About

Creating Cultural Connections is a 3 year grant created to support programs in Southern Alberta to build capacity to address culturally diverse needs of children and families. Cultural mentors will serve up to 160 licensed program across the region.

Available to Southern Alberta, this program initiative will guide development and delivery of culturally sensitive resources and mentoring support aimed at enhancing educator capacity reflective of unique program need and diversity. The development of the Creating Cultural Connections, (CCC), grant resources will be primarily centered on the Early Learning Child Care Licensing Act and Regulations with a strong understanding and focus of the principles and matters to be considered as the cornerstone of service integration and alignment in enhancing quality early learning environments.

How We Connect

Mentorship will be implemented through on-site visits as well as program to program mentorship. Early learning centres will be paired with Cultural Leadership Sites across the province to be able to collaborate, share culturally responsive ideas, and build capacity. Professional Learning Sessions to Guide Educator Practice will enhance culturally sensitive environments, support responsive routines, and build strategies to guide meaningful relationships reflective of diverse family needs. CCC uses a Virtual Portal with cultural resources which support the mental, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and physical needs of all children.

Eligibility

South Region Licensed programs such as:

Licensed Day Care
Licensed Family Day home Agencies
Out of School Care Programs
Preschool Programs
Innovative Programs i.e., Women’s Shelters
Group Family Child Care Programs
Indigenous and Metis Programs
Isolated/Remote Licensed Programs

Updates

Read our E-newsletter where we share program updates, announcements, & community networking opportunities!

CCC Feature!

We feature culturally diverse and inclusive resources and strategies. Use this tool to enhance relationships and provide quality of care experiences for children and families. Build your connections, learn about various challenges and strategies, and develop alignment between organizational philosophy and educator practice.

Resources

ARCQE respectfully continues to work to identify numerous resource sites and articles that can assist early learning educators in enriching their understanding of cultural context and application for early learning settings.

Utilize this categorized list of articles, videos, and sites for no fee.

Self Referral Form CCC

Fill this out to apply for support.

Program Name(Required)

What is the legal name of your program?

Type of Program(Required)

What is the classification of your program?

Hidden

Type of Program: Other

Other - Please specify.

Program Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Name of Contact(Required)

First Last

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Licensed Capacity(Required)

Number of Educators currently on staff?(Required)

Current number of spaces filled?(Required)

How many child care rooms does your centre have?(Required)

How long has your program been in operation?(Required)

In which of these priority areas do you believe your program needs CCC support?(Required)

Select all that apply.

Creating a Meaningful Program Philosophy through enrichment of educator capacity & confidence mirrored in practice.

Resources & Materials aimed at supporting Newcomer families & Ethnic minorities.

Culturally Responsive Child Guidance Strategies & Educator Practice focused on design of responsive learning environments that reflect diversity & inclusive needs of children & their family’s sense of identity & belonging.

Exploration of fluid & responsive daily routines that intentionally reflect the diversity & inclusive needs of children & their sense of identity & belonging.

To be successful, programs need to allow on-site cultural mentoring, observations and one-on-one and/or group learning sessions. Would your program be prepared to participate fully in this program?(Required)

Yes

No

Do your educators have access to internet and/or computer equipment to support their on-site and occasional virtual learning?(Required)

Yes

No

Enter your Coach's name if you are referred by one:

Number