We are Kwanlin Dün
This is a program funded through Health Canada that is integrated into our early childhood curriculum. Aboriginal Head Start offers services to families of the children who attend the centre including a family support worker, a teacher coordinator and native language teacher.
Dusk’a provides a morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. All meals reflect the Canada Food Guide. After each meal, the children are provided with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Washing hands is mandatory.
Outings to the Canada Games Centre, parks, museums and other places in Whitehorse regularly take place.
Dusk’a provides cultural teachings to the children including berry picking, harvesting traditional medicines, drumming, dancing, Elder involvement, and participation in KDFN events.
There are many ways you can be a part of your child’s learning at Dusk’a. We are excited to offer families of students lots of chances to participate in celebrations over the course of the year. We hope to see you at one or more of these events!
Christmas Dinner: a family dinner and party is usually held the Friday before Christmas break.
Valentines Tea: every year, there is a Valentines tea to enjoy being together.
Thanksgiving: our centre hosts a Thanksgiving dinner to give thanks and be together.
Summer picnic: each summer, the family support worker will coordinate a family picnic outside the centre. Some ideas include the hot springs or a nearby day use area.
Family breakfasts and dinners: look for dates in the monthly newsletter for breakfast or dinner gatherings to get together.
Field trips: family members over the age of 18 are encouraged to participate in field trips.
Craft nights: each month, Dusk’a coordinates a family craft night. This is a fun event held at the centre.
Preschool graduation: this is an annual event where we have a graduation for the preschool children transitioning to Kindergarten.
Family support: We have a family support worker on staff. Their role is to support and work with families. The family support worker can be available to sit in meetings about your child. The centre also provides a confidential and voluntary family support program, home visits, goal setting, referrals to other agencies, and crisis intervention.
Workshops: throughout the year, the family support worker will host and coordinate a variety of workshops for parents and caregivers.