Early childhood resource debuted

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A new Web site has been developed for practitioners of Aboriginal early childhood development. The first of its kind, www.accel-capeaca, is a clearinghouse of information including a bulletin board, calendar of events and database of research resources on best and promising practices and links to training and mentorship opportunities.

"This is the first time that those of us working in early learning and child care in Aboriginal communities have access to such a wide variety of resources on the Internet," said Margo Greenwood of the Aboriginal Children's Circle of Early Learning, the group overseeing the Web site and its promotion. "Many of us work in communities isolated from each other. This Web site allows us to communicate and look at ways we can improve the work we are already doing."

The Web site was launched in Ottawa with funding from Health Canada and was developed by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada in partnership with the Canadian Child Care Federation.

"The information on the new Web site will also be a resource for all early learning and child care practitioners," said Barbara Coyle, executive director of the federation. "These Aboriginal leaders will play a key role as Canada develops a pan-Canadian early learning and child care system in the coming months."