Aboriginal Headstart Program
The Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC) Program is a community-based early intervention program initiative that was created in 1995 by the Minister of Health, Diane Marleau. It was created to build on Aboriginal people’s values, beliefs, ideas and interests, and to support parents and children in their goals to build a better future for themselves. Marleau stated that “early intervention at a preschool age gives children good self-esteem, a desire for learning and opportunities to develop fully as young people.” Funding for the initial program in 1995 was provided by the Federal government. This program ranges from 4600-4800 children annually across 134 sites in Canada. Indigenous communities across Canada worked together to advise and create this program model to fit their spiritual and cultural beliefs. It aims to create opportunities for spiritual, emotional, physical and social well-being of Indigenous children and families from age 0-6, as well as prepare the children to transition to school.
There are 6 components that the AHS focuses on which include Indigenous culture and language, education and school readiness, health, nutrition, social support, and parental involvement. One of the main principles written in the AHS Principles & Guidelines handbook is to “empower parents to play a major part in planning, developing, operating and evaluating the project.” The use of the word empower is so important as some parents might not know where to begin to search for supports for their family regarding these six components. Empowering the parents can foster a sense of trust, respect, and confidence in knowing that the resources they need for their family are available.
AHS is a centre-based program that runs from September to June. Typically they are 2 4-hour preschool programs, 3 days a week. Each site is designed by the local community in order to reflect the culture and specific needs. The program is regulated under the provincial child care licensing guidelines under the community care and assisted living act, and must follow the proper ECE to child ratio. It fits into all five dimensions of quality as stated in the Empowering Pedagogy text on pg. 139. The experiences and outcomes for children are based on their culture, well-being, and education. The experience of families and professionals include being involved with project creation, and consulted on community needs throughout the year. There is interaction between families, Elders, educators and children throughout the program. It’s structured with group size and ratios in mind to maximize engagement between children and the environment. There is continuous professional learning as the educators are in contact with related community programs and continually adjusting the program to meet the needs of the community. This ongoing contact with the community and other programs allows the educators to evaluate, monitor and improve the quality of the program as needs change.
Some programs have the option for home visits where staff will provide information and support to parents or caregivers, and bring educational activities to the children. There are various workshops for parents alone, or parents and children, as well as cultural events and activities for families.
AHS establishes relationships with related community programs and creates projects that meet the social and economic goals of families, and where there services for Aboriginal children and families are lacking AHS may be able to fill in the gap.
According to the AHSABC website, benefits of the program include “improved relationships between parents and their children, greater life satisfaction and psychological well-being, resulting from the supportive social networks that many preschool community-based programs offer.” Their mission statement and overall mandate, which is so powerful, is as follows:
“First Nations, Métis and Inuit people recognize children as their nations’ most valuable resource.”
The link to the free AHS Principles & Guidelines handbook:
Local program in Campbell River:
https://www.nccie.ca/story/qwallayuw-head-start-preschool-program/
Qwallayuw AHS
441-4th Ave.
Campbell River, BC
V9W 3W7
250-286-3044
Reference:
Dietze, B., & Kashin, D. (2016). Chapter 4. Programs and Approaches. Empowering pedagogy for early childhood education. Toronto, Ontario. Pearson Education Canada Inc.
Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Health Canada. (1998). Aboriginal Head Start Principles and Guidelines: BC Edition. Retrieved July 30, 2020 from:
https://e8dbc2ad-6240-4b68-be11-f27c02950298.filesusr.com/ugd/8f8469_e9e0796406bb44bb824ee5082e3ef182.pdf
Embracing culture and Improving the relationship between a child and parent is so rewarding for all involved! I know have a better understanding of how this important program operates.
Hello Sheena,
I really enjoyed reading about AHS program. Having visited one here in Courtenay during our first practicum I was impressed with the emphasis of culture through books, art, and toys.
In learning more about the program I really admire the inclusion of spirituatily as well.