Aboriginal Head Start Preschool Program Funders
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Public Health Agency of Canada
The Public Health Agency of Canada empowers Canadians to improve their health. In partnership with others, its activities focus on preventing disease and injuries, promoting good physical and mental health, and providing information to support informed decision making. It values scientific excellence and provides national leadership in response to public health threats.
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Mission: To promote and protect the health of Canadians through leadership, partnership, innovation and action in public health.
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Vision: Healthy Canadians and communities in a healthier world.
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Values: Respect for Democracy, Respect for People, Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence
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The Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC) Program is a national community-based early intervention program funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. AHSUNC focuses on early childhood development for First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and their families living off-reserve.
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Since 1995, AHSUNC has provided funding to Indigenous community-based organizations to develop and deliver programs that promote the healthy development of Indigenous preschool children. It supports the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical development of Indigenous children, while supporting their parents and guardians as their primary teachers.
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On average, the program reach ranges from 4600-4800 children annually at 134 sites. AHSUNC sites typically provide structured half-day preschool experiences for Indigenous children (3-5 years of age) focused on six program components: Indigenous culture and language; education and school readiness; health promotion; nutrition; social support; and parental involvement.
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(Public Heath Agency of Canada, (2020). Retrieved fromhttps://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/corporate/mandate/about-agency.html
(Public Health Agency of Canada, (2017). Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/childhood-adolescence/programs-initiatives/aboriginal-head-start-urban-northern-communities-ahsunc.html
Aboriginal Head Start Infant and Toddler Program Funders
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Kenora District Services Board (KDSB)
The Kenora District Services Board is the Service System Manager for Early Learning and Care/Best Start initiatives within the Kenora District and as such ensures that all community partners are working together toward and are committed to the same goals and objectives with respect to providing these services for children.
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The KDSB goal is to support economic and social development in the District of Kenora by investing in and supporting an accessible, affordable and accountable Early Learning and Care (ELC) system, benefiting children, their parents, caregivers and the broader community.
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The Key Objectives promoted by KDSB in the delivery of ELC are:​
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To support parents in financial need who are employed, in training or involved in other employment activities;
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To foster early childhood development;
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To provide flexibility and choice;
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To provide child care in a safe, nurturing environment;
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To provide appropriate standards of child care;
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To support children and families at risk or with special needs; and
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To work in partnership with others involved in Ontario’s ELC system
The KDSB is committed to ensuring that all aspects of ELC are planned for and managed in a coordinated and integrated manner across the service delivery area. This means that all programs are managed equally and as part of an integrated total ELC system; that there is relatively equal access to a variety of ELC services and that staffing standards are uniform, criteria standards for determining subsidy are universal, and access points for subsidy are integrated.
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KDSB provides ELC subsidy to families who quality for assistance based on an Income Test. ELC subsidy may be provided for all day care for Infants (in some locations) Toddlers, and Preschoolers. Before and after wrap around care is available for school age children in most locations and is eligible for subsidy.
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During school professional development days, March break and summer holidays, subsidized care is also available.
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(KDSB, (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.kdsb.on.ca/CC.html)