Pathways | Indigenous Early Childhood Development Programs

Indigenous Early Childhood Development Programs

Abuse / Neglect, Caregiver Support, Child Services, Family / Parenting, Indigenous Services, Pregnancy Care, and Social / Recreational

Provided by Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA)

Various programs designed for improving the early childhood development of indigenous children and to improve parenting skills for new parents.

These programs offer a holistic approach to encourage the parent/caregiver attachment with their children age 0-6, and also provide support in the areas of health and wellness.

The following programs are offered:

AECD Outreach: Tailored support to families with children 0-6 to access FRAFCA services or other community resources and supports. Families with children 0-6 years old can access the AECD Outreach Worker, who can connect and refer them to community resources and supports.
Prenatal & Doula Support: The culturally rich prenatal program enhances the skills and knowledge of expecting mothers and fathers. FRAFCA is growing a powerful group of Indigenous Birth Keepers, knowledgeable in traditional teachings and culture to share with our families. The doula program can help connect expectant mothers with doula support.
ReClaiming Our Indigenous Ways: Reclaiming Connections is a 10-week parenting program for caregivers of pre-teens and teens ages 8-18, that incorporates culture and an Elder to offer a safe environment for addressing inter-generational trauma and impacts of residential schools on parenting.
Awahsuk Aboriginal Headstart Preschool: Awahsuk is a comprehensive preschool program designed to meet the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of Aboriginal preschool-aged children.
O’Siem Family Culture Night: Ror families who have children between the ages of 0-12 years. Families are welcome to join us for weekly dinner, drumming, dancing (powwow, westcoast, Métis jigging), beading and crafts: This program offers a safe place for families to gather for dinner and experience culture through enhanced crafts and teachings.
Spirit Bear Child Development Program: A child development program that has three main components: Culture, Nutrition, and Education. Early childhood educators promote children’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and cultural development.
Postnatal: The postnatal program has two components: a parent group session where they learn new information about their child’s growth and development, and a parent-child engagement session where they have the opportunity to implement their newly acquired knowledge and also receive feedback/support from the program facilitator. For caregivers with children 3 -24 months.
Aboriginal Infant Development Program: A voluntary home visit-based program that provides screening and assessments for children 0-6 years of age. Consultants work closely with biological families, foster families and social workers to focus on family stabilization and child development, including assisting families with Ministry involvement, speech and language, occupational therapy and physiotherapy appointments and much more.
Newton Childcare Program: FRAFCA Child Care program serves children aged 2-4, and thrives to meet the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of Aboriginal preschool-aged children. This unique program aims to provide a culturally enhanced program focusing on six diﬀerent components: Culture and Language, Education and School Readiness, Health Promotion, Nutrition, Social Support.