1) Name of Transfer Payment Program:
Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities
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2) Start Date: 1995-1996
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3) End Date: Ongoing
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4) Description:
Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC) is an Agency funded early intervention and health promotion program serving about 4,500 Inuit, M�tis and First Nations children and their families. It is a comprehensive program designed to meet the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical needs of participating children. Each participating project
focuses on preschool children and includes the following six program components: Culture and Language, Education and School Readiness, Health Promotion, Nutrition, Social Support and Parental Involvement. The AHSUNC mandate includes involving the local Aboriginal community in the planning, development, operation and evaluation of the program, as well as guidance provided
by a National Aboriginal Head Start Council and the Agency’s regional offices. The goal of AHSUNC is to contribute to the health and social development of Aboriginal children and their families in urban and northern communities.
Contributions went to incorporated, local or regional non-profit Aboriginal organizations and institutions. In 2006-07 AHSUNC received $37.5 million annually, including operations funding. Until 2006-07, funding was $35 million, but was increased with a Maternal/Child Health contribution of $2.5 million. The Agency is the major contributor for all sites except those in
Nunavik, Quebec, where the major contributor is the Provincial Government.
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5) Strategic Outcomes:
Healthier population by promoting health and preventing disease and injury.
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6) Results Achieved:
In 2006 -2007 approximately 4500 children were enrolled in 131 AHSUNC sites. This number represents more than 10% of the eligible 4-5 year old Aboriginal children in Canada. Almost every site is full to capacity and most have waiting lists. The program continued its efforts to increase the number of: involved parents, project staff in areas such as special needs, parental
involvement, and culturally competent early childhood development services. Additionally, training was undertaken by program staff.
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7) Actual Spending 2004–05
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8) Actual Spending
2005–06
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9) Planned Spending 2006–07
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10) Total Authorities
2006–07
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11) Actual Spending
2006–07
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12) Variance(s) Between 9 and 11
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13) Program Activity: Population and Public Health
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14) Total Grants
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0.0
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0.0
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0.0
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0.0
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0.0
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0.0
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14) Total Contributions
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28.6
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28.3
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28.9
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28.9
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28.7
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0.2
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15) Total PA
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28.6
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28.3
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28.9
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28.9
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28.7
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0.2
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16) Comment(s) on Variance(s)
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17) Significant Audit and Evaluation Findings and URL(s) to Last Audit and/or Evaluation:
The program undertakes annual program and administrative evaluations to monitor effectiveness, efficiency, and participation. A three year impact evaluation was completed in March 2006 found that the program contributes to the health and social development of Aboriginal children and their families. The Work Sampling System data demonstrated significant gains for children
are in the Physical Development and Health, and in Personal and Social Development domains. Parents reported positive changes in family nutrition and health practices, in particular: serving more nutritious foods in the home, and children improving dental and other hygiene practices. Kindergarten teachers, parents and community members indicated that AHSUNC graduates show
increasing school readiness skills which they attribute to AHSUNC participation. Parents, AHSUNC staff and community members reported gains by AHSUNC children in the practice of Aboriginal culture and traditions, and in Aboriginal language acquisition. Parents reported positive changes for themselves through AHSUNC participation as well as increased involvement in cultural
activities for themselves.
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