A new pilot program, announced today, Nov. 19, will give Mi’kmaw early childhood educators more training opportunities.
“It’s important that Mi’kmaw children have access to early learning programs that incorporate Mi’kmaw language and reflect Mi’kmaw knowledge and perspectives,” said Zach Churchill, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.”This pilot supports Mi’kmaw children and gives opportunities for enhanced education and training for early childhood educators.”
The provincial and federal governments will invest $338,000 and partner with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey and the Nova Scotia Community College to develop and deliver an early childhood education training program. The program will incorporate Mi’kmaw language, culture and perspectives.
“Well trained and supported early childhood educators are an excellent avenue to teach and reinforce Mi’kmaw language, customs, traditions and heritage to children on reserve in Nova Scotia,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “I am pleased that the Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia are working together to better support early childhood educators who are making a positive difference to children’s future health and well-being.”
Up to 20 Mi’kmaw early childhood educators will participate in this accelerated workplace training program. Participants will upgrade their skills and earn a diploma in Early Childhood Education from NSCC while they work.
“We are very excited about this new partnership,” said Ann Sylliboy, post-secondary co-ordinator, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey. “Providing opportunities such as this to our teachers helps to bring even more Mi’kmaw language and culture into our early childhood education facilities, which benefits not only our children, but our communities as well.”
The program will launch in January.
Source: Release