Early Years
IELCC
Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Framework (IELCC)
At WTCI, the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Framework serves as the cornerstone of our mission to build a comprehensive Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care system. This Framework reflects the rich cultural heritage, values, and perspectives of Indigenous communities across Canada, guiding our initiatives and shaping our programs.
As we strive to establish a high-quality, culturally relevant childcare system, we are guided by the following 9 principles of the IELCC Framework:
- Indigenous Knowledges, Languages and Cultures
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis Determination
- Quality Programs and Services
- Child and FamilyCentred
- Inclusive
- Flexible
- Accessible
- Transparent and Accountable
- Respect, Collaboration and Partnerships
To access the IELCC Framework, click here.
Supporting Capacity
The Early Years team is committed to supporting Indigenous early learning and childcare through a range of tailored services. We provide professional learning designed to address the unique needs of each center, while enhancing skills in culturally responsive care and early childhood education. Our Professional Learning includes:
- On-site Mentoring – Personalized support that helps staff through capacity-building and collaboration.
- Professional Learning Network – educators can collaborate and share insights, fostering a supportive network for professional growth.
- Customized Resources – Our partner sites have access to WTCI team members who offer expertise in a range of topics from language education, land-based education, cultural competencies, and more.
Partnerships
The Early Years are proud to have entered various partnerships and agreements with the intention of bolstering the pre-existing early learning and childcare system. Some of these partnerships and agreements include:
- The Martin Family Initiative: WTCI has partnered with MFI to co-develop an EY1 course that incorporates traditional Wolastoqey teachings and practices, in a way that aligns with the Wassisok Tomk approach. Additional resources have also been curated to support the on-going learning of educators and families.
- Canada – New Brunswick Canada-Wide Early Learning and Childcare Agreement – 2021 to 2026: Under the Canada-Wide Agreement, WTCI has worked to establish an Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Plan with the Government of New Brunswick. This action plan sees to ensure our community sites have access to federal funding that is dedicated towards the development of high-quality Indigenous early learning and childcare spaces.
To ensure that Indigenous children and families are happy, safe, and imbued with a strong cultural identity, WTCI will be undertaking the following initiatives:
- Value Wolastoqey culture, language, and ceremony as the foundation
- Recruit and retain an Indigenous workforce that is skilled in Two-Eyed Seeing
- Expand support for an Indigenous ELCC regulation pathway
- Expand Indigenous-centered early intervention services
- Invest in Indigenous ELCC facilities to meet ECE well-being and learning needs.
- Support an Indigenous-led, strengths-based coordination process
IELCC Quality Coordinator
Madison Paul
Responsible for enhancing quality in Indigenous early learning and childcare centers using supportive, strengths-based, and culturally safe processes – madison.paul@wolastoqey.ca
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Coordinator (IELCC)
Rosemary Thompson
Responsible to support the implementation of the Indigenous early learning and childcare framework – rosemary.thompson@wolastoqey.ca
For more information on services and referrals for the early years, please see our Wasisok Tomk page.