This idea is to further develop the concept of an Aboriginal Addendum to the internationally recognised Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale – Revised and the Infant Toddler Environmental Rating Score- Revised (ECERS/ITERS).

Problem

The Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scales Revised and the Infant Toddler Environmental Rating Scales - Revised (ECERS/ITERS) are standardised tools to measure quality indicators in child care settings. They have been implemented in some Aboriginal settings and have proven to be useful, however, the ECERS/ITERS do not address the cultural components. The need is to develop an Aboriginal Addendum for the ECERS/ITERS which is culturally safe.

Solution

The innovative piece to this project is in identifying future exploration in developing a culturally relevant scale. The project discovered a number of suggestions to support the development of and Aboriginal Addendum to the standardised ECERS/ITERS. Some of the suggestions are to include indicators to identify: •Children being taught some of the language (alphabets, numbers, and labels of objects. •Fluent speakers visiting and interacting with the children. •Resource materials are made available to staff to incorporate and expand the aboriginal language. •Children engaged in activities representing the culture. •Elder involvement. •Staff understand families may experience barriers to accessing resources/services. •Staff convey respect for individual choice and lifestyles. •The centre provides multiple opportunities for families to interact with each other and to form informal support networks •Families are provided opportunities to learn and use the aboriginal language •Families are encouraged to take creative roles in establishing goals for their children and the program. •Families know their input and feedback will affect change. •Staff receive ongoing training in Aboriginal Culture.

Example

This pilot project was based on a one-time-only funding opportunity through the First Nations and Urban Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Steering Committee. The project has raised interests in a number of potential partners, specifically: the British Columbia Aboriginal Child Care Society; the First Nation’s Employment Society; and the Aboriginal Head Start Programs under Health Canada. The possibility of developing an Aboriginal Addendum for the ECERS/ITERS would appeal to a wide variety of funders due to its immediate impacts, as demonstrated in this project, and potential use in other aboriginal communities. The synergistic application of both ECERS/ITERS and AHS Six can provide objective, culturally safe standards of measuring quality care in First Nations, Inuit and Metis early childhood programs. The development and application of such a tool would support the ongoing process of enhancing learning by providing a solid base for children and families to build their educational future.

Marketplace

Although no further funding is being offered, at this time, there are a number of potential partners who are expressing interests in furthering this concept. The First Nations and Urban Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Steering Committee may want to continue supporting this project in the future. The British Columbia Aboriginal Child care Society is interested in partnering up with this project, which would provide valuable access to other child care facilities in aboriginal communities. The BC department for the Aboriginal Head Start Programs (Health Canada) is interested in supporting this endeavour, as well as the regional office for First Nations Employment Society, an independent society that is committed to improving education for all First Nation’s learners in British Columbia.