Head Start Programs Adapt in Laxgalts’ap and Gitanmaax – FNHA

May 07, 2020

It’s Monday, so Lavita Tait packs up 23 activity bags to deliver to families of 3- and 4-year-olds in Laxgalts’ap, one of four Nisga’a villages in the Nass Valley. Each one has the name of a child on it. When Lavita gets to a home, she hangs the bag on the door knob and gives a knock. Inside are items that kids and parents can use to continue the learning they gain at Head Start. When the bags show up, so do smiles and excited chatter.

The weekly activity bags are based on a theme, the initial one being on Social and Emotional Wellness, which included COVID-19 resources. What’s inside? Nisga’a songs, hands-on activities (a Kindness Calendar, a Feelings Bingo game), a feelings chart, and a book. There is also a folder (customized by the kids) with a ‘cheat sheet’ for parents on the importance of SE wellness and how to support their children as well as a mini feedback sheet. Anything with a pink dot on it has to be returned and is picked up on Fridays.

Liza Haldane, Program Administrator, says the program is evolving based on the feedback. “Our mini survey has four questions: Did you have fun with the resources? Was it useful? What is one thing I learned and will try with my child and/or family? And suggestions and ideas help us plan future weeks.”