Structural challenges and inequities in operating urban Indigenous early learning and child care programs in British Columbia

Gerlach, Alison; Gulamhusein, Shemine; Varley, Leslie; Perron, Magnolia

Structural challenges and inequities in operating urban Indigenous early learning and child care programs in British Columbia

Author

Gerlach, Alison

Gulamhusein, Shemine

Varley, Leslie

Perron, Magnolia

Date

2021

Keywords

early childhood , Aboriginal children , equity , Truth and Reconciliation , Indigenous governance , self-determination , children’s rights , Aboriginal Head Start

Abstract (summary)

Funding for urban, not-for-profit Indigenous early learning and childcare (ELCC) programs has not kept pace with a rapidly growing urban Indigenous population, increasing operational costs, and the rights of Indigenous children. In British Columbia (BC), closure of a prominent Indigenous ELCC program prompted a study of some of the key factors influencing the operation of Indigenous ELCC programs in BC. This qualitative research highlights the priorities, concerns, and recommendations for supporting the operational success of urban, not-for-profit Indigenous ELCC programs and upholding the rights of Indigenous children. These findings have relevance for Indigenous ELCC programs that are facing operational challenges in BC and other jurisdictions in Canada.

Publication Information

Gerlach, A., Gulamhusein, S., Varley, L., & Perron, M. (2021). Structural challenges and inequities in operating urban Indigenous early learning and child care programs in British Columbia. Journal of Childhood Studies, 46(2), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.18357/jcs462202119581

Item Type

Article

Language

English

Rights

Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC)