Children Practice Algonquin Language

Mindiwin Manido means 'Gifts from the Spirit'. At our centre all children are gifts that are cherished and nurtured. Our goal is to offer a program of the highest quality and is designed to meet the needs of the child. Our program includes a daily routine of: free play (child initiated activities), outdoor play, small group time (staff initiated activities), lunch and rest time.

Our program reflects the traditional values and beliefs of our community with opportunities for children to participate in these activities. Children benefit by attending community ceremonies and gatherings. Traditional activities are taught through story telling, dance, smudge, traditional games, drumming, songs, crafts and language.

While it is important for children to learn about their own culture it is equally important to teach children about the bigger world so that they appreciate all diversities, including other cultures and persons with Special Needs.

Mindiwin Manido is a licensed centre by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. We have requirements and policies to follow in order to be licensed each year. We can care for ten toddlers aged 18 months to 2 1/2 years, and 24 preschoolers aged 2 1/2 to 5 years of age.

All our staff have a natural desire and ability to work with children. The care of our children is regarded as life work and not just a job. The staff is culturally aware and sensitive to the values of the community. They are open to learning our language as well as listening to Elders for advice on what to teach children.

A community nurse visits Mindiwin Manido every Monday. Bus services are available on the First Nation and in the village. Rose Commanda spends time with each student to prepare for 'school readiness'. There is a speech and language development program and a specialist can be made available if needed. Other cultural activities occur on a daily basis. There is currently a waiting list for placement in the centre.

In order to revive the Algonquin language Barry Sarazin teaches the language to preschoolers in the daycare. For audio recordings of community children learning the Algonquin language please click the last link at left.

Hours: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Email: pikdaycare@renc.igs.net

Staff
Norma Meness, Day Care Supervisor, Early Childhood Educator

 

 

Rose Marie Commanda, Speech & Language, Early Childhood Educator

 

 

Melissa Liedtke, Early Childhood Educator

 

 

Colleen Kohoko, Teacher Assistant

 

 

 

Carrie Sarazin, Nutrition/Cook

 

 

Kirsten Barber, Early Childhood Educator

 

 

Jessica Verch, Native Early Childhood Educator-In training

and Danielle Sarazin, Caretaker & Native Early Childhood Educator-In training


In Training/Replacement Staff:
Neena Kilby
Marilyn Kranz
Jen Schoenfeldt
Sandra Kutschke