Canada: Ontario to expand early years programs for Indigenous children
Ottawa, Feb 18 (IBNS): Ontario is expanding early years programs for First Nation, Métis and Inuit children and their families living in urban and rural areas across the province by investing in more child care spaces, media reports said.
An announcement was made this week by Indira Naidoo-Harris, Ontario Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Early Years and Child Care at the First Nations School of Toronto that province is investing up to $70 million over two years in child care and child and family programs.
These programs would reportedly be developed in partnership with municipal service managers and Indigenous organizations to create 64 new licensed child care spaces and one new child and family program room.
“Culturally relevant child care and early years programs are important for Indigenous families. This funding gives more Indigenous children access to high-quality child care and child and family programs in their communities,” Naidoo-Harris said.
Ontario is also reportedly investing $11.5 million in upgrades and enhancements to the First Nations School of Toronto.
“Creating culturally relevant child care and learning spaces that celebrate the rich history, cultures and languages of Indigenous people, positively impacts students’ self-identity and has been proven to lead to better academic outcomes... ,"David Zimmer, Ontario Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation was reported to state.
As part of The Journey Together: Ontario's Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, Ontario is also improving existing and supporting new child care and child and family programs in 58 off-reserve projects led by Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous organizations.
This includes culturally relevant programming, advice, personal connections, resources and play- and inquiry-based learning for Indigenous children and families.
In 2018, Ontario is reported to invest $784 million in 79 new and renovated schools across the province. This investment will also create a total of more than 2,700 new licensed child care spaces for children aged 0-4.
In addition, Ontario is investing up to $1.6 billion in new capital funding over the next five years to support the creation of 45,000 new licensed child care spaces in schools, other public spaces and communities.
Research reportedly shows that there are positive relationships between quality early learning, child development outcomes, and a parent’s ability to work.
“We are pleased about this expansion in child care and child and family programs in Ontario Friendship Centres through Journey Together. Fifteen Friendship Centres across the province will receive expanded programs and services through this next phase of investments..,” Sylvia Maracle, Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres was reported to state.
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
Image: Indira Naidoo-Harris/Facebook page
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