“Our Child, Our Future”
Aboriginal Head Start offers two programs a day from Monday to Thursday at 9 am – 11:15 am or 12:45 pm – 3:30 pm. This is a licensed preschool that for children ages 3 to 5 years (must be 3 by December 31st).
This program focuses on Aboriginal Culture, has qualified Early Childhood Educators and provides transportation and meals. The registration is always open and has no charge.
The overall goal of the Comox Valley Aboriginal Head Start program is to foster the early childhood development of Aboriginal children in conjunction with plans and methods designed by Aboriginal people for aboriginal people.
Program Goals:
- To foster the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of the children.
- To foster a desire for lifelong learning.
- To support parents, guardians, and extended family as the primary teachers and caregivers of their children.
- To foster a holistic approach to learning and living based on the values of Aboriginal peoples.
- To foster the preservation of Aboriginal culture.
- To ensure the efficient and effective management of all aspects of the program.
The Program Integrates Six Components:
Culture & Language: Designed to honour and value Aboriginal cultures and provide an introduction to the cultures and the languages of the children.
Education: Provides educational experiences and a “head start” for children entering kindergarten, including liaison support between parents and school.
Health Promotion: Encourage practices for self-care, working together, to address health concerns, and the creation of formal and informal social support networks.
Nutrition: Provides a wholesome nutritional program to promote healthy child development.
Social support: Networks with and provides information of community resources and services to families.
Parental & family involvement: Actively supports parents and extended family as children’s primary caregivers, encouraging their involvement in the program and their children’s education.
We believe that…
- Aboriginal people have the right to quality education which includes learning the traditional ways and cultural values of their ancestors.
- The active participation of parents/or caregivers in their children’s education is a key factor in encouraging lifelong success.
- Networking with the community enhances understanding between Aboriginal people and others.
The Comox Valley Aboriginal Head Start Program is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, MCFD, and is sponsored by UIWONA.
Program address:
956 Grieve Avenue
Courtenay, BC V9N 2T9
Hours:
9:00 to 11:15am program
12:45 to 3:30pm program
For more information contact Linda Walton, Program Coordinator:
Phone: 250-334-2477
Fax: 250-334-2419
Email: cvahs@shaw.ca
