A preschool program for Aboriginal children ages 2 1/2 to 5 years old. Licensed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Cultural Teacher Qualified Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Teachers. Family Programs Manager. Governed by a Parent Board of Directors. Nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Transportation available throughout Hamilton. Support for children with special needs, including Resource Teacher & wheelchair accessible.
Mandate
- Foster the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of each child.
- Foster a desire in the child for lifelong learning.
- Support parents and guardians as the prime teachers and caregivers of their children, making sure parents/caregivers play a key role in the planning, development, operation and evaluation of the program.
- Recognize and support extended families in teaching and caring for children.
- Make sure the local Aboriginal community is involved in the planning, development, operation and evaluation of the program.
- Make sure that the initiative works with and is supported by other community programs & services.
- Ensure the human and financial resources are used in the best way possible to produce positive outcomes and experiences for Aboriginal children, parents, families and communities.
Program Features
The program focuses on the preschool children and their families and includes the following components:
- Parent involvement
- Culture and language
- Education
- Health Promotion
- Nutrition
- Social Support Programs
- Aboriginal Stay in School Initiative
- Aboriginal Resource Program
Mission Statement
To provide early intervention programs and services for the health and well being of Urban Aboriginal (Status & Non-Status Indian, Métis & Inuit) preschool children in the Hamilton area.
To foster the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of each child, which will contribute to life long learning and transition to elementary school.
Hours of Operation
Morning Program:
Monday - Thursday 8:30-11:30
Afternoon Program:
Monday - Thursday 1:00 - 4:00
Contact
1869 Main Street East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8H 1G2
Phone: (905) 549-4884
Fax: (905) 549-7337
Email: niwasaheadstart@on.aibn.com
Click here for information about the Niwasa Toys Lending program.
Partnerships with the Aboriginal Health Centre, the Native Women's Centre and the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre Healthy Babies Program and supported by members of the Hamilton Executive Directors' Aboriginal Coalition.
Federally funded by Health Canada.