South Rutland Elementary seen as best site for proposed Aboriginal preschool program

South Rutland Elementary School is now the top contender for an Aboriginal preschool program in Kelowna.

The Metis Society presented a proposal to the Aboriginal Head Start Association of B.C. to fund an urban Aboriginal Head Start program in Rutland, to be named Awasiak Achakos Head Start.

All costs and funding for this proposed project will be the responsibility of the AHSABC in partnership with the Metis Society.

The program focuses on Indigenous culture and language, education and school readiness, health, nutrition, social support and parent involvement.

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

On Oct. 24, the Central Okanagan school board supported the proposal from the Metis Society to partner in building an Aboriginal preschool at South Rutland Elementary or Springvalley Elementary.

At this week’s planning and facilities meeting, staff is recommending the committee call on the board to approve the Aboriginal Head Start preschool at South Rutland Elementary School.

While both schools are considered viable, South Rutland has the advantage of not having a portable already on site, said school district secretary-treasurer Eileen Sadlowski.

“At Springvalley Elementary, we would have to relocate an existing portable that’s behind the school over to the Springvalley Middle site,” she said.

Staff also noted South Rutland Elementary is preferable because there are currently minimal preschool options in Central Rutland.

“Offering support through a dedicated site to an urban Aboriginal Head Start program enables us to further expand the preschool offerings in our community,” said Sadlowski.