Project Goal

This project will compile information about screening and assessment processes, tools and outcomes in Aboriginal ECD programs in B.C. Useful approaches will be identified to guide new training and program initiatives.

Project Background

The idea of doing a scan of community experiences with screening and assessment arose at Aboriginal ECD conferences, where there has been rich and intense discussion of how to identify children who need a closer look, or who need extra supports. Many practitioners have described creative approaches they use to decide whether children are ‘on track’ developmentally or whether they need assessment or service referrals. And there is also a lot of variability in whether children who are referred actually receive services. This project will compile some of these community-based understandings and experiences.

Project Activity

Information will be gathered by phone from practitioners in Aboriginal ECD programs in B.C. during March and April, 2006. Two First Nations women with experience in Aboriginal ECD programs will work with Jessica to gather the information.

Project Outcomes

The project will yield a summary of what approaches to screening and assessment are being used, and where they are being used, in terms of types of communities and types of programs. Practitioners’ recommendations about the content, structure and process of developmental assessment in Aboriginal early childhood programs will be reported in Aboriginal ECD newsletters.

Funding

First Nations Inuit Health Branch, Maternal & Child Health Branch
Human Early Learning Partnership