5007 - 47th Avenue
Lloydminister, Saskatchewan S9V 0W5

Phone: 1(306) 825-5255 Fax: 1 (306) 825-7672

E-Mail: headstart@bordercitv.com

Host organization: Border City Metis Society #76

Program Coordinator: Lisa Zackowski (Executive Director)

Communities Served: Lloydminister

Program Mission and Goals: To help equip parents with parenting skills to be able to better meet the needs of their child.

Program Description: Reporting to a Parent Advisory Committee, the Border City Aboriginal Head Start Program has been in existence for approximately 6 years. There are currently 40 children and parents enrolled in the program. The program offers both an Aboriginal languages and family literacy component. The program has 6 full time staff members and the Aboriginal Literacy and Parenting Skills (ALAPS) program is offered two times per year.

Confidentiality, snacks, transportation, childcare and respect are important aspects of the program that encourage participation. A library book exchange is conducted at the program each Thursday. This important literacy activity helps to make this a Head Start program rather than daycare.

There are six components to the head start program:

• Parental involvement
• Health promotion
• Social support  

• Education
• Culture and Language
• Nutrition  

Source of Funds: The program is funded by the federal government, department of Health Programs and Promotion.

Unique Features of this Program: The program is considered to be a lot of fun. Many learners enroll twice. Lisa Zackowski is the only Aboriginal individual in Lloydminister trained to deliver the Aboriginal Literacy and Parenting Skills (ALAPS) Program.

Program Challenges: Finances.