal role of fostering deeper understanding and cultivating confident decision-makers and leaders within the early learning environment. She places significant emphasis on building robust relationships with community partners, families, children, and colleagues, recognizing them as invaluable resources for creating nurturing and enriching early learning environments.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jill finds solace and fulfillment in her family and farm life, cherishing her role as a grandparent to two beautiful grandchildren. Despite her numerous achievements and accolades, Jill remains grounded and humble, attributing success to collective effort rather than individual accomplishment.

An ardent advocate for fair compensation within the early childhood education sector, Jill champions equitable pay for all educators and support staff. She fervently believes that their contributions to children, families, and communities warrant recognition and fair remuneration.

In facing professional challenges, Jill is undeterred by obstacles, often generating innovative solutions to enhance accessibility and meet the diverse needs of families. She is relentless in her pursuit of staying abreast of industry changes, supporting various programs, and advocating for the success of all involved.

Jill's leadership in the community is unparalleled, admired by hundreds for her unwavering dedication to children and families, her empathetic nature, and her sense of loyalty to the field of early childhood education. Her impact extends beyond the confines of her role, inspiring others and raising the standard for childcare in her community.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jill's commitment shone brightly as she worked tirelessly to facilitate emergency childcare for frontline workers and provided clarity and reassurance to families navigating uncertain times.

In sum, Jill Wickins is a beacon of resilience, compassion, and advocacy, whose profound influence has left an indelible mark on the landscape of early childhood education.

Social Posts

👏 A huge thank you to @islinsurance for stepping up to support Backpacks for Success this year! 

Their workplace donation drive is officially underway, and it's a great reminder that making a difference is easy, and can start right at work.

Want to get your workplace, business, or organization involved? Hosting a Backpacks for Success supply drive is easy, fun, and has a direct impact on local students as they head back to school with the supplies they need to succeed.

💬 Comment "BACKPACK" below, and we'll send you everything you need to get started, including our workplace toolkit, wish list, and all the details.

Together, we can help ensure every student starts the school year ready to learn. 📚✨
Every great leader has a story... and today, we're excited to share the beginning of @_thetiffanyshow story as your 2026 United Way Campaign Chair.

As we launch our 85th Community Campaign, we're turning the page to a new chapter - one rooted in connection, collaboration, and the incredible power of community. Tiffany has spent years shining a spotlight on the people, organizations and stories that make Peterborough & District such a special place to call home. Now, she'll help lead a Campaign that celebrates what we can accomplish when we come together.

This grand reveal wouldn't have been possible without the creativity and generosity of Johanna Hawkshaw and the incredible team @yourtvptbo who helped bring our vision to life. Thank you for embracing the fun and helping us tell this story in such a memorable way.

If UW Campaign Chairs came with a Netflix special, we're pretty sure this would make the final cut 🎬🍿 ... 

A special thank you as well to our 2025 Campaign Chair, Paul Rellinger, and our amazing staff for being great sports and helping kick off this exciting new chapter.

Here's to 85 years of neighbours helping neighbours, and to everything we'll accomplish together this campaign.

Welcome to the team, Tiffany! We can't wait to see what we are able to accomplish together.

#UnitedWayPeterborough #CommunityCampaign #85YearsUnited
Now Accepting Applications!📣

United Way Peterborough & District is pleased to announce that we are once again accepting proposals for funding through Reaching Home. 

Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada. This program provides funding to communities to help them address their local homelessness needs. 

📝To apply, please visit our website at uwpeterborough.ca
‼️All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, August 4, 2026. 

If you’re interested in applying but aren’t sure if you’re eligible, or if you have questions that aren’t answered in the online checklist, please reach out to us at ℹ️ reachinghome@uwpeterborough.ca.
Well prepared and ready to learn! 📚✏️
That’s what Backpacks for Success is all about! Your support helps ensure that students across Peterborough & County have the materials they need to take on the 2026 school year with confidence.

Whether you host a collection drive, become an event sponsor, or make a monetary donation, every contribution makes a difference to school aged students from grades K–12. 

📲 Contact us today to get involved!
Clue number TWO✌️!

Every great leader has a story. Can you find the words that help tell the story of our 2026 Campaign Chair?

Drop your guesses below👇…
👀 The first clue has arrived!

Every great leader brings something special to the table, and these six emojis represent just a few things that make our 2026 Campaign Chair who they are ✨

Can you guess who it might be🤔?
22% of Canadians live with a disability.

41% of people in poverty have a disability.

Those numbers aren’t just statistics; they’re a call to action.

This #DisabilityPrideMonth, United Way Peterborough & District stands with people with disabilities to break barriers and build communities where everyone belongs. 

We invest in accessible community programs and barrier-reduction initiatives as part of a strategic response to this gap. 
🤝❤️
Canada looks like the neighbour who checks in. The volunteer who shows up. The community that holds space for everyone.

This July 1, we recommit to a Canada where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our office is closed today, Wednesday July 1 and will reopen tomorrow, Thursday July 2.

Looking for support? Dial 211 to be connected to non-emergency community health and social services in our area.
Our grand finale retirement prank: a boardroom full of Jim’s!

Thanks for the laughs, Jim.
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