24/7 CRISIS LINE 1-403-266-HELP 24/7 RESOURCES 211
ABORIGINAL HEADSTART
Program Overview
Fostering the Holistic Growth of our Children Socially, Physically, Emotional, Intellectually, and Culturally.
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This structured half-day preschool experience provided for 3 – 5 year old Indigenous children focuses on six program components:
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Indigenous Culture & Language
Provide children with a positive sense of themselves as Indigenous children and build on the children’s knowledge of their Indigenous languages and experience of culture in their communities.
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2. Education & School Readiness
Support and encourage each Indigenous child to enjoy life-long learning. Engage children in the possibility of learning so that they carry forth the enthusiasm, self- esteem and initiate to learn in the future.
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3. Health Promotion
Empower parents, guardians, and caregivers to increase control and improve their health. Encourage practices for self-care and working together to address health concerns.
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4. Nutrition
Ensure that the children are provided with food which will help meet their nutritional needs and to educate staff and parents about the relationship of nutrition to children’s ability to learn, physical and mental development.
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5. Social Support
Ensure that the families are made aware of resources and community services available to impact their quality of life. Empower parents to access assistance and services which will support them to be active participants in their children’s lives.
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6. Parental & Family Involvement
Provides the Opportunity to encourage parents to bring forth their unique abilities and further develop as role models for children and in their community.
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Mission Statement
This program aims to provide Indigenous children with a positive sense of themselves, a desire for learning and opportunities to develop fully as successful young people. We aim to support the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical development of Indigenous children, while also supporting their parents and guardians as their primary teachers.