6 - Dedicated Services for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children and Families

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Early childhood development for Aboriginal children is recognized as a priority in Canada. In the Early Childhood Development Agreement, governments agreed to “work with the Aboriginal peoples of Canada to find practical solutions to address the developmental needs of Aboriginal children.”

The Government of Canada has a direct role with respect to First Nations and the Inuit and provides a range of social and health programs and services to children and their families. These programs and services are administered both through direct community-based programming and through agreements with provincial and territorial governments and Aboriginal organizations. The Government of Canada also delivers a number of innovative programs for children and families at risk, including some for at-risk Aboriginal children.

This chapter focuses on dedicated services for First Nations and other Aboriginal children. Two programs not included in this chapter, the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) and the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/FAE) Initiative, also have specific components for children and families living on-reserve. As well, CPNP and the FAS/FAE Initiative provide services to Aboriginal, Métis and Inuit children and families off-reserve. Since the major focus is to promote healthy pregnancy, birth and infancy, they are discussed in chapter 2. Special consideration is also given to Métis, Inuit and off-reserve First Nations children in the Community Action Program for Children, which is discussed in chapter 3 of the report.

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Activities at a Glance 1

Health Canada

Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities

Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) is an early childhood development program for First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and their families living in urban centres and large northern communities. It is primarily a preschool program that prepares young Aboriginal children for school by meeting their spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical needs, and by working with parents to help meet the children’s developmental needs at home.
For more information: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahs

Brighter Futures

Brighter Futures assists First Nations and Inuit communities in developing community-based approaches to health programs. While the program is intended specially for First Nations and Inuit children, it is recognized that children’s needs cannot be separated from those of their families and community.
For more information: e-mail children@hwcweb.hc-sc.gc.ca

First Nations Head Start 2

In 1998-1999, the Aboriginal Head Start program was expanded to First Nations communities. First Nations Head Start is an early intervention program for First Nations children on-reserve (ages 0 to 6) and their families. It is intended to prepare these children for their school years by meeting their emotional, social, health, nutritional and psychological needs.
For more information: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fnihb/cp

Human Resources Development Canada

First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative

The First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative continues to provide First Nations and Inuit communities with improved access to affordable, quality child care, with the goal that they would have similar access to that available to other Canadian children. The Initiative is one of the components of the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy, and is delivered under the auspices of the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement holders.
For more information: www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/aro click on “child care”

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Child/Day-care Program – Alberta

The Government of Canada has a financial agreement with First Nations in Alberta to directly fund some child care spaces on-reserve. The services are to provide early childhood development programming and learning services comparable to those offered by the provincial government to people living off-reserve.
For more information: e-mail childrensprograms@inac.gc.ca

Child/Day-care Program – Ontario*

The Government of Canada has a financial agreement with the Government of Ontario to support child care services on-reserve. The services are to provide early childhood programming and learning services comparable to those offered by the provincial government to people living off-reserve.
For more information: e-mail childrensprograms@inac.gc.ca

Elementary Education (Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten)*

The objective of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s (INAC) elementary education program is to provide access for First Nations students, ordinarily resident on-reserve, to elementary education services that are reasonably comparable to what is offered by their province/territory of residence. INAC provides funding for First Nations-operated and federal schools, for the reimbursement of costs of on-reserve students attending provincial schools, and funding for the provision of student support services such as transportation, counselling, accommodation and special education.
For more information: e-mail childrensprograms@inac.gc.ca

First Nation Child and Family Services Head Start – New Brunswick 3 *

The First Nation Child and Family Services Head Start – New Brunswick Program’s main objectives are to
maintain the strength of the family unit, assist children with physical, emotional, social and/or educational deprivation, and support and protect children from harmful environments. It is provided for children under 6 years of age. The program offers centre- or home-based care for children and services for parents.
For more information: e-mail childrensprograms@inac.gc.ca

First Nations National Child Benefit Reinvestment

The National Child Benefit (NCB) combines new federal investments with provincial and territorial governments and First Nations’ reinvestment resources. The federal government has increased its income support for low-income families through the Canada Child Tax Benefit. In turn, provincial and territorial governments and First Nations adjust social assistance for recipients with children by an amount equal to the federal increase. These adjustments are then “reinvested” into community-based programs for low-income families. Similar to provincial and territorial governments, First Nations that deliver social assistance have the flexibility to reinvest savings from adjustments made through social assistance in programs and services tailored to meet their needs and priorities within the goals of the NCB.
For more information: www.nationalchildbenefit.ca

Health Canada – What’s New?

Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities

Evaluation
In 2001, the Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) program undertook an important evaluation activity – the 2001 Aboriginal Head Start National Process and Administrative Survey. This was the third annual national AHS process and administrative survey. The objective of the survey was to provide complete, accurate and descriptive information on the program. The survey collected statistical and demographic information on participating sites, and data on staff and participant characteristics, finances and program delivery. Program needs and challenges were identified. Of the 114 sites, 112 completed the self-administered survey, including representatives from sponsors, parent representatives and AHS staff. A summary of the data has recently been released in a publication called Program and Participants 2001.

In 2002-2003, the program will conduct an Aboriginal Head Start Impact Evaluation. This evaluation will follow participants for two years, and will demonstrate the effects of program participation on children, families and communities.

First Nations Head Start

Program Improvements
First Nations Head Start (FNHS) continues to meet the unique needs of First Nations children and families through 168 funded First Nations Head Start projects serving 306 communities in Canada.

Evaluation
In 2001-2002, First Nations Head Start conducted a Process Survey to look at the implementation of the program. In addition, it collected baseline data for an impact study to establish measurable outcomes for future comparisons. Data were collected in 2001-2002 through questionnaires, the work of First Nations Field Evaluators, file reviews, and national and regional interviews. A report summarizing that data is expected to be available in fall 2002. Through this process, 24 field evaluators have received training in administering their First Nation community’s survey – encouraging capacity building within communities.

“Aboriginal Head Start has made a positive impact on Derrick and myself, it has been insightful and encouraging. Increasing awareness of ‘getting a head start in life’ is a valuable step in our children’s lives and it is my sincere hope that it continues for it is undoubtedly benefiting our community and our children. Mahsi Cho! [Thank you very much!]”

Parent participant, Aboriginal Head Start, Fort Providence, NWT

 

According to the 2001 Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) National Process and Administrative Survey:

• 38% of children enrolled in AHS are from remote or isolated communities.
• 84% of AHS projects have at least one child with special needs: the majority of professionally diagnosed children have speech or language difficulties.
• There are 29 different Aboriginal languages taught in the AHS classrooms.
• 707 personnel are employed in AHS sites: 90% of the full-time staff are Aboriginal.
• 47% of the staff who work directly with children are qualified Early Childhood Educators.
• 85% of the projects have parent councils that provide opportunities for parents and community members to have input into the design, implementation and management of their local projects.

Source: Aboriginal Head Start National Process and Administrative Survey, 2001. (Health Canada)

 
 
“I really began to look forward to the days that we went...my grandson really enjoys going, he has become more sociable, it has helped him with his speech, learning to play together, and sharing...” (Grandmother in Saskatchewan, First Nations Head Start)
 
“The Head Start program has a positive impact on the community...it has helped the children and parents get involved in the learning process of healthy living based on our native way of life...” (Manitoba, First Nations Head Start)

Human Resources Development Canada – What’s New?

First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative

Program Improvements

In 2001-2002, the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative (FNICCI) continued to surpass its original goal of 6,000 spaces by directly supporting 7,000 child care spaces in 389 First Nations and Inuit communities nationally. The Initiative serves children between the ages of 0 and 12, with priority given to children under age 6.

Many communities have First Nations and Inuit Child Care programs along with First Nations Head Start or Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities programs, providing good opportunities to coordinate these programs. For example, they often share playground equipment, join funds to buy toys and playing equipment and coordinate staff development initiatives. In 2001-2002, Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) held conferences that created opportunities for child care and Head Start workers to meet and share best practices. In addition, FNICCI workers participated in training workshops for the Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities and First Nations Head Start programs. At both the conference and training workshops, HRDC supported facilitated sessions for AHS and FNICCI workers to meet and to share successes and challenges.

Community involvement in the child care program has improved over the years. Increased parental involvement has resulted in increased attendance, improved parenting skills and greater awareness of early childhood development. First Nations and Inuit Child Care programs are successfully involving elders from their community, securing their support in teaching basic language skills to the children.

Since the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative provides full-time, year-round, quality child care for Aboriginal children, thousands of Aboriginal parents are able to pursue training and employment activities. This contributes to gender-balanced economic and social development in these communities.

Evaluation
First Nations and Inuit child care centres face many challenges. In 2001-2002, the centres participated in an evaluation survey to identify these challenges. This evaluation is being used in discussions with stakeholders to seek solutions. While the analysis has not yet been completed – preliminary results highlight current strengths and point to areas where further attention is required (see textbox).

First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative:
What 100 Centres Have Said

  • 66% of the communities that have child care centres also have First Nations or Aboriginal Head Start in those communities, and 48% of those with both FNICCI and Head Start programs are either co-located or co-managed.
  • 58% of the communities have provisions for emergencies whereby parents can leave children at the child care centres for temporary periods even if their children are not registered.
  • 47% of the centres have access to professional assessment for children with special needs.
  • 37% of the centres have some capacity to deal with the care of special needs children.
  • 74% of the centres have some access to staff training programs.
  • 78% of the centres have funding earmarked for training.
  • 87% of the centres indicated that the hours of operation are adequate.
  • 66% of the centres have long waiting lists.

Source: Survey of First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative Child Care Centres, 2002. (Aboriginal Relations Office, Human Resources Development Canada)
 

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada – What’s New?

Child/Day-care Program – Alberta

Correction 4

In 1992, the Arrangement for the Funding and Administration of Social Services was signed between the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta clarifying that the federal government would fund all social services on-reserve in Alberta. As a result, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) assumed funding responsibility for the child care spaces on-reserve which, at the time of the signing, were funded by the Government of Alberta. INAC continues to fund First Nations directly for those services; however, the Government of Alberta approves and monitors the child care centres.

The services are intended to provide early childhood development programming and learning comparable to those services offered by the provincial government to non-Aboriginal people. Since 1995, funding for new child care spaces on-reserve has been the mandate of the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative, described earlier in this chapter.

First Nations National Child Benefit Reinvestment

Evaluation
The National Child Benefit (NCB) combines new federal investments with provincial and territorial governments and First Nations’ reinvestment resources. First Nations continue to administer the reinvestment component of the NCB in 600 First Nations communities across Canada and the NCB reinvestment programs for First Nations continue to fall into five broad areas: child/day care; child nutrition; early child development; employment opportunities/training programs; and community enrichment.

Measuring the success of the NCB in First Nations communities is a priority. There are two aspects to that measurement. First, a self-evaluation process is being conducted, involving regional workshops and an annual national workshop. Second, the 2001-2002, Interim Evaluation of the National Child Benefit for First Nations was conducted. This cooperative process between First Nations and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada involved a sample of approximately 10 First Nations communities from across the country. Results will be available later in 2002. The Interim Evaluation assesses how well the NCB reinvestment component has been implemented in First Nations communities, satisfaction with the initiative among the main participants, and short-term outcomes. It highlights three key themes: flexibility for First Nations in programming; First Nations ownership of the program; and the importance of public reporting. (For more information, consult The National Child Benefit Progress Report: 2001 at www.nationalchildbenefit.ca).

Key Observations from the Upcoming Interim Evaluation of the
National Child Benefit (NCB) for First Nations Report

  • The core NCB goals are relevant. All key informants supported the first goal – to reduce and prevent the depth of child poverty.
  • The fact that NCB reinvestments respond to regional and local needs is a valuable feature of this initiative.
  • The priorities of low-income families and line staff focus on providing direct and immediate assistance and services to children and families.
  • NCB reinvestment programs that link to other programs with similar objectives should be promoted as examples of effective delivery.
  • Overall, the First Nations NCB reinvestment has been effectively implemented, and has made an important and valuable contribution to the well-being of children in First Nations communities.

Source: National Child Benefit Progress Report, 2001
 

NOTE: use the footnote number to return to the report.

1. Note: provides an overview of most of the dedicated services for young First Nations and other Aboriginal children and their families undertaken by the Government of Canada. Detailed descriptions of the mandate, goals and objectives of these activities were provided in Federal/Provincial/Territorial Early Childhood Development Agreement: Report on Government of Canada Activities and Expenditures 2000-2001. The reader may want to refer to this report at www.socialunion.gc.ca/ecd/.
2. The Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) programs may also be referred to as First Nations Head Start and Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities to clarify their distinct roles.
3. Called “Aboriginal Head Start – New Brunswick” in the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Early Childhood Development Agreement: Report on Government of Canada Activities and Expenditures 2000-2001.
4. In Federal/Provincial/Territorial Early Childhood Development Agreement: Report on Government of Canada Activities and Expenditures 2000-2001, the description of the child/day-care program in Alberta contained incorrect information which has been corrected above.
* This activity did not have any significant changes to report in 2001-2002. As a result, it is not discussed under the “What’s New” section of this chapter. However, updated quantitative information for 2001-2002 is provided in the table at the end of the chapter.

 

The table below has been adjusted to reflect revised figures for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) activities in the 2000-2001 fiscal year. Revised INAC figures for the 1999-2000 fiscal year are included in a separate table at the end of this chapter. These revised figures replace those originally reported in Federal/Provincial/Territorial Early Childhood Development Agreement: Report on Government of Canada Activities and Expenditures 2000-2001.

Dedicated Services for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children and Families
Activities and Expenditures Table

 

Who does the activity reach?

What is the expenditure on children under 6?
 

Number of:

  
 

Activities/Sites

Children under 6

Families

  
 

2000-2001

2001-2002

2000-2001

2001-2002

2000-2001

2001-2002

2000-2001

2001-2002

Health Canada

                

Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities

114

114

3,200

3,500

N/A

N/A

$22,500,000

$22,500,000

Brighter Futures

All First Nations and Inuit Communities in Canada

45,000[1]

N/A

N/A

N/A

$20,000,000

$18,300,000[2]

First Nations Head Start

306[3]

306[4]

7,700

7,700

N/A

N/A

$25,000,000

$25,000,000

Human Resources Development Canada

                

First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative

389

389

> 7,000

> 7,000

N/A

N/A

$41,000,000[5]

$41,000,000[6]

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

                

Child/Day-care Program – Alberta

17

17

1,046

1,052

N/A

N/A

$2,665,000

$2,665,000

Child/Day-care Program – Ontario

67 programs[7]

57 First Nations[8]

2,097[9]

3,243[10]

N/A

N/A

$12,177,000

$13,407,000

Elementary Education (Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten)

384

387

13,793

13,409

N/A

N/A

$33,055,000[11]

$32,388,000

First Nation Child and Family Services Head Start – New Brunswick[12]

15

15

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

$1,544,000[13]

$1,466,000

First Nations National Child Benefit Reinvestment[14]

600

600

42,580

54,025

N/A

N/A

$4,080,000[15]

$4,466,000[16]

Total expenditures

  

$162,021,000

$161,192,000

NOTE: use the footnote number to return to the report.

[1] Estimate. Actual figures are not collected.
[2] Some First Nations communities assumed control over their health services and no longer provide information on Brighter Futures. While the expenditure allocated to Brighter Futures appears to decrease, there is no funding loss to the community or program, it is simply presented differently.
[3] There are currently 168 funded First Nations Head Start projects, serving 306 communities.
[4] There are currently 168 funded First Nations Head Start projects, serving 306 communities.
[5] Reflects expenditures on behalf of children up to age 12, but expenditures are primarily for children under age 6.
[6] Reflects expenditures on behalf of children up to age 12, but expenditures are primarily for children under age 6.
[7] In 2000-2001, INAC’s regional office in Ontario collected and reported data for this program by the number of programs offered within communities.
[8] In 2001-2002, INAC’s regional office in Ontario began collecting and reporting data for this program by the number of First Nations offering child care programs. A single First Nations community can offer multiple child care programs.
[9] INAC’s regional office in Ontario collected and reported on the number of day care spaces funded.
[10] INAC’s regional office in Ontario collected and reported on the number of children to be served. This is a result of a change in the provincial reporting requirements for the Day Care program in Ontario.
[11] The expenditure represents a per capita expenditure (junior kindergarten and kindergarten are funded on a half-day basis).
[12] Called “Aboriginal Head Start – New Brunswick” in Federal/Provincial/Territorial Early Childhood Development Agreement: Report on Government of Canada Activities and Expenditures 2000-2001.
[13] This funding is calculated using the registered on-reserve population 0-6 years of age. Children requiring services are not excluded because they are not registered or if there is a need beyond the 6th birthday.
[14] Figure for number of children reached is the total number of children under 6 years of age living on-reserve. Due to the flexibility of the NCB, First Nations have the ability to choose the types of programs to implement within five broad areas: child/day care; child nutrition; early childhood development; employment/training; and other (culture or recreation). Therefore, based on the decisions made by communities regarding their priorities, all young children resident on-reserve may not directly benefit from early childhood development program programming through the NCB.
[15] Includes NCB reinvestments made by First Nations in child/day-care ($617,000) and ECD programs ($3,463,000) in 2000-2001.
[16] Estimated projection of reinvestments by First Nations in child/day-care services and ECD programs, based on proportion of total reinvestment funds that were spent in those two areas in 2000-2001.
[17]Includes 375 First Nations schools and 7federal schools for a total of 382 schools.
[18]The expenditure represents a per capita expenditure (junior kindergarten and kindergarten are funded on a half-day basis).
[19] Called “Aboriginal Head Start – New Brunswick” in Federal/Provincial/Territorial Early Childhood Development Agreement: Report on Government of Canada Activities and Expenditures 2000-2001.
[20]This funding is calculated using the registered on-reserve population 0-6 years of age. Children requiring services are not excluded because they are not registered or if there is a need beyond the 6th birthday.
Dedicated Services for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children and Families
Revised Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Activities and Expenditures Table 1999-2000
 
Who does the activity reach:
 What is the expenditure on children under 6?
 
Number of
  Activity/Sites Children under 6
Child/Day-care Program - Alberta 17 1,404 $2,665,000
Child/Day-care Program - Ontario 66 N/A $12,176,000

Elementary Education (Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten) 		382 schools[21] 14,006 students $33,292,000 [22]
First Nation Child and Family Services Head Start – New Brunswick[23] 15 N/A $1,515,000 [24]
First Nations National Child Benefit Reinvestment 600 42,580 [25] $2,502,000 [26]

 

[21] Total number of children under 6 years of age living on-reserve. Due to the flexibility of the NCB, First Nations have the ability to choose the types of programs to implement within five broad areas: child/day care; child nutrition; early childhood development; employment/training; and other (culture or recreation). Therefore, based on the decisions made by communities regarding their priorities, all young children resident on-reserve may not directly benefit from early childhood development program programming through the NCB.
[22]Includes National Child Benefit (NCB) reinvestments made by First Nations in child/day-care services ($584,000) and early childhood development programs ($1,918,000).
[23] . Called “Aboriginal Head Start – New Brunswick” in Federal/Provincial/Territorial Early Childhood Development Agreement: Report on Government of Canada Activities and Expenditures 2000-2001.
[24] . This funding is calculated using the registered on-reserve population 0-6 years of age. Children requiring services are not excluded because they are not registered or if there is a need beyond the 6th birthday.
[25] . Total number of children under 6 years of age living on-reserve. Due to the flexibility of the NCB, First Nations have the ability to choose the types of programs to implement within five broad areas: child/day care; child nutrition; early childhood development; employment/training; and other (culture or recreation). Therefore, based on the decisions made by communities regarding their priorities, all young children resident on-reserve may not directly benefit from early childhood development program programming through the NCB.
[26] . Includes National Child Benefit (NCB) reinvestments made by First Nations in child/day-care services ($584,000) and early childhood development programs ($1,918,000).

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