Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care
What is Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care?
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care is a framework that ensures all First Nation children and families have the opportunity to experience high-quality, culturally-safe early learning and child care programming. This framework provides a guide for communities, program administrators, service providers, policy makers and governments to work towards achieving a shared vision that focuses on education, health promotion, culture and language, nutrition, social support, and parental family involvement.
Background
Children hold a sacred place in the cultures of Indigenous peoples. With that, comes a sacred responsibility to care for them. It is imperative that we foster a network of support for the unique aspirations and needs of Indigenous communities, families, and their children.
The Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care framework was co-developed with Indigenous partners following a comprehensive national engagement process. Through this process, thousands of Indigenous people provided their vision of Indigenous ELCC for their children, families, communities, and cultures.
Vision and Principles
This Framework envisions First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and families as happy and safe, imbued with a strong cultural identity. It sees children and families supported by a comprehensive and coordinated system of ELCC policies, programs and services that are led by Indigenous peoples, rooted in Indigenous knowledges, cultures and languages, and supported by strong partnerships of holistic, accessible and flexible programming that is inclusive of the needs and aspirations of Indigenous children and families.
Our pathway toward achieving this vision is guided by nine foundational principles:
1. Indigenous Knowledges, Languages and Cultures
2. First Nations, Inuit and Métis Determination
3. Quality Programs and Services
4. Child and Family‑Centred
5. Inclusive
6. Flexible and Adaptable
7. Accessible
8. Transparent and Accountable
9. Respect, Collaboration and Partnerships