Aboriginal early childhood education in Canada

Herein we provide a literature synthesis pertaining to the state of Aboriginal early childhood education in Canada. We identify key features of quality Aboriginal early childhood programs. The background and significance of early childhood education for Aboriginal peoples is explicated. Cultural compatibility theory is employed as the philosophical basis to conceptualize quality Aboriginal early childhood education. Based on this theoretical premise, we suggest Aboriginal early childhood programs should incorporate Aboriginal pedagogy, be infused with Aboriginal language and culture, be adequately staffed by qualified Aboriginal educators, be structured to empower Aboriginal communities and incorporate full-day kindergarten. Prominent Aboriginal early childhood programs are featured within the article. (Contains 1 table and 6 notes.)Accession Number: EJ956336; Acquisition Information: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com; Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Reference Count: 103; Journal Code: MAR2012; Level of Availability: Not available from ERIC; Publication Type: Journal Articles; Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Entry Date: 2012Source type: Electronic(1