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Activity 3.4 | Mapping Your Community

Mapping it out

Exploring local resources helps create a supportive and inclusive early childhood environment. 

This activity invites you to identify services that support educators, children, and families by creating a chart based on the provided information and reflection questions. Consider the programs you have used and those you may not have been aware of. Think about community programs, Child Care Resource and Referral Centres, and other services available to child care centres. A list of resources in British Columbia is provided, but you are encouraged to identify additional supports in your area.

Create a chart of the services that support educators, children, and families in your area based on the information provided and by reflecting on the questions provided. Note the ones you have used and what services are offered that you may not have been aware of. 

  • What are some programs in your local community? 
  • Is there a Child Care and Resource and Referral centre in your area? 
  • What types of other programs are available to child care centres?

Listed below are some resources that are available for those of you in different regions in British Columbia. You may think of more services that are available to you.

The Aboriginal Supported Child Development program also provides services, information and support to programs working with Indigenous children and families. 

Coast Fraser North — Aboriginal Supported Child Development

Coast Fraser South — Aboriginal Supported Child Development

Add the following details to your chart:

  1. List the program

  2. List the services available to educators

  3. List the services available to children and families. 

  4. Post the chart in your staff room to share with your colleagues.

  5. Engage in a conversation with your team. 

  6. Are there other programs that you now know from your conversations together? 

References

Aboriginal Supported Child Development. (n.d.). Coast Fraser North. https://www.ascdp.bc.ca/programs/coast-fraser-north

Aboriginal Supported Child Development. (n.d.). Coast Fraser South. https://www.ascdp.bc.ca/programs/coast-fraser-south