OCDSB Kindergarten

The Ontario “big” school curriculum is brought to Inuit families strengthening a commitment to strong Inuit identity, culture and values.

Eighteen children in the class with an Ottawa-Carleton District School Board kindergarten teacher, an Early Childhood Educator, and an Inuuqatigiit Centre’s Inuit cultural teacher.

“…This is important for our Inuit and will pay dividends in the future.”
“…he has learned self-esteem, he is willing to try and try again until he is satisfied with his achievement.”

Activities:

Inuit culture becomes part of the Ontario school system’s ABC’s
Play-based learning becomes the basis for learning about literacy and numeracy
With a small class size there is more opportunity and attention for skills building for each child
Regular visits to ‘big’ school

Highlights:

The Kindergarten program becomes a national success story
French language is taught to children, as well as Inuktitut and English
Services are strengthened with OCDSB expertise partnered with Inuuqatigiit’s cultural knowledge and Inuit world views, and Inuit values, such as inclusiveness, responsibility, and lifelong learning

Funders

Public Health Agency of Canada
City of Ottawa, Child Care Services

Partners

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
R.E. Wilson Public School