Our Services

Wholistic Development

The goal of the Aboriginal Head Start Initiative in Ontario is to foster the holistic development of each child. This will be accomplished through encouraging the spiritual, social/ emotional, cognitive/language and physical development of each child. Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) projects in Ontario will:

Spiritual Development

  • increase the understanding of traditional Aboriginal culture and values by including Elders, Senators and traditional people (e.g., ceremonies, teachings, stories, etc.);
  • foster respect for the environment, and encourage a healthy, balanced lifestyle;
  • encourage and model respect and sensitivity to differences in values, culture, race, gender, families, etc.;

Social/Emotional Development

  • foster empathy amongst children, adults and others;
  • model and encourage children to express their emotions in a safe and caring environment;
  • foster a positive self image and encourage respect for the body and for self;
  • foster an understanding and respect for the unique aspects of all cultures and languages and for the physical differences in all people;
  • promote the development of unique and meaningful relationships (extended family, community members, support staff);
  • promote and model positive and effective problem solving skills;

Cognitive/Language Development

  • promote the love of lifelong learning for parents and children;
  • provide a variety of school readiness experiences that develop cognitive concepts (numbers, colours, shapes, letters);
  • promote emerging literacy skills (e.g., books, writing centres, posters, symbols);
  • support and promote the development of children’s first language;
  • emphasize the importance of developing and maintaining Aboriginal languages;
  • plan experiences that will educate children about Aboriginal heritage (e.g., stories, folklore);
  • provide a variety of materials/experiences to enhance children’s innate creativity and curiosity;
  • provide experiences that support and promote positive children’s play;
  • identify play problems and facilitate productive play;

Physical Development

  • provide activities that foster fine and gross motor development;
  • provide a balance between indoor and outdoor activities;
  • provide experiences that combine music and movement (e.g., drumming, dancing, songs);
  • promote traditional and culturally relevant games and activities;
  • encourage healthy eating.