Excerpt
In many ways, quality early learning and child care programs for First Nations, Inuit and Métis children are similar to any program. For example, they must offer safe and nurturing care by qualified practitioners, and encourage opportunities to learn and develop skills. In other ways, however, quality child care programs for Indigenous children are different.
Unlike mainstream programs, programs designed specifically for Indigenous children play a key role in supporting children to develop their cultural identity
– an important aspect of social well-being. They encourage learning about culture and language and work to instil a sense of pride and belonging. Mainstream programs too, however, with a little work, produce the same positive results.
Here are a few ideas for how child care practitioners and families can, together and separately, encourage strong cultural identity in Indigenous children, whether they are participating in an Indigenous or mainstream child care program.
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