Appropriateness of Outcome-Based Framework for Aboriginal Child Care / Margo Greenwood and Perry Shawana.

A study examined the appropriateness of outcome-based regulation for Aboriginal child care in British Columbia (BC). Interviews were conducted with 15 key informants selected from five BC regions. Focus groups held in four BC regions included Aboriginal leaders, Elders, policy makers, provincial licensing officers, frontline workers, and parents using child care services. Among the results and recommendations were that child care services for Native children should be holistic and age- and developmentally appropriate, reflect the children's home environment, help with the transition from home to school, transmit Native culture and language, and be accountable. Administration and delivery should be decided by First Nations communities and involve Elders, community members trained in early childhood education, and extended family. Although they represent a starting point, standards and regulations developed by the province have no cultural accountability and limit services in First Nations communities. First Nations people should develop First Nations standards and regulations that are culturally appropriate and reflect developmental principles. Monitoring should be an annual community process that involves regional and national bodies. Outcome-based regulations are subjective and require individuals that are knowledgeable of child development. Outcome-based regulations must be implemented respectfully, fairly, and equitably. They must be based on the needs and priorities of individual communities. Implementation begins with Chief and council and the community. Appendix A is an annotated bibliography containing 126 entries. Other appendices present participants and study materials. (TD)

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