Sivummut Head Start Program

Two, half day programs for Inuit children ages 18 months to 6 years of age
Based on the Six Components of Aboriginal Head Start.

In the past 5 years Sivummut Head Start has grown into a program that is celebrated locally and nationally while the originating Aboriginal Head Start components guide all of the OICC programs. Twenty families received extended support and 32 children participated during 840 hours of direct programming.

Activities

  • Culture and language
  • Parental involvement
  • Social support
  • Nutrition
  • Health promotion
  • School readiness
  • Dental screenings
  • Monthly well child checks
  • Monthly field trips
  • Cultural performances
  • Guests and visitors
  • Literacy circles
  • Uquasivut circles
  • Seeds of Empathy circles

Highlights:

  • Field trips such as: Mer Bleu Park, Briggs Christmas Tree Farm, museums and Proulx Farm
  • Bringing Seeds of Empathy program to the preschool age children
  • Brigance Screening
  • Many Elders attended the program to show traditional activities such as beading, qamutiq and iglu building
  • Annual events such as Graduation, Parent Orientation BBQ, Christmas Party and Inuit Day

Funders:

Public Health Agency of Canada
City of Ottawa
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board

For more information, call Janice Messam, 613-744-3133, ext. 228 – jmessam@ottawainuitchildrens.com

Early Years’ Parent Handbook Inuktitut
Early Years’ Parent Handbook English

Link to Sivummut’s Team biographies