Welcome to the Aboriginal Head Start web site for the Northwest Territories :)

Dezoah Undaa Etleh Koke AHS
Fort Providence Aboriginal Head Start
P.O BOX 225
Fort Providence NT X0E 0L0
Tel: (867) 699-4010
Fax: (867) 699-3009
email

COMMUNITY INFORMATION: FORT PROVIDENCE

Fort Providence is located on the northeast bank of the Mackenzie River, and has a population of approximately 900 people. The Hamlet of Fort Providence is a community of Dene and Metis. The community is a three hour drive south of Yellowknife, the Capital city of the NWT. Access to the South occurs by crossing the Mackenzie River by the Merv Hardie Ferry until there is access by a winter ice road.

INTRODUCTION

WELCOME to our Aboriginal Head Start Preschool Program. The Aboriginal Head Start program is called “Dezoah Undaa Etleh Koke” translation of the South Slave Language meaning “the children learn around the fire for the future”. We are fully licensed for 16 half time children through the Government of the Northwest Territories. The program focuses on six (6) components: Culture & Language, Education, Health Promotion, Nutrition, Social Support Programs and Parental Involvement.

The Aboriginal Head Start program is located in a red quonset building near the Northern Store. We have a huge yellow sign depicting our headstart name which was distributed by Health Canada. In the building, we have a huge play area for the children to engage in playtime activities. In the classroom, we provide an abundance of activities for the children which includes the developmental skills: Language, Cognitive, Physical, and Social & Emotional.

A primary goal is to focus on traditional teaching and values of the People of Fort Providence. The community is predominantly Dene and Metis. The South Slavey language is taught to the children through child base learning. The participation of Elders is encouraged and enhances the uniqueness of the program. We focus on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being of the children. Basic Slavey words and phrases are taught throughout the year.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Deh Gah Got’ie Dene Council wishes to establish a preschool program for children at the earliest beginnings of retention for the youth of our community. Through a developed educational philosophy of holistic learning, the preschool children will learn the Dene culture and values with the involvement of parents and elders of the community which will prepare them for primary school.

STAFF

The staff members consist of a Program Coordinator – Joyce M. McLeod, Teacher – Belinda Sabourin, Teacher’s Assistant – Sabrina McLeod, Language Instructor – Albertine Nadli and Language Instructor – Aline Gargan.

REGULAR CLASSES

The regular classes for the three (3) year olds are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. The classes begin at 10:00 – 11:30am. The regular classes for the4 year olds begin at 1:00 – 3:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Monday mornings is designated for home visits, and classroom preparations. Friday is administration day.

DAILY SCHEDULE

10:00-10:15 Arrival/sign-in, Free Play
10:15-10:45 Circle Time/Group Time
10:45-11:00 Clean-up/Bathroom Break
11:00-11:15 Snack Time/ Personal Care
11:15-11:30 Culture/Language
11:30 Home Time/Sign out
1:00-1:15 Arrival/sign-in, Free Play
1:15-1:30 Circle Time
1:30-2:15 Group Activity
2:15-2:30 Clean-up/Bathroom Break
2:30-2:45 Snack Time, Personal Care
2:45-3:00 Recess/Indoor Play
3:00-3:30 Culture/Language
3:30 Home Time/Sign out

PARENT POLICY & INFORMATION BOOKLET:

We have a Parent’s Policy & Information Booklet with the following information: criteria for Parental involvement and enrollment in the Aboriginal Head Start program. General information on sign in & sign out procedure, child’s Personal belongings, home visits, confidentiality, time out, discipline procedure, outdoor play, cold weather temperature, Spring/fall camp, contagious disease or illness, snacks, accidents, fire drill, child abuse, monthly newsletter, field trips, photographs, unusual occurrences, toys from home, Slavey Language and Calendar of events and activities of the curriculum fiscal year.

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