Early Childhood
Department Mandate
The Department of Early Childhood provides early childcare programs for children from prenatal (pregnancy) to age 12 that support children and their families.
Our Vision
“if children are taught in both cultures equally, they will be strong like two people.”
Translated from the Oral Record - Elizabeth Mackenzie (1990) in Strong Like Two People, page 43
The above statement by the late Elizabeth Mackenzie best matches practice models and supports the Early Childhood vision and initiative.
What is the Tłı̨chǫ Government Early Childhood Department Priority?
The Tłı̨chǫ Government has set a priority for their youngest children and the children of tomorrow, their health, education, and well-being, all within the Tłı̨chǫ way of life.
“Įłaà negetsà-lıa et’ıı ̀ hoghàgetǫǫ xèhoòwı… Teaching begins when they are young”
Strategic Goals
Invest in implementing the Tłı̨chǫ Early Childhood Strategy and Framework, develop legislation on early learning and childcare, and invest in related infrastructure.
We have identified seven trail markers or goals, to guide us over the next 10 years.
- Trail Marker # 1: Develop a new “Early Years” department – Expansion and re-design of administration systems, programs, and services to support Early Years programming for young children, families, and communities.
- Trail Marker # 2: Use evidence-based decision-making in early childhood policy development, program design, implementation, and evaluation.
- Trail Marker # 3: Innovation in Early Years program development – design, develop, and implement innovative programming to meet the emerging needs of young children, families and Tłı̨chǫ communities.
- Trail Marker # 4: Funding alignment, investments, and capital planning for the Early Years
- Trail Marker # 5: Build a system of training, monitoring, and mentoring for the Early Years
- Trail Marker # 6: Develop partnerships with programs, systems, and agencies with shared values and practices regarding the development of children.
- Trail Marker # 7: Use of technology for communication, program monitoring and evaluation
Early Childhood Staff
Senior Management
- Director, Joni Tsatchia
- Manager Early Childhood Programs, Louise Richardson
- Manager, Early Childhood & Family Programs, Noelene Bishop-Nitsiza
Tłı̨chǫ Daycare staff
Behchokǫ̀:
- Arianna Steinwand
- Elizabeth Lafferty
- Crystal Kodzin
- Cynthia Yakkeina
- Donna Sanspariel
- Janet Quitte
- Kiana Horasey
- Kristy Wetradie
- Marilyn Weyallon
Whatì:
- Charlene Simpson
- Ernestine Simpson
- Marie Rose Moosenose
Gamètì:
- Cindy Minoza
- Juanita Bekale
Wekweètì:
- No program in Wekweeti
Healthy Families Program
Behchokǫ̀
- Healthy Family Program Coordinator, Karylynn Lafferty
- Healthy Family Home Visitor, Virginia Weyallon
Whatì
- Healthy Families Program Coordinator, Caroline Jeremick’ca
Gamètì
- Vacant Casual Position
Wekweètì
- Vacant Casual Position
Aboriginal Head Start
- Supervisor, Marlyss Richardson