These pilot projects will now become full-fledged, permanent programs in the communities they serve. To reach all 80,000, you'd have to have 10 to 20 times more money. Freedman said that there won't be any expansion of the program in the North, unless new money becomes available. Kids get tools for the future The Pijariursavik Headstart tries to give preschoolers the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical tools that they need to thrive. It also tries to give parents the support they need to help their children develop.
Special emphasis is put on Inuit language and culture.
It's not Health Canada saying do or don't do this. The community decides its focus and decides what's right for Kuujjuaq. Four educators work with the children during two daily sessions, one in the afternoon and the other in the morning. This team includes Pasha Arnaituk, who is deaf and uses sign language for communication. She's been teaching sign language to the children as part of their daily routine for learning colours and numbers.