Mawo’ltijig Mijjuaji’g Child Care Centre is a staple in the community of Listuguj since its formation in 1991. It is located at 8 Pacific Drive, with roughly 70 children enrolled, from three months up to five years in age. The outstanding staff provide the children with care, education and cultural teachings. Amber MacDonald is the Co-Director of Education, Jennifer Crispe (Duguay) is the Co-Director of Administration, along with a number of long-time employees, like, Carolyn Metallic, Caroline “Curly” Clement and Robin Mitchell, several other employees, and a Board of Directors. There are also a variety of specialized workers who visit the Centre regularly to evaluate and work with the children, such as an occupational therapist, speech and language pathologist, dental hygienist, therapeutic services, and more.
The Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 7:30AM to 5:30PM, with six classrooms in total. Children receive a daily nutritious breakfast and lunch, as well as nap time, quiet time, and various hands-on learning activities like tabletop activities, free play, crafts, outdoor play, and much more. When it comes to the learning experience in the Centre, Crispe said, “The educators try to implement different areas within their classrooms, so their language and literacy, their music and movement, their math and science, their sensory, their art, so they’re able to kind of tailor it to the needs of the children for the day.” The staff work with the children to provide them with important skills and a sense of routine and structure. MacDonald said, “We’re very good at implementing life skills and hygiene routines such as toileting and handwashing, and also self resiliency, self esteem and independence through dressing routines, mealtimes and cleaning up.” A sensory room is currently in the works to support children’s individual sensory needs. These types of rooms benefit children who may be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or for children who are experiencing sensory overload.
Mawo’ltijig Mijjuaji’g Child Care Centre is unique when it comes to its curriculum execution and teaching plans. A Pedagogical Advisor was introduced in the Centre, which is a first for early learning centres in the province of Quebec. MacDonald said, “I piloted our Pedagogical Advisor Project to which we were paid a compliment from the First Nation of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Service Commission that we were a model community for other First Nations communities across the province.” All educators follow an in-depth curriculum to ensure children are on the right track to reach all their developmental and educational milestones. Crispe was the Pedagogical Advisor in the Centre and has just recently taken on the role of Co-Director of Administration. She will continue to work on pedagogical approaches due to the project’s success.
For every classroom, two out of the three educators are certified in Early Childhood Education. The staff are always encouraged and motivated to enhance their education when it comes to childcare. The Centre works closely with the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Development Centre (LMDC) and sponsors students through their Step-by-Step program. Individuals must undergo vulnerable sector checks prior to being employed at the Centre. The staff also become certified in standard First Aid and CPR.
Mi’gmaw and cultural teachings are very important when it comes to the children. The children are taught months, colours, animals and more in Mi’gmaw on a regular basis by Carolyn Metallic and are encouraged to speak Mi’gmaw and embrace their culture. Vice President of the Board of Directors, Julianne Wysote said, “This instills that identity in them at a young age.” Community members are often invited into the classrooms to share their knowledge and teachings with the children. A new playground is currently in the works, and the goal for this upgrade is to offer outdoor education with a First Nations themed playground.
Mawo’ltijig Mijjuaji’g Child Care Centre has a bright and warm atmosphere, and it’s very clear the staff work hard for the well-being and care of the children in the community. Crispe said, “I’ve been in and out of different day cares in various communities, big and small, so the thing about working in a small community is just that sense of family dynamic. It’s such a tight knit community and you just feel so much love.” They thrive on seeing the children’s accomplishments over the years, seeing them reach milestones, and achievements. Metallic said, “I come in, and whatever goes on outside of the daycare, I don’t know, because my heart is here.”
If you are interested in enrolling your child in Mawo’ltijig Mijjuaji’g Child Care Centre or would like information, please contact (418) 788-2553 or email mawodaycare@gmail. ca. Please note, parents can expect to be placed on a wait list for a spot at the Centre.
Wela’lioq to the staff for their tremendous work on taking care of Listuguj’s children.
By Ann Marie Jacques
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Formerly titled the Nujignua'tegeg - The Wi'gatign is a multi media community newsletter for Listuguj First Nation.