Sharing Web Resources

I started exploring the CAYC website, and through my international contact from Canada I received this link to more information on Saskatchewan www.education.gov.sk.ca/KidsFirst -I decided to go into the education link and found sub topics on Early childhood Education, Preschool, Pre-K, Families, Communities, Early Leaerning and Child Care Programs, Educator, Legislation, Professional Learning Opportunities and Resources. In each area there are multiple articles that can be accessed on various topics.

Under early Learning and Child Care I looked at an organization called, "Kids First". It is a program that supports vulnerable families and helps them to become the best they can be by enhancing knowledge, providing support, and building on family strengths. Some of the benefits include: support from home visitor who provide assistance regarding child development, parenting and connecting to the community; help to access services such as child care and parent support groups; early learning opportunities for children; and help regarding literacy, nutrition, transportation and specialized counseling services.

I found multi-lingual services and supports for topics on respecting diversity. This is something that I have not seen around my area of the U.S. Since Canada is a bi-lingual country they seem to be ahead of the midwest on those kinds of issues. Another thing that I learned is that babies born in Saskatchewan hospitals are screened to assess challenges faced by the families and determine eligibility into some of these programs. They start at birth instead of having to wait until families contact programs. Then they are put on a long waiting list until eligibility is determined. Assessing babies in the hospital would make access to families much easier, and give children the early start they need.