CHILD, YOUTH, AND FAMILY HEALTH
ELCC TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR EDUCATORS WORKING IN INUIT COMMUNITIES
Access to high-quality, culturally relevant, early learning and childcare (ELCC) programs and services are considered vital for supporting Indigenous 1 children’s long-term development and life outcomes (Employment and Social Development Canada [ESDC], 2018). It is well recognized that ELCC programs support children’s emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and physical development in their earliest years of life, which enhances school readiness, leads to improved educational outcomes, and influences health and wellness over the long term. These positive impacts are especially important for “children who are identified as experiencing high levels of disadvantage, neglect or trauma during their early years” and may be at risk of developmental delays (Elek et al., 2020, p. 1).
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Key components of high-quality, culturally relevant ELCC programs for Indigenous children and families include: ∙ participation in cultural activities, ∙ language revitalization, ∙ family participation in programs, and ∙ family and community involvement in program planning and governance (Elek et al., 2020; Murdock et al., in press). These components contribute to the development of a strong sense of identity, which is considered a protective factor for Indigenous children and families, and build a sense of belonging, security, and resilience (Ezekwem-Obi et al., 2025).
They can also help strengthen family bonds and build the family’s capacity to “support the learning and development of their children” (Elek et al., 2020, p. 2). Additionally, engagement with Indigenous families and communities in program planning and governance helps to ensure that ELCC programs respond to the needs of families and communities. High-quality, culturally relevant ELCC programming is thus an important tool for addressing Indigenous health inequalities. Having the ability to design, develop, and deliver ELCC programming is central to selfdetermination, reconciliation, and cultural revitalization (Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami [ITK] et al., 2017). For Inuit, culturally
The term ‘Indigenous’ is used in this fact sheet to refer to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations inclusively.
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