Journeys through Early Learning and Care

The Mitacs project will build on the findings of a 2019 study and explore the experiences of newcomer families—specifically those in the cultural minority—with children 0-5 years old in community-based early learning and child care (ELCC) in Edmonton. The study will look at the lived experiences of these families as they access and receive ELCC in Edmonton, and see what opportunities exist to bridge the gap between cultural minorities and mainstream ELCC to shift approaches and practices. This will ultimately help identify how ELCC service providers can utilize evidence to inform systems change to meet their organizational goals and client needs. Hence, the Mitacs project will benefit the United Way in one of its three primary focus areas, namely breaking the cycle of poverty through early learning and development support, as well as the ECN’s and SSHRC PG’s goals and foci in knowledge creation and evidence discovery for action. ECN will particularly be able to use this Mitacs project to explore the impacts of a community-driven and culturally relevant evaluation practice that supports families and children and contributes to the long-term well-being and development of children.

Faculty Supervisor:

Rebecca Gokiert

Student:

Primitivo Ilumin

Partner:

United Way

Discipline:

Epidemiology / Public health and policy

Sector:

Health care and social assistance

University:

University of Alberta