District mulls best site for Aboriginal preschool program

The Central Okanagan school district is looking to create a preschool program geared toward Aboriginal students.

The Metis Society has asked to partner with the school district for five or 10 years to create the program in Rutland.

If accepted, the Metis Society will apply for a capital grant to buy a portable and have it placed on a school site.

Rutland was chosen because it would serve the largest number of urban Aboriginal families.

The Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities program, created in 1995, is a national, community-based early intervention program.

Indigenous organizations design and deliver programs to enhance the spiritual, emotional, physical and social well-being of Indigenous children and their families. The program is currently at 134 sites across Canada. Springvalley and South Rutland elementary schools were identified as the two schools that meet the criteria for the program.

Springvalley Elementary has the highest number of Aboriginal students, at 76, and one classroom is available for the program. Springvalley is also considered to be under capacity.

South Rutland Elementary has 44 Aboriginal students and two available classrooms. South Rutland is also considered to be under capacity.

Quigley Elementary and Pearson Road Elementary already have programs serving Aboriginal families.

Operating costs to support a facility space are about $5,000 to $6,500 per year.

“We recover $3,500 through lease agreements with preschools,” said Eileen Sadlowski, secretary-treasurer for the district.

There are currently 13 preschools in Central Okanagan public schools and eight local StrongStart programs.

Staff recommended the planning and facilities committee support staff in consulting with South Rutland and Springvalley elementary schools to determine the best placement for the Aboriginal preschool program.

Staff also recommended the committee support the proposal to create an Aboriginal preschool on site at either school.

The committee will discuss the preschool proposal at Wednesday’s meeting.