Native Women's Association of Canada Website

12.0 PROGRAM: ABORIGINAL HEAD START PROGRAM (AHS)Aboriginal Head Start is an early intervention program for Aboriginal children and theirfamilies living in urban and Northern communities.The mandate of Aboriginal Head Start is to meet and foster the spiritual, emotional,intellectual and physical needs of the child. In reaching these goals, six importantcomponents, are included in the project features. The Statement of Principle includesthat the program is based on caring, creativity and pride flowing from the knowledge oftraditional beliefs, within a holistic and safe environment.The mandate of Aboriginal Head Start is to:Foster the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of the child.Foster a desire in the child for life long learning.Support parents and guardians as the prime teachers and caregivers of theirchildren, making sure parents/caregivers play a key role in the planning,development, operation and evaluation of the program.Recognize and support extended families in teaching and caring for children.Make sure the local Aboriginal community is involved in the planning,development, operation and evaluation of the program.Make sure that the initiative works with and is supported by other communityprograms and services.Ensure the human and financial resources are used in the best way possible toproduce positive outcomes and experiences for Aboriginal children, parents,families and communities.Each project will focus on preschool children and will include the following components:Culture and languageEducationHealth promotionNutritionSocial support programsParental involvementContact:National Population Health Directorate Health Canada, 19 th Floor - AL: 1919A5, Jeanne Mance Building, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1B4, Tel:(613) 957-3507, Fax: (613) 952-5310Atlantic Region Health Canada, Suite 709 - 1557 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3V4 Tel: (902) 426-2700, Fax: (902) 426-9689Pg. 167