All Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve programs include six components: culture and language, education, health promotion, nutrition, social support, and parent and family involvement.
Culture & Language
First Nations languages in BC have experienced a century of language repression, followed by decades of neglect. While the AHSOR program cannot undo this loss of language, its focus on culture and language – part of the health of communities – plays a positive role in a child’s development. The culture and language component allows First Nations children to experience their cultures and learn their languages. Activities give children a sense of belonging and an identity as a First Nations person.
Education
The education component promotes life-long learning with activities that encourage a child’s readiness to learn. Activities also focus on the physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and social development needs of children. Community members, including Elders, are involved in helping with early literacy activities, such as printing and recognizing sounds and words.
Health Promotion
The health promotion component encourages children and families to have a healthy lifestyle. Programming promotes physical activity, such as playground activities and traditional games. Staff promote self-care, such as helping children to brush their teeth, and encourage appropriate assessments for children.
Nutrition
Nutrition is an important part of healthy living. Good food can improve an individual’s health and poor or inadequate food can undermine health. Good eating habits established early can lead to better health throughout life, providing information about nutrition and healthy eating to children and their caregivers is key to long-term health. Programming offers nutritious snacks and meals and provides children with opportunities to participate in traditional food gathering activities.
Social Support
Social support is an important social determinant of health. Quite simply, the support of family and community is critical in determining an individual’s health. The social support component informs parents and guardians about the resources, services, and health providers available to them to achieve a healthy and holistic lifestyle.
Parental & Family Involvement
The parental and family involvement component recognizes and supports the role of parents and family as the primary teachers and caregivers of their children. Programming provides opportunities for participation of in parent/guardian committees.
