Early Childhood Programs in the Tåîchô region are a collaborative effort between the Tåîchô Government and the Tåîchô Community Services Agency. The following facilities and programs make up the Early Childhood programs in the Tåîchô region:

Tåîchô Daycare in Behchokö CJBS Daycare in Edzo Aboriginal Headstart Preschool in Behchokö ( http://www.nwtheadstart.org ) Gamètì Early Intervention Preschool Johnny Arrowmaker Daycare in Wekweetì Whatì Community Daycare Parent/Child Drop-in-Play and Toy Lending Library, Car Seat Lending Program.

Children with fish.

The goal of early childhood programming is to support and enhance the physical, emotional, social, creative and cognitive development of children. All early childhood programs are designed to provide a safe, healthy and enjoyable place for children and are designed to complement a child’s home and life experience by providing a warm, caring and educational program which concentrates on the needs of the child.

Community daycares and preschools focus on the individual child as a whole and attempts to build on each child’s developmental level, knowledge and interest. Each program is based on the belief that children learn through play and incorporates many traditional and modern aspects of Tåîchô culture. Strong language and speech development components are incorporated into each of the programs and Tåîchô Early Childhood Educators are encouraged to speak and teach both the Tåîchô and English languages.

Children who attend early childhood programming in the Tåîchô region have opportunities to learn school readiness skills and are better prepared when they enter kindergarten. Children learn social skills and practice these life skills with other children...to share, respect one another and the environment. Children have opportunities to develop gross and fine motor skills as well as creative skills. Children learn to love books and songs as they practice early literacy and communication skills in Tåîchô Yati and English. Children learn about their culture and to respect their elders and the land.

Tåîchô early childhood centres offer excellent programming for young children. These programs offer early learning opportunities based on a shared philosophy and known best practices. Early childhood programs are staffed by community members of Tåîchô descent who speak and practice Tåîchô culture, values and language.