Early Years
For culturally safe and supportive Early Years programs, BC has a number of options through Aboriginal Infant Development Programs (AIDP), many of which are free or low cost.
Aboriginal Infant Development Programs (AIDP) offer support to families of infants who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with developmental delays. Programs are voluntary, family centered, and primarily focused on children ages 0-3 (in some communities 0 – 6). Aboriginal Infant Development consultants support families by providing home visits, activity planning, and developmental and family needs assessments in culturally sensitive and meaningful ways. Consultants also assist families in accessing other health, social, and community services.
ASCDP is to enable children who require extra supports to be included in child care settings, preschool, before/after school and community care settings. Such inclusion nurtures a child’s self-esteem, identity, and allows the children to participate in settings that will support their development along with their peers. Having a child care setting where children can get the supports they need in order to be included allows them to grow and learn in a safe and nurturing environment. ASCD programs are developed with cultural values, beliefs, and traditions in mind.
Services available to families can include:
- Assistance in finding child care
- Individual planning
- Extra staffing support if needed in childcare programs
- Training and support for families and child care providers
- Assistance accessing community resources
- Developmental screening and assessments at the request of the family
Programs like Aboriginal Head Start focus on providing early learning opportunities for children to support their social and emotional learning, culture and language, health promotion and school readiness.
Aboriginal Head Start Programs Provide:
- Cultural experiences and teachings
- Learning languages
- Connection to Elders
- Indigenous health practices
- Supported transition to kindergarten
- Parenting skills and support
- Referrals to services in community
- Inclusion
Watch & Learn
By Family Support Institute of BC
