The little Chiefs daycare is an aboriginal Head start program. We are federally funded program. As per our funders we accept children that are Aboriginal, Metis, and Inuit. The program is for children 3-5 years of age.
Our program
We are a licensed full-day Child Care Program catering to up to 24 children aged 3-5 years. Our team includes a Program Coordinator and four full-time Early Childhood Educators (ECE). Additionally, we have an AIDP Consultant and a Support Worker on staff.
Parents and families are integral to our program, and we are privileged to have Elders who share their wisdom and knowledge with our children and families. Our community primarily embraces the Southern Dakelh Carrier and Tsilhqot’in cultures.
Philosophy Statement
We provide a play-based, child-focused early learning program for children; this fosters individualism, creativity, socialization, and problem-solving. We provide an emergent curriculum through observations and documentation. We are inspired by Reggio Emilia. We are inclusive of all families and use beginner carrier and sign language in our program. Our knowledgeable, professional team of caregivers offer resources, and programming to challenge children and support them in a fun, nurturing and safe environment. Our program has a focus on natural play; providing natural resources and focusing on the outdoors.
Our Goals
- Develop comfortable, ongoing communication with families
- Support families in developing and sustaining a healthy parent/child relationship
- To communicate openly regarding the individual child’s developmental strengths and needs
- To provide a healthy, safe environment which meets children’s physical needs
- To provide nutritious meals and snacks
- To provide children with opportunities to learn through play and the natural environment
- To provide children with creative experiences in art, music, science, language, and sensory play
- To provide opportunities for the development of gross motor skills such as running, jumping, and climbing through indoor and outdoor play
- To allow children to explore their community through field trips, walks, and the participation of visitors
- To provide active supervision and age-appropriate guidance, which fosters children’s positive self-esteem and communication
- To promote innovative responses to community needs and the newest research in Early Childcare and Learning
We believe
- that happy, healthy, safe children thrive
- that children’s families are their most influential teacher
- that Aboriginal children benefit from learning about their culture and language
- in respecting and honouring Aboriginal diversity, teachings and protocols
- that excellence and unity are achieved through open, respectful communication and collaboration
Program Components
- Culture and Language
- Education and School Readiness
- Health Promotion
- Nutrition
- Parent and Family Involvement
- Social Support
Elders Circle
Cultural Wellness is expressed by a sense of belonging and pride that we feel when we are connected to our families, communities, traditions, and the land. Elders gather to share knowledge and traditions, learn about First Nations culture and each other, build community, and enrich the lives of our Elders and families. Elders hold a crucial role in our community as knowledge keepers, advisors, teachers and most significantly as a presence in the lives of our children and youth. The Elder’s circle is practice everyday throughout the daily programing.
What to Expect
The Elders circle aims to provide opportunities for cultural activities, events, and teachings amongst us by bringing in speakers and facilitating workshops of interest to our elders such as:
- Traditional Medicines
- Teaching on the Land
- Sharing and Learning about our Traditional Foods
- Genealogy Project for Truth and Reconciliation Day
- Health and Safety Wellness Information Sessions
Opportunities include
- Sharing of our Heritage
- Experience and Skills
- Cultural Teachings and Outings
- Traditional Food and Medicine Knowledge
- Fun and Laughter
- Games
- Music and Dancing
- Seasonal and Holiday Celebrations
- Drumming
- Cultural Excursions